Lionel Messi Contract: Latest News and Rumours on Talks with Barcelona

Barcelona are reportedly preparing to offer star man Lionel Messi a new contract despite the Argentinian only signing his latest deal in May 2014.  

Continue for updates.

---

Barca Want Messi to Finish His Career at Camp Nou

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Per Spanish outlet Sport, Messi's current contract runs until 2018, and he is the best-paid player at the club, with a basic annual salary of €20 million (£14.4 million) and a release clause of €250 million (£180 million).

He will undoubtedly remain Barcelona's highest earner if he signs a new deal, as he is their most important player and arguably the best in the world.

Sport reports Messi does want to stay at the club and Barca want him to commit to ending his career in Catalonia—having joined the Blaugrana in 2001.

Recent reports have suggested Messi may be looking to leave Barcelona, with his imminent trial for tax evasion potentially set to play a part in any decision he makes on his future, per Guillem Balague and Graham Hunter of Sky Sports.

Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu recently called reports linking Messi with a move to the Premier League as "embarrassing," per Marc Williams of the Daily Star.

However, the La Liga giants would like him to put pen to paper and commit himself even further to the club, and they are clearly starting the process of making that a reality.

His current long-term absence through injury has only served to highlight how important he is to the club, and the Barca hierarchy appreciate the value of having him at the Camp Nou more than any others.