Lionel Messi Contract: Latest News, Rumours and Speculation on Barcelona Star

Barcelona have reportedly started work on a new contract for star man Lionel Messi. The forward's current deal is set to expire in 2018. 

Continue for updates.

---

Barcelona Plotting Messi Stay Until 2022

Tuesday, June 7

According to Albert Masnou of Sport, the Spanish champions are hopeful of tying Messi down until he is 35 years old, with a five-year deal planned to take effect from the start of 2017-18.

“They want Messi to remain at the club until the end of his days as a sportsman and, for that reason, they plan to prolong his contract for five more years, minimum, one optional, to assure the presence of the Argentine star until 2022, when he will be 35,” it’s noted.

Adam Crafton of the Daily Mail had reported that Messi was seeking assurances about his future at the club, with Manchester United said to have asked about his availability on two occasions. In the piece it was also noted that the Argentina man felt “frustrated and hurt” over the focus on his tax evasion trial in the Spanish press.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

But Masnou has reported that a new deal will reemphasise the fact that Barcelona “are by his side” and that his “status is not in doubt.”

Messi was once again a key figure for the Blaugrana in 2015-16, as he helped the team clinch the domestic title and the Copa del Rey. While his role is ever-changing at the Camp Nou—he's now playing a little more withdrawn than he did under the guidance of Pep Guardiola—his influence on matches is still mesmerising.

There was a small glimpse into what a future without Messi might be like for Barcelona early in the campaign, as Luis Suarez and Neymar linked up superbly with the No. 10 sidelined due to injury.

But Messi remains the most important figure at the club and the finest player in world football. Barcelona will know just how crucial it is to keep him on board for years to come.