Lionel Messi has reportedly accepted Barcelona's proposal to extend his contract, with the offer pending final signatures. The 33-year-old forward is expected to pen a new two-year deal to bring to an end the drawn-out speculations which suggested that he may be considering an exit.
Since the election of Joan Laporta to oversee affairs at Barcelona, Messi's renewal has been among the key subjects of interest. The Blaugrana president remains in close contact with his club's No.10 who continues to run down his current deal set to expire on June 30. On Monday, he revealed to La Vanguardia that Sergio Aguero was helping in convincing his international teammates to stay with the pair featuring in the ongoing Copa America with Argentina.
Against this backdrop, Laporta pleaded with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to give his 'yes' to the renewal offer as soon as possible. In order for that to happen, the Argentine will be forced to take a wage cut with Barcelona currently over the league-imposed salary cap. On Tuesday, reports from Spain indicated that an agreement between the two parties may not be far off.
According to Barcelona-based journalist Miguel Rico, Lionel Messi has told Joan Laporta that he'll sign a new contract. As part of the arrangement, he will sign for a year first before he signs a long-term deal in 2022 when Barcelona's financial situation improves a bit. Catalunya Informació's Xavi Campos has also stated that an announcement of Messi's renewal is imminent and Barcelona will most likely do it at noon on Wednesday or on Thursday.
