Barcelona are yet to extend Lionel Messi‘s contract despite the reports suggesting that the Argentine would see his future at Camp Nou for a few more years.
However, the Catalan club’s financial crisis coupled with their outrageous salary cap is a stumbling block in announcing Messi’s extension.
Earlier, La Liga president Javier Tebas had warned that Messi couldn’t be registered as a new player alongside summer signings if Barca fails to reduce their wage bill.
Barca are trying their best to offload several fringe players, who are unwantedly running on high salary terms.
It appears that the Catalan club are in the race against time as they want to slash off their wage bill drastically before the transfer window expires.
Although Barca president Joan Laporta has demanded more flexibility, the Spanish top flight will not budge on their regulations even if it is to keep the league’s best player Messi.
It could be due to the reason that La Liga is not willing to make adjustments regarding the salary cap considering the current financial crisis. In addition, Barca have incurred the wrath of their fellow Spanish clubs following their involvement in the European Super League.
Laporta provides an optimistic update on Messi’s contract renewal.
However, Laporta remains optimistic on Messi’s contract extension, stating that Copa America 2021 winner would soon put pen to paper.
The Blaugrana president said: “We are in the process of getting Messi to stay. He wants to stay at Barca, and we have to make sure that happens.”
“We all want Messi in La Liga because he is a world-class player, the best in the world, and he clearly helps to promote the league. I know Leo wants to stay and appreciate that highly. Everything is very much on the right track.”
Laporta also insisted that everyone in the club is happy with Antoine Griezmann, who has been linked with an exit this summer.
The French World Cup winner found himself on the chopping block after Laporta admitted that Catalans were open to selling him for a suitable offer.
