Barcelona optimistic about Lionel Messi signing new contract

Barcelona are confident that star player Lionel Messi will sign the new contract they are preparing to offer him.

• Barcelona president Joan Laporta today confirmed that the Catalan club are in talks with the diminutive Argentine over a new deal that is reported to be worth €9.5 million a year.
• The pay package will also include an increase to his release clause, which currently stands at €150million to €300million, warding off any potential swoops from their rivals.
• Laporta is delighted that discussions are under way and believes he is worth every penny. He said: “There’s a very good relationship between both parties.
• “They know that Barca want the player to feel happy here. He’s a great player, a homegrown lad; we’re proud to have him in the team, because he is the best player in the world, ” he told the club’s website.
• Messi’s position as the highest-paid player at the Nou Camp has recently been affected by the arrival of Swedish hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
• And Barcelona will be desperate to keep their man – who is certain to be in the frame for the Ballon D’Or and Fifa World Player of the Year awards – happy and content.
• Laporta added: “Barca will always do whatever is necessary to keep Messi happy at the club and we know that Messi has a complete commitment to Barca.
• “This commitment had to be repaid on all levels. The club will always equal that commitment and love that he has for Barca.”