Barcelona to offer Messi new contract

Barcelona FC: Ansu Fati and Lionel Messi warm up ahead of the match against Leganes. Barcelona defeated Leganes 2 - 0 with Fati netting the opener and Messi sealing up the win with a penalty. Photo: Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Barcelona Argentine pro forward Lionel Messi has just one year left on his current contract at the Catalan club.

Messi has been linked with a move away from the Spanish top flight toppers at
different times this season following reports of disagreement with the board.

The Spanish outfit are reportedly plotting a new contract for the Argentina international to make him stay at the Camp Nou until 2023.

Before June 10, Messi could have moved away on a free transfer, however, reports from Mundo Deportivo says, now that deadline has passed, Barcelona want to hold him down to fresh terms. The deal would make him stay at Camp Nou until 2023, although, Messi would have the option to end the deal in 2022 if he chooses to.

So far, 32-year old Messi has been with Barcelona all through his career.

The Argentine playmaker is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He has netted 629 times in 720 appearances for the Catalan Club, and 699 career goals for club and country.

Due to the impromptu break as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is thought that Barcelona and Messi have not started any fresh deal talks.

However, it is expected that the league toppers are to negotiate with Messi's father when he returns to Argentina.