Lionel Messi Expecting ‘Imminent’ New Deal Extension From Barcelona

Barcelona are preparing to offer star forward Lionel Messi a new contract before the end of this month, according to reports in Spain.

Lionel Messi Expecting ‘Imminent’ New Deal Extension From Barcelona

Messi’s current deal has 18 months remaining, and Catalan newspaper Sport report a formal offer is now ‘imminent.’

The offer is rumored to be one that will cement the 29-year-old Argentine as the world’s top soccer player, while adapting to the economic reality of the modern market.

Some say Messi’s wage could even surpass that of rival Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who is earning a whopping £365,000 ($447,000) per week.

A five-and-a-half-year deal for Messi had previously been suggested.

The Argentine’s father, Jorge Messi, has been in Spain negotiating with Barcelona, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu playing a large role in the discussions.

Extending Messi’s 12-and-a-half year first-team career at the Nou Camp has been a priority for the Spanish champions for a while now, with fellow attackers Neymar and Luis Suarez tied to new deals in October and December of last year.

Other outlets, like Madrid-based MARCA, offer a negative outlook on the Messi negotiations. Their front page reads: ‘No offer, no plan to convince — Barca play with fire in Messi’s renewal.’

Last week, Bartomeu stated the renewal was “essential” for the club, and predicted Barcelona’s talks would not end positively.

Barcelona next travel to face Real Sociedad on Thursday night for the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final. Barca have not won there in ten years.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – JANUARY 08: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Manu Trigueros of Villarreal CF during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica stadium on January 8, 2017 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)