‘Lionel Messi extension is non-negotiable’ – Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has advised Eurosport it’s “non-negotiable” that the membership lengthen Lionel Messi’s contract.

Messi tried to pressure a transfer out of Barca final summer season, just for the 33-year-old to again down when it grew to become clear he must drag it by courtroom. His contract expires this summer season.

Manchester Metropolis and PSG are thought of the 2 predominant contenders to tempt Messi away from Catalonia, though MLS has additionally emerged as a possible vacation spot after he admitted “he would get pleasure from residing in america”.

Nevertheless, Laporta has made the Argentine’s contract his prime precedence and is set to maintain him at Camp Nou.

“We’ve to increase Messi, it’s non-negotiable,” Laporta advised Eurosport Spain.

“Messi is a precedence and we’ll attempt to persuade him to proceed writing the attractive historical past between him and Barca.”

Barcelona are in a troubled spell, hamstrung financially, partly as a result of coronavirus pandemic, and 7 factors adrift of Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, who’ve two video games in hand.

Stress has eased on supervisor Ronald Koeman after an eight-game unbeaten league run, however Laporta stopped in need of absolutely backing the Dutchman.

“Koeman is the present Barca coach, who deserves respect and who has the identical margin as all of the coaches,” mentioned Laporta.

Laporta faces stiff competitors to land the presidency with rival Emili Rousand promising Borussia Dortmund Erling Haaland to the membership if he wins, and hyping up a transfer for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

“I like Barça and I really feel challenged by the membership. I like the membership and I’ve a vocation to serve Barcelona,” added Laporta.

“And in addition as a result of I’ve expertise, preparation and dedication to make the modifications that the membership must get out of the financial scenario it’s going by.”

Laporta is in search of a second spell in cost after his presidency between 2003-2010.

The election takes place on January 24.