Lionel Messi talks ‘progressing well’, reveals Barcelona president Laporta with superstar set to sign new contract
BARCELONA are nearing a deal to renew Lionel Messi's contract, according to club president Joan Laporta.
The 34-year-old star is a free agent after the club failed to sign him up before his deal expired on June 30.
Negotiations continued while Messi helped Argentina win the Copa America but no breakthrough has been made yet.
And Laporta, 59, has insisted that progress is being made.
He told Mago Pop on Spanish TV, via Marca: "[Messi's deal] is progressing adequately well."
Messi won his first major international trophy on the weekend by helping Argentina lift the Copa America in Brazil.
Laporta voiced his pleasure at the moment, which he said made the club 'cry with joy'.
He added: "All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalonia and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America.
"It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy.
"He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo, together with his teammates, and that Argentina are once again in the elite - and also for [Sergio] Aguero.
"I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who are recognised, admired and loved for having this bond with Leo."
The striker emotionally reunited with wife Antonela Roccuzzo following the 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana.
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Angel Di Maria netted the winner on Saturday night to end Argentina's 28-year wait for a Copa America.
In a statement to fans, Messi paid tribute to Albiceleste icon Diego Maradona.
He wrote: "I want to dedicate this achievement to my family who always gave me the strength to continue.
"To my friends who I love so much, and to all the people who support us and especially the 45 million Argentinians who suffered so badly with this damn coronavirus, above all those who suffered it personally.
“And of course this win also goes to Diego who I’m sure was cheering us on where ever he is."
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