Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Lionel Messi Contract, Aleix Vidal Rumours

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted he wants Lionel Messi to stay at the club “forever” and is confident the forward will sign a new contract.

The 29-year-old’s deal at the Camp Nou is set to expire in 2018, which has left some tied to the Catalan club a little edgy over Messi’s long-term future. However, the Barca chief did his best to settle the nerves of worried Blaugrana fans.

“Both sides are keen to continue,” Bartomeu told Sport. “On Leo’s side, to continue in Barcelona; and on Barca’s side, that Leo continues.” He added: 

Messi is the best player in the world and we will reach an agreement and he will continue because he’s still very young. He’s 29 and his performances are at the top level and he will continue here for many more years.

I don’t think it’s inconvenient for him to continue here forever. Well, until he retires from football.

While it’s difficult to imagine Messi donning the colours of any other club, speculation about his future as a Barcelona player has been ramped up as of late. According to Carlos Carpio of Marca, the forward is taking time to consider his options and will decide whether to sign a new contract at the end of the campaign.

If he didn’t, that’d be an enormous blow to all tied to the La Liga champions, as Messi, in the eyes of many, is the …

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