Barcelona are reportedly looking to enter into contract renewal talks with Argentine icon Lionel Messi, whose current deal expires in 2021.

Lionel Messi is reportedly in line for his 10th professional contract, if the report from ESPN is to be believed. Barcelona are keen to enter into contract talks with their mercurial star and global icon in world football, with the Argentine having just two years left on his current deal.

Barcelona do retain an option to extend his deal by a year. But, the club is keen to not repeat the mistake they ‘almost’ did in 2017. Lionel Messi was allowed to run his contract down to just a year left on his deal, with speculation high as to his future at the club.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will reportedly handle the contract negotiations personally as he hopes to get Messi to commit to the club till 2023. As per the report, the club president is ready to build a squad for Messi to work around, which has been evident in the club’s purchases of Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong.

While Neymar left and Luis Suarez has declined over the recent years, the lone wolf stands resolute and better than ever. (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
While Neymar left and Luis Suarez has declined over the recent years, the lone wolf stands resolute and better than ever. (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi has done it all at Barcelona. Arguably one of the greatest players to grace world football, the Argentine has scored over 600 goals for the club and was won every possible title or trophy at club level. His career is also laden with individual honours and records. But, interestingly, the hunger still remains to add more trophies to the list.

The 2018-19 season was Messi’s best in a while, with the Argentine topping the scoring charts as well as putting in a handsome shift while turning provider. The 32-year-old ended the season with 51 goals and 22 assists to his name in only 50 games in all competitions.

Bartomeu had iterated his desire to hand Messi a ‘lifetime contract’. And while Messi has maintained that he wishes to end his career at Barcelona, a club he considers his home, the Argentine has also not shied away from the fact that he would, one day, love to play for his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys at senior level.

While Barcelona are targeting Neymar’s return, Messi’s contract renewal will be of priority on their agenda. Barcelona fans would love to see the little magician continue to weave his magic on the field.

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