Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi has been spotted in Barcelona ahead of expected talks of a contract extension. Messi’s contract expires on June 30 and he had stated last summer that this season would be his last at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s performance in recent weeks has been positive, reopening talks of a new contract for the club captain.
COPA TRIUMPH
Barcelona secured a record 31st Copa Del Rey trophy on Saturday with a dominating 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. Messi was in delightful form, scoring two goals including a wonder strike for Barcelona’s third goal. The trophy has come as reward of a much improved 2021 which has seen the club make a surge towards the La Liga title.
This view of Messi’s goal.. INSANE https://t.co/2MNAELbKnq
— J. (@Messilizer) April 17, 2021
Manager Ronald Koeman has incorporated young blood in Pedri, Ansu Fati and Trincao as support cast for Messi. The ‘project’ is still some ways off Europe’s best which was seen in the exit to PSG in the Champions League. However, improved performances may have made Messi rethink his future. The Champions League anyway may become irrelevant given the sword that is the European Super League hanging over everyone’s heads.
MEETING IN THE STADIUM?
With this context, Jorge Messi was spotted watching Barcelona’s B team, along with his son Rodrigo Messi, against Villareal B along with a host of officials and players from the Camp Nou setup. Pedri and Oscar Mingueza were present at the stadium along with Alfred Schreuder, Koeman’s right hand man; Mateu Alemany, the Director of Football; Rafa Yuste, the Sports VP; Directors Joan Solé and Miquel Camps; and Ramón Planes, the technical secretary.
Jorge Messi – Leo Messi’s father – is in Barcelona right now as reported by @martinezferran.
Barça president Joan Laporta is ready to open talks with Messi in the next days to extend his contract. Laporta is still confident and convinced about Messi’s future at Barça. 🇦🇷 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 18, 2021
There are few teams in the world who can afford to pay Messi’s wages. Barcelona are still willing to do so. Combined with the hope around the squad, the Blaugrana’s greatest ever player may just choose to stay on in Spain for another year or two.
