Barcelona have issued a cautious update over contract negotiations with Lionel Messi.
Talisman Messi is currently out of contract, and would have to be re-registered with La Liga if he signed a new contract. That raises issues as Barcelona's financial situation means they must save four times as much money as they spend on new players this summer, and are currently prohibited from registering new players, according to reports.
That would include Messi, along with former Manchester City players Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia. However, the club have always been confident of keeping Messi, despite him declaring his intention to leave last year.
Then, City were strongly linked with Messi, and have since confirmed they could afford the Argentine if he became available. Attentions might have moved away from Messi, but should he be prevented from re-signing for Barcelona, then City are likely to be back among the sides connected with him.
Now, after Messi won his first international title with Argentina at the Copa America this weekend, new Barca president Joan Laporta has issued a brief update on their contract talks.
He said (via AS ): "[Messi's renewal] is progressing adequately.
"All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya 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 who has managed [to win the Copa América], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina are once again in the elite.
"I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who are recognised, admired and loved for having this bond with Leo."
