With just over two months before the contract of Lionel Messi at Barcelona expires, his teammate Gerard Pique has identified an “important” aspect in his future.
Messi’s contract at the Camp Nou expires on 30 June and the club are yet to formally open talks on any renewal.
The Catalan giants are currently in a precarious financial state but despite hopes that new president Joan Laporta - elected at the club last month - would help persuade Messi to renew, there is yet to be any progress.
The 33-year-old has spent the entirety of his professional career at the Camp Nou but attempted to leave the club on a free last summer, only to later back down due to the club’s stance.
Unsurprisingly, Messi’s form still remains imperious and he has netted 31 goals in 40 appearances this campaign.
Pique told Movistar's Universo Valdano programme, in quotes carried by Barca Universal : “I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen with him. I think in recent months he looks happier. That’s important.
"He impacts the team because he is the captain and influences the whole team. The club is doing very well and much of it is because of him.
“Messi has been with us in the team for several years. We know him well, and we will support his decision. We should be grateful for what he has done.”
Barcelona news is currently being dominated by the European Super League - of which they are one of the 12 founding member clubs, and one of just four yet to confirm their intentions to leave the project.
Pique added: “If I look at it from the point of view of the player, a global vision, I do not think it is positive in the long term for the world of football.
“At this moment, Barça is one of the founders of the Super League. I think that this decision has a very important reason in the economic situation of the club.
"If I put on the hat of Barça’s president, which is what Laporta should do, he is in a very bad economic situation. He will make the best decision for the club.”
