"Messi's contract renewal is making good progress"

Barcelona president Joan Laporta maintained that the renewal of Leo Messi, who is currently without a contract having just won the Copa America with Argentina, was "making good progress". 

"(The contract renewal) is making good progress. What is true is that we're very happy for him. Every Barca fan, the club, Catalonia and I think the whole world of football is happy that Messi has won the Copa America. Also, he deserved it", he declared.

Before entering a performance of the magician Antonio Diaz, also known as 'El Mago Pop', Laporta joked about the need of the magician's help to balance the books at the club, but he limited himself to say that he has spoken to Leo Messi and that the Argentine is "very happy" after winning with his national team.

"I'm happy for Leo, that he has ensured that Argentina are back at the elite level. (I'm happy for) Leo and his teammates, obviously, and for Sergio Aguero as well. Also for Leo's family, for Argentina, for Barca, who are remembered, loved and adored for having this link with Leo", he insisted.

Laporta acknowledged Messi's impressive feat in beating Brazil in the Maracana stadium and assured that "it's very moving to see the best player in the history of football get excited about winning a title like this";

Laporta also felt that La Liga president Javier Tebas must also have been happy for Messi's achievement, given that he is "a football man", although he didn't reveal any news about the registration of the forward or the salary adjustments at the club.