"Messi's situation is not completely resolved, but it is progressing well"

Memphis Depay, Agüero, Emerson... It doesn't matter which player is unveiled or which event Joan Laporta attends. For sure, the protagonist will be Leo Messi. And whether or not he will finally stay at the club, the key question.

Once again, the Barcelona president was asked about the future of the Argentinean star. Already in August, the player is still without a contract, although there are many who believe that the deal is done. But Laporta denied it.

"With Leo everything is going well, we are trying to resolve important issues for both sides. We are doing everything possible for Messi to be there, it is not completely resolved but he is progressing well, along the lines we all think within the possibilities we have", he said.

But for Laporta, what is really key in this matter is the desire of the player: "We are still in the process and I still see many possibilities. Leo wants to stay at Barca and we will do our best.

"I know that Messi wants to stay and I appreciate this fact very much. I value the fact that the best player in the world wants to stay. It's all very much on track. Every night I have sweet dreams when I think of Leo Messi. I hope they continue," added the president.

Financial Fair Play, transfers and Griezmann

Laporta also had words for the new signings: "The players we are bringing in can all be registered.  We wanted more flexibility from LaLiga so that there is more Financial Fair Play and there are possibilities to sign someone else.

The Catalan boss was asked about Griezmann and, although he avoided putting him in the spotlight, he did refer to his situation and the market: "I wouldn't like to focus on one player. If we don't have more Fair Play, we won't be able to make any more signings. Barca's strength gives us the capacity to make them".

"Griezmann keeps the coach happy, he is a professional. Against Stuttgart he fought like the best, it's a situation in which we are open because there was interest in him. If the market does not give a situation to leave, he is under contract with Barcelona and we have to respect the contract," he argued.

 

August 2, 2021