Barcelona receive hope over Lionel Messi transfer, presidential candidate provides update

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes that Lionel Messi can be persuaded to extend his stay at Camp u despite Argentine's contract expiring in summer of 2021. Messi, after nearly two decades at Barcelona, shockingly handed in his transfer request in summer but eventually decided to stay put at LaLiga club following a lengthy transfer wrangle. six-time Ballon d'Or winner is still linked with a move away from Barcelona. Moreover, re have been reports of Messi signing a new deal with Catalans. 

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Lionel Messi transfer news: Barcelona presidential candidate says Messi situation is 'reversible'

In a recent interview with AS, Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta revealed that he remains hopeful that club's financial difficulties and Messi's future can both be resolved. He said, "y are two things that are result of poor manment. situation has worsened with COVID-19, but mismanment is part of and is origin of having Leo like this w".

"I still think that two things are reversible. situation of club is reversible and Leo issue, I hope so too. For me, I think most important thing is that Leo said he will wait for a new president to decide and, refore, he would be willing to listen to Barca's proposal. I'd like to think that is positive news". 

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In an exclusive interview with Goal in October, Lionel Messi revealed his altruistic reason behind staying at Barcelona but maintained that he had issues with n-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who stepped down from his post later that month. Laporta, who was Barcelona's president from 2003-10 and who oversaw glittering success with club, n added that he had outlined his vision for crisis-hit club. 

"I have to become president first to see possibilities that we have in club based on finances. Leo does t move for money, he wants Barca. I think what he really wants is to keep winning  Champions League and league. key here is to make a competitive proposal," explained Laporta.

Messi was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City at time with multiple reports suggesting that 33-year-old may link up with former boss Pep Guardiola at Etihad. Reports suggest that Messi's move to Man City is still on cards next summer. From January onwards, Messi will be able to speak to or clubs over a potential transfer if he does t agree to a contract extension with Barcelona. 

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Barcelona's Presidential elections to determine Lionel Messi's future?

Earlier this month, Barcelona confirmed that ir presidential elections will take place on January 24, 2021, having been brought forward from June 2021. likes of Victor Font, Joan Laporta, Jordi Farre, Toni Freixa, Agusti Benedito and Lluis Fernandez have stepped forward as presidential election candidates. Or candidates include Xavi Vilajoana, Jordi Roche, Juan Rosell and Emili Rousaud. 

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Im Credits - Joan Laporta Twitter, Barcelona Instagram