Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Messi's father in Barca with future still unclear

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Sunday, 18 April 2021 14:29

Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge, arrived in Barcelona from Argentina on Sunday with the forward's future at the Catalan club still undecided.

A source told ESPN that Messi Sr. plans to travel on to Italy this week to deal with some "personal issues" and that no talks have yet been scheduled with Barca.

A meeting with new Barcelona president Joan Laporta has not yet been ruled out, but no date has been fixed to begin negotiations over a potential new deal for Messi.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

Messi's current terms expire in June, when he turns 34, and he has said that he will wait until the end of the season before deciding on his future.

Laporta, who was elected for a second spell as Barca president on March 7, said after Saturday's 4-0 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao in which Messi scored twice, that he was "convinced" the Argentine would stay put at Camp Nou.

The Barca president is currently putting the finishing touches to the contract offer, sources have told ESPN, having wanted to carry out an internal audit on the club's finances first.

More important than the wages on offer, though, will be Laporta's ability to convince Messi that he can compete for the Champions League if he stays in Catalonia.

Messi wanted to leave Barca last year and Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs monitoring the situation in the event he becomes available on a free transfer this summer.

However, with improved performances under coach Ronald Koeman bringing Copa success this weekend and helping Barca get back into the La Liga title race, there is renewed optimism he could stay.

The return of Laporta is also cause for hope. In contrast to his relationship with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, Messi and his family are on very good terms with Laporta.

Messi Sr. took advantage of his visit to Barcelona to watch Barca B beat Villarreal B 3-2 at the Johan Cruyff stadium on Sunday in the Spanish third division.

He was sat with one of his other sons, Rodrigo, who represents United Stated international Konrad de la Fuente, one of the three scorers in the B team's win.

De la Fuente, 19, made his first-team debut earlier this season but sources have told ESPN that Barca will listen to offers for him at the end of the season, with several clubs in Spain and Germany interested.

Read 256 times

Soccer

NWSL MVP Tracker: Who are the best players in the league so far this season?

NWSL MVP Tracker: Who are the best players in the league so far this season?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2024 National Women's Soccer League season is five matchweeks o...

Dest honored, Tillman scores 2 in PSV 8-0 win

Dest honored, Tillman scores 2 in PSV 8-0 win

PSV Eindhoven paid tribute to injured defender Sergiño Dest before putting on a show in a 8-0 thrash...

Man City thrash Brighton to close gap on Arsenal

Man City thrash Brighton to close gap on Arsenal

Manchester City chalked up another big win in their hunt for an unprecedented fourth straight Premie...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Warriors star Curry named Clutch Player of Year

Warriors star Curry named Clutch Player of Year

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was named the NBA's Clutc...

'Floodgates open' for Magic, Banchero in win

'Floodgates open' for Magic, Banchero in win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsORLANDO, Fla. -- When the Orlando Magic missed their first eight fi...

Baseball

Jays place right-hander Francis on 15-day IL

Jays place right-hander Francis on 15-day IL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Toronto Blue Jays placed right-hander Bowden Francis on the 15-...

Sudden impact: Crow-Armstrong HR lifts Cubs

Sudden impact: Crow-Armstrong HR lifts Cubs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a tiebreaking two-run homer for...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated