A new Lionel Messi contract seemed highly unlikely last summer after the Argentine famously used a burofax to tell Barcelona he wanted to leave, his future has been hotly contested. Previous president Josep Maria Bartomeu shut him down originally and did not allow him to terminate his contract.
Rather than take the club he of his dreams to court, he decided to remain for his final year, and then leave the following summer. However, the situation changed drastically in the following 12 months, particularly after Bartomeu’s departure, and Messi is now set to officially sign a two-year deal very soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Lionel Messi Contract: Superstar Will Sign New Two-Year Deal Imminently
Promising Future for Barcelona
The reality at Barcelona right now is certainly different than it was a year ago today. Just 12 months ago, they were a club in disarray.
They were being led into financial ruin by a corrupt president who had hired a media company to intentionally smear their own players and had spent the club into the ground. On top of that, the club had suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, had switched managers twice in six months and of course, they were about to lose (arguably) the best player in the world in Messi.
Now, though, the circumstances have changed. Most importantly, Bartomeu is gone, replaced by Joan Laporta at the helm, who has an excellent relationship with Messi. But also the club now have several promising youngsters breaking into the first team, made three very intelligent free-agent acquisitions this summer, and have achieved some continuity in the manager position, with Ronald Koeman heading into his second full season as manager.
All these factors show significant improvement and a better future ahead for Barca. Most importantly, they will get to keep their best player for at least two more years.
Messi Now Has the Chance to Link Up with Longtime Friend
Among the free agents Barcelona were able to sign is Sergio Aguero, who’s currently competing with Messi to try to win the Copa America for Argentina. Messi and Aguero have always had an excellent relationship, with Aguero being the godfather to Messi’s sons.
They have played together in the national team for many years, even winning the Olympic Gold together as youngsters. The chance to play with one of his best friends is surely a factor that influenced his decision to renew his contract.
Memphis Depay has also been signed on a free transfer, so combining those three with Ansu Fati, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele could be deadly next season. Of course, defence has been Barca’s weakest point for years, but free agent Eric Garcia, along with promising youngsters Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza, could combine with the experienced Gerard Pique and hopefully this year form a solid and reliable backline.
Barcelona fans certainly have much to look forward to for next season, and Messi’s new deal is the primary reason, which will be announced very soon.
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