The race to convince Messi to stay at Barcelona begins - 7M sport

The race to convince Messi to stay at Barcelona begins



Posted Friday, March 12, 2021 by Marca.com

The race to convince Messi to stay at Barcelona begins

It was the phrase that rang in the ears of Barcelona supporters as they digested the club's first failure to reach the quarter final of the Champions League since 2007, 'Messi can have no doubts about the future of this team', and with Koeman beginning the charm offensive, the race to convince Lionel Messi to stay now begins.

Joan Laporta's win in the presidential election on Sunday is a positive start, he has a very good relationship with Messi, and it's no coincidence that the Argentine made an appearance on election day to vote.

The night in Paris was hard for Barcelona, but it left a somewhat sweet taste, with the feeling of reconciliation between the club and their captain.

Messi knows that a good foundation is being laid, and there is a deal of surprise that in what was expected to be a transitional season, Koeman's charges are actually fighting for two titles.

Messi is involved, he is encouraging the young players, acting as a leader and appears to be showing commitment that we haven't seen from him in years, especially in the defensive tasks on the pitch.

What the Argentine sees around him at this moment, he likes, with players having a lot of potential having already adapted to Barcelona's style under a coach who puts faith in youngsters.

There is mutual respect which few saw coming between Koeman and Messi, and the coach can't be questioned with regards to how he is building for the future.

In addition to what we can currently see on the pitch, Laporta is already working on a sporting project that will only increase Messi's desire to stay at the Camp Nou.

Aguero, first on the list

This is where the fourth factor comes into play: signings. Messi's friend and international teammate, Sergio Aguero, is already entering the rumour mill ahead of the next transfer market.

According to TyC Sports, the Manchester City forward is the primary target for the new president, and given the fact his current deal with the Blues expires in June, a lack of transfer fee makes this deal all the more realistic.

Aguero could be accompanied by other players who are likely to be free agents by the time July arrives, for example Juan Bernat, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay.

In the background, though, there is a subtle offensive charge being prepared for arguably the biggest talent in European football below Kylian Mbappe, and that is Erling Haaland.

It will be a difficult deal, but not impossible, with Laporta's strong relationship with Mino Raiola likely to work in the Blaugrana's favour, although for this deal to happen there needs to be huge financial restructuring done at the club, given their current levels of debt.

These are all more than enough reasons for Messi to at least consider resigning with Barcelona, there is all of a sudden an interesting project, a lively environment and a club that, for lack of a better word, is without Josep Maria Bartomeu, who Messi wouldn't work another second for.



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