Presidential candidate Joan Laporta: 'I've indications Leo Messi wants to stay at Barca'

Barcelona presidential candidate Laporta promises to do his best for Leo to continue and he also plan to offer him a competitive proposal suiting Barca's delicate financial situation.

"[If I win the presidential election] I will do my best for Messi to continue at Barca. I have indications that he is doing well in Barcelona and that he wants to stay," Joan Laporta told RAC1 earlier on Monday.

Laporta explained how he could possibly persuade Messi to sign a new deal with the Catalan club: "We want to talk to Leo and make him a proposal that suits Barca's economic possibilities. A very competitive proposal is necessary, which is what he wants and I am convinced that he wants to stay."

Messi's current deal expires on June 30, 2021. Rumour has it, his future will depend on the winner of the upcoming presidential election at the Catalan club. March 7 is the election day.