Eric Abidal: We are negotiating Lionel Messi’s new contract

Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has confirmed the club are in talks with Lionel Messi over a new contract.

The Barcelona skipper in under contract at the Camp Nou until June 2021, however the club are eager to renew his deal, which could see him remain in Catalonia until the end of his career.

Messi has previously stated that he is open to potentially returning to Argentina before he retires, but Abidal is eager to tie him to the club.

"Messi is a key player for us," Abidal told an interview with Sport, quoted in Marca.

"He does have the option to leave at the end of his current deal, however we want to work on that."

"Our president is talking to is representatives at the moment, and we hope to get the matter closed."

"I hope he stays at Barcelona for many many years, but that is Leo's decision."

The club are yet to confirm the details of Messi's prospective new contract, but the 32-year is unlikely to be offered anything more than a two-year extension beyond his deal which ends in 18 months time. 

Tags Eric Abidal Lionel Messi
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