‘Messi wants to finish his career at Barcelona, Xavi will help that’ – Font confident Argentine can be tied to new contract

Lionel Messi “desires to complete his sports activities profession at Barcelona”, claims Victor Font, with the Camp Nou presidential hopeful assured return to Catalunya for Xavi would assist to persuade an Argentine icon to remain put.

A battle for energy at a La Liga heavyweight continues to rage, with elections nonetheless pencilled in at current for January 24.

Font is hoping to spring a shock in that vote and forestall Joan Laporta from returning to the boardroom for a second time.

Whoever emerges victorious may have quite a lot of points to take care of after taking workplace, with the way forward for membership captain Messi nonetheless essentially the most urgent concern for Barca to deal with.

The six-time Ballon d’Or is yet to commit to a new contract and, having made one push for the exits in 2020, will drop into the free agent pool on the finish of the season.

Messi has vowed to make no future name till the present marketing campaign involves an in depth, with the South American airing his happiness under Ronald Koeman.

Font believes one other change within the dugout would give the 33-year-old much more motive to remain, together with his plan being to bring club legend Xavi back to his roots from Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

“Messi has defined it, he ideally desires to remain right here and end his sports activities profession at Barca” Font advised Mundo Deportivo.

“Earlier than the summer season, when there was the nice frustration, he had all the time stated that crucial situation for him is to have a successful and aggressive challenge. 

“We’ve a successful, aggressive challenge, with individuals like Xavi. This relationship between Xavi and Messi exists, I imagine that is among the major causes and ensures that Messi will really feel very comfy with our challenge and we may have many choices to proceed.”

Having been in common contact with Xavi, Font was quizzed on whether or not the World Cup winner has been discussing his plans with Messi.

He added: “I do not know what they’re speaking about, I do know they’re in touch as a result of they’ve a relationship, however I do not know to what extent or the main points of what they discuss.”

Messi has been freed to talk with suitors outdoors of Spain with one other switch window now open, however he’s keeping the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain waiting as he mulls over his choices.