Laporta’s plan for Messi: A three-year contract and a star signing

Marc Cucurella spoke about Getafe’s plan to stop Barcelona, and how they could not afford to make any mistakes while facing one of the best teams in the world. Sitting just four points above the relegation zone, the Madrid outfit went for a five-man backline in the hopes of stopping the Catalan giants in their tracks.

They probably did not put Lionel Messi in that equation, though. Messi was ruthless on the night and kept on challenging for goals till the referee called time. With 23 goals and eight assists in 2021 alone, you simply cannot let the Argentine leave the club, and that is exactly what Joan Laporta has planned as well.

President Laporta, as per a report from ESPN, has just the plan to get Leo to stay at the club. He wants to offer Messi a three-year contract with a reduced salary, which will help him compensate over several years after an immediate reduction.

On top of that, the idea is to sign a superstar in the summer that will act as a catalyst to his renewal. Erling Haaland and Neymar Jr. are the two players mentioned in the report.

From a sporting perspective, signing a striker, especially a future great like Haaland would be ideal on several levels. More than getting Messi to stay, it will help the team fill in a place that has been a problem throughout the season.

The Norwegian striker, though, will not come in cheap, and Laporta will have to raise hell in terms of player sales to achieve just the transfer fee. Not to mention the amount Mino Raiola will take on top of that.

There are several players that have been considered for that role in the team, including Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero. With their contracts expiring in June, their departure seems inevitable. In fact, Aguero has already announced his intention to not continue with the Manchester club.

If Laporta manages to bring this plan to fruition, it will be a masterclass in management and an incredible recovery after Josep Bartomeu’s disasterclass.