Report: Barcelona sporting area is planning a squad with Messi present for next season

On CAT Radio’s ‘Onze’ program, it has once again been discussed that Lionel Messi’s continuity with Barcelona is getting more and more likely. The Argentine is out of contract this June, but a renewal has been in the works since Joan Laporta took over as club president once again.

Messi has been consistently linked to Paris Saint-Germain, but after Barcelona have largely managed to turn their disappointing start to the 2020-21 season around, optimism regarding a new contract has increased manifolds. Laporta is also convinced that he can get Messi to sign a new deal as things stand.

However, Messi’s renewal will likely depend a lot on how the remainder of the season pans out, with Barcelona among the four contenders for the La Liga title in a hotly-contested title race. Recent reports, however, have revealed that Laporta and Messi have had meetings that have ended positively.

In light of all the recent news, this report on ‘Onze’ states that the club’s technical area has begun next season’s squad planning with regards to the first-team members, signings and departures, with the assumption that Messi will stay at Barcelona.

They believe that the Argentine will stay for at least two more years, something he has iterated to Laporta before. After playing at the top level for two years, he wants to move to the MLS to end his playing career, before maybe returning to Barcelona behind the scenes.

In a bid to ensure Messi’s renewal, the club also reportedly want to sign Neymar and bring him back to play with the superstar. After PSG’s exit from the Champions League, rumours have resurfaced in full force about the Brazilian’s return.