Just over two months before Lionel Messi’s contract in Barcelona expires, his teammate Gerard Pique has recognized an “important” aspect in his future.
Messi’s contract at Camp Nou expires on June 30, and the club has not yet formally opened talks on any renewal.
The Catalan giant is currently in precarious financial condition, but despite hopes that new president Joan Laporta – elected to the club last month – will help persuade Messi to rebuild, there is still no progress.
The 33-year-old spent his entire professional career at Camp Nou, but tried to leave the club for free last summer, only to give up later due to the club’s attitude.
Not surprisingly, Messi’s form is still overwhelming and he has scored 31 goals in 40 appearances in this campaign.
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Pique told Movistar’s Universo Valdano program in quotes transmitted by Barca Universal: “I could not tell you what will happen to him. I think he looks happier in recent months. That is important.
“It affects the team because he is the captain and it affects the whole team. The club works very well, and a lot of that is because of him.
“Messi has been with us in the team for several years. We know him well and we will support his decision. We should be grateful for what he did. ”
The news in Barcelona is currently dominated by the European Super League – of which they are one of 12 founding member clubs, and one of only four that have not yet confirmed their intention to leave the project.
Pique added: “If I look at it from the point of view of the players, the global vision, I don’t think it’s positive for the world of football in the long run.
“At the moment, Barça is one of the founders of the Super League. I think this decision has a very important reason in the economic situation of the club.
“If I put a hat on President Barça, which Laporta should do, he is in a very bad economic situation. He will make the best decision for the club.”