Barcelona are reportedly determined to tie Lionel Messi to a new contract at Camp Nou.
The Argentina international's current deal will expire in the summer of 2021, and it is understood that there is a clause in the attacker's contract allowing him to leave on a free transfer at the end of any season.
The 32-year-old has had his injury problems this term but has still scored 24 times and contributed 16 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions at club level.
According to AS, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has made tying Messi to a new deal the club's 'immediate priority' despite the economic problems caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The report claims that the South American would prefer to sign an extension until 2022, including the option to leave on a free transfer next summer if he wishes.
Messi has scored 626 goals in 718 appearances for the Spanish champions since 2004.
Matt Law
