MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 10:04:32| >> :120:40857:40857:

Barcelona 'racing to confirm Lionel Messi deal before Cristiano Ronaldo meeting'

Barcelona 'racing to confirm Messi deal before Ronaldo showdown'
© Reuters
Barcelona are reportedly pushing to announce a new contract for Lionel Messi before a friendly fixture against Juventus next month.

Barcelona reportedly face a race against time to confirm Lionel Messi's new contract before a friendly against Juventus next month.

While there is every indication that the club legend will extend his stay at Camp Nou, the Catalan giants must first significantly reduce their wage bill.

A number of sales and loan exits are expected to take place over the coming weeks as Barcelona look to meet La Liga's criteria regarding player salaries.

However, according to Sport, Barcelona may struggle to officially announce Messi's return before the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 8.

The Spanish outfit naturally want to see the Argentine superstar feature in a fixture which would see him renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The report adds that the 34-year-old is due to return to training on August 2.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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