Barcelona are reportedly lining up a new contract for Lionel Messi to keep him at the club until 2023.
The Argentine talisman has just one year remaining on his current deal at Camp Nou and has been linked with a move away from the club at times this season following reports of a fall-out with the board.
Messi could have left on a free transfer before June 10, but now that deadline has passed Mundo Deportivo reports that Barca want to tie him down to fresh terms.
The report claims that the deal would take him through until 2023, although Messi would have the option to terminate the contract in 2022 should he so desire.
The 32-year-old has represented Barcelona for his entire career so far, scoring a club-record 629 goals in 720 games and establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Talks between the two parties are not thought to have begun yet due to the coronavirus pandemic and the desire to prioritise Barcelona's La Liga title push and Champions League campaign over the coming months.
However, the Spanish champions are expected to sit down for negotiations with Messi's father when he returns from Argentina.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored in both of Barcelona's games since play resumed after the coronavirus pandemic, taking him to 699 career goals for club and country.
Barney Corkhill
