Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 07:52• Chris Meijer • Last update: 08:03

Lionel Messi is sympathetic to a new contract with Barcelona, ​​Fermín de la Calle claims. The Spanish journalist, who works for, among others Eurosport and El Confidencial, writes on the website of the former sports channel that the 33-year-old Argentinian attacker has submitted a list with three requirements to the new president Joan Laporta.

Messi is still in possession of an expiring contract and can in principle negotiate with a new club from January. The star Barcelona player filed a transfer request last summer and appeared to be on his way to the exit, but the situation has turned around in recent months. Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona has taken off and Josep Maria Bartomeu has made way as president to Laporta, who looks on course to deliver on his main election promise: keeping Messi for Barcelona.

Before that happens, however, Laporta must meet the necessary requirements. For example, Messi is demanding that Barcelona make a number of smart purchases next summer – such as attracting the transfer-free Eric García from Manchester City – and make a big move to strengthen the selection. Messi considers a top purchase necessary for Barcelona to return to the European top.

Laporta sat around the table with Mino Raiola and Alf-Inge Haaland last week to talk about Erling Braut Haaland, although the Borussia Dortmund striker’s entourage is currently playing chess on several boards. Moreover, the question is to what extent Barcelona can afford a top buy, as the club is facing financial difficulties as a result of the corona pandemic. At the same time, Messi would like to see Barcelona keep faith in the products of the youth academy or at least young players, such as Ansu Fati, Pedri and Ilaix Moriba.

Messi also demands ‘open communication’ with the Barcelona club management. Luis Enrique and Quique Setien are said to have been difficult to approach and strict in the past. Messi would be grateful for the current relationship with Koeman, but wants to be able to communicate in the same way with sporting director Ramón Planes. Despite the good relationship with Koeman, Messi would also like to have a direct line of communication with Laporta, as a condition for a contract extension.