Barcelona to give Lionel Messi new six-year contract

The Spanish newspaper reports that they are aiming to keep Lionel Messi for at least the next six years, in order for him to be at the club for the unveiling of their new stadium.

Messi has been linked with a move to Manchester City to join his former boss Pep Guardiola, who will leave Bayern Munich this summer to manage in England.

There have been rumours that because of Messi's current court case regarding tax evasion that he would want to leave Spain for a fresh start, though this has often been considered a bargaining position ahead of a contract renewal at Barcelona. He was also more recently linked with a return home to finish his career in Argentina, where he is less popular than in Barcelona.

According to the story, Barcelona would appoint Messi as captain in time for the new stadium's completion. The new stadium plans were announced in 2014, with a proposed increase in capacity to 105,000 from the current 100,000. Rather than move locations, the new stadium would be built over the old one. Work is planned to be completed by February 2021.