Argentine international, Lionel Messi, is expected to sign a new contract that will extend his stay at the Camp Nou by two years. The contract will run until 2023 and contains a free release provision after the first season. 

The Barcelona forward has a year left on his current contract at Camp Nou. It is expected that the Ballon d’Or holder would be open to this arrangement and an improved salary (over €600,000 a month).

Barcelona is well aware of the value Messi brings to the club. This season, he has scored 26 goals and made 18 assists in only 33 games. All parties view the new signing as a positive outcome, particularly Messi who considers the club as his home.

The Catalans are expected to clinch the La Liga trophy this season. Their 2-nil win over bottom-placed Leganes saw them go 5 points clear over second-placed Real Madrid which has a game in hand. A win by Madrid on Thursday will see them narrow the chase by 2 points. 

An exit of the Argentine forward would be devastating to the club, and the Spanish league as a whole. With Christiano Ronaldo having exited Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018, it would be a huge blow for the commercial viability of football in Spain. Messi has dominated football for the past two decades and remains a huge brand for Barcelona. 
Meanwhile, Barcelona coach, Enrique Setién Solar, has his eyes set on the Champions League. The pandemic forced football to go on suspension after Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in their first-leg Champions League tie.