Internet Desk: Argentine legend Lionel Messi has created a new drama as he rejected the first offer of his new contract renewal by Barcelona after a series of negotiations, according to the Spanish media.
Messi’s current deal is due to expire in June 2018 and there have been rumours of the Argentina international leaving the Nou Camp should a deal fail to materialise. However, despite the rejection Messi is still intent on signing a new deal but the 29-year-old will be looking for a significant increase on the proposed deal.
The offer currently stands at a figure of €30m to €35m-a-season, and Messi’s decision to reject the deal comes after months of negotiations between Barcelona and Messi’s father and agent, Jorge.
However, talks remain constant between the two parties with both sides eager to find common ground and reach a compromise which will extend Messi’s stay at Barcelona, a club he has thrived at since joining its youth academy in 2001.
Messi remains in no rush to sign a new deal, especially in relation to the new deals handed out to Luis Suarez and Neymar in recent times. The forward is very much Barcelona’s key man and he will want that status reflected in the next contract proposed.
Messi has had another impressive season with Barcelona, despite the fact that the club may only win one competition this year. The Catalan giants are first in La Liga but Real Madrid remain in pole position with a game in hand, so their only chance of silverware is the Copa del Rey, where they play Alaves in the final.