Lionel Messi rejects Barcelona’s opening contract offer

Lionel Messi has rejected Barcelona’s opening offer of a fresh contract extension worth between €30-35m (£25-30m) net per season, reports AS.

The Argentina international will only have 12 months remaining on his existing deal at the end of the season and Barcelona are desperate to resolve his future to avoid any unwanted press linking their star man with a move away from the Camp Nou.

While Messi has turned down Barcelona’s opening offer, the signals are that Messi has no desire to leave the club and there is a confidence a solution will be found and the 29-year-old will agree to a new long-term contract.

Messi has enjoyed a phenomenal season for Barcelona but a decision on his mind may be to wait until a successor is made official for Luis Enrique, who will step down as head coach at the end of the season. 

The Barcelona No.10 has scored 49 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants this season.

For more stats on Lionel Messi, click here to visit his WhoScored to player page