Lionel Messi: Barcelona presidential candidate Laporta wants Argentine to witness new stadium
- Lionel Messi will be persuaded to remain at Barcelona and witness the opening of the new stadium
- Presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes he is the best man to convince Messi to stay at the Camp Nou
- Messi has been allowed to speak with other clubs as he enters the final six months of his contract
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Lionel Messi staying at Barcelona to witness the opening of the new Camp Nou is a priority, presidential candidate Joan Laporta reveals, Goal.
The Argentine is poised to leave the club at the end of the season with Paris Saint-German and Manchester City standing on the wings for a potential transfer.
The 33-year-old is in the last six months of his current deal at Camp Nou and is allowed to speak to other clubs.
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However, the forthcoming Barcelona elections could turn things around as Laporta has stated that he wishes Messi would be the club when the new Stadium is unveiled.
The 105,000 capacity stadium have already been drawn up and the state of the art facility will be ready in the next two years.
Laporta told Goal:
"I wish we could celebrate the 125th anniversary at the new Camp Nou and with Leo with us. The issue of the stadium is not easy because it takes two years to build it.
"The issue of Leo is easier than the stadium. It would be very nice to get to this anniversary with Messi, it would be good final fireworks."
The former club president was asked why he was the best man to convince Messi stay at the club Laporta added:
"Because I tell the truth, I am the one with the most experience and determination, as well as the most credibility in his eyes.
"I will see what I can offer him within the possibilities of the club in terms of finances and in what interests Leo from a sporting perspective.
"He wants to win the Champions League again with Barca and we have to make him see that this will be possible."
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Lionel Messi scored a fantastic free-kick during Barcelona's 4-0 thrashing of Granada as they cemented their place in third position on La Liga table.
The set-piece did not only increase La Blaugrana's lead in the game to 3-0, it also meant that Messi has scored 48 goals from free-kicks for his club.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner also moved past his closest rival Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of free-kicks scored at club level.
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