Joan Laporta: 'Lionel Messi wants to stay at Barcelona'

Lionel Messi is "happy" at Barcelona and wants to sign a new contract at Camp Nou, according to presidential candidate Joan Laporta.

The Argentina international's current deal with the Catalan giants is due to expire at the end of June, and Manchester City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, continue to be linked with his services.

However, Laporta, who is the favourite to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu as Barca president, has insisted that the 33-year-old "will do everything in his power" to remain with the club.

"Messi is now totally focused on catching Atletico Madrid in La Liga and playing the Paris Saint-Germain tie in the Champions League," Sport quotes Laporta as saying.

"I do not know if he will be playing on Sunday [in the Spanish Super Cup final] but he will be on the bench and it is important that Leo encourage his teammates.

"I see him more and more happy, he is enjoying it. I know that he wants to stay and I know that he will do everything in his power to stay as long as the club can offer him an offer that suits him."

Messi struggled to show his best form in the early stages of the season but has managed four goals in his last two league appearances, taking his total to 14 for the season in all competitions.

Barca have postponed their presidential elections, which were due to take place on January 24, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.