President Laporta: I am convinced that Messi wants to continue at Barcelona

Joan Laporta says he's "convinced" that Lionel Messi "wants to continue at Barcelona." The president spoke to Deportes Cuatro before travelling to Seville for the Copa del Rey final.

Questioned about Messi's future with the club -- his contract is up in June -- Laporta assured that the issue is "progressing adequately" and added he was convinced the forward will renew at Camp Nou.

Messi has still not received an offer from FC Barcelona to renew his contract. Laporta has insisted on a number of occasions that he wants the forward to end his career a Camp Nou, but he first wants to learn how bad the club's financial situation is first hand.

SPORT have learned that that the renewal offer will be made once Laporta knows the result of an internal audit, which is still being carried out at the moment.

It will be then when Laporta will know what he can offer Messi financially to be able to convince him that staying at Barça is the best option. On Friday, RAC1 had reported that a first offer had already been made.

In addition, Laporta was also asked about the transfer market -- with reports linking Barça with Erling Haaland and Neymar in recent weeks.

However, he wasn't as committed when speaking about signings, although he did invite optimism, saying: "We will do what we have to do and ensure that it's done well."

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