The three keys to Lionel Messi's contract renewal with Barça

Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona until the end of his career. The Argentine star is now 29 and his contract runs until 2018. The club’s intention is to extend that until 2022, which would also come with an increased salary. Messi could earn as much as 50 million euros annually before tax. 

STILL HAVEN'T TALKED 

The negations over the renewal have still not began. For now, Barça have closed Neymar’s new deal and are about to do the same with Luis Suarez. Messi will be the third component of the MSN to renew. The same was done with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale by Real Madrid. Messi, of course, will earn more than all of them because he’s the No.1 in the world. 

ABSOLUTE CALM 

Barcelona are absolutely convinced that Messi will continue at the club. Even though sources admit they’re aware various teams have got close to him, in one way or another, to try and sign him, the answer from the player has always been the same: NO. The player knows he won’t be better off away from Barça, where he enjoys his football, is happy and is winning titles. For that reason, the board of directors are relaxed. As is Messi. There’s no rush. Just confidence. 

MESSI-BARTOMEU CONVERSATION 

Messi’s renewal will not be like any other. Because Messi is special. As a player and as a person. For that reason, the deal will be closed in a private conversation between the president Josep Maria Bartomeu and Messi himself. In this case, not even sporting director Robert Fernandez of director of football Albert Soler will be involved. A face-to-face between Messi and Bartomeu will be enough to reach an agreement which will make all parties happy.