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Messi Contract Talks 'Progressing Adequately' - Joan Laporta

The Liga giants are still working on freeing up space in their salary cap that will allow a club icon to be tied down on fresh terms.

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", says Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with La Liga giants still hoping to get a talismanic presence tied to fresh terms.

The Blaugrana are unable to put a deal in place at present as they have no room within their salary cap, meaning that costs need to be cut by sanctioning sales.

Every effort is, however, being made to remain in close contact with a six-time Ballon d'Or winner that has dropped into free agency and just savoured long-awaited international glory with Argentina at the Copa America.

What has been said?

Asked for an update on discussions during the presentation of Mago Pop's show 'Nothing is Impossible', Laporta told reporters: "[Messi's renewal] is progressing adequately.

"All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America.

"It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy.

"He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina are once again in the elite, and [I am] also [happy] for [Sergio] Aguero.

"I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who are recognised, admired and loved for having this bond with Leo."