New Lionel Messi deal at Barcelona 'just a matter of time'

Lionel Messi is reportedly close to agreeing a new deal to stay with Catalan giants Barcelona beyond this summer.

The 33-year-old has be heavily linked with a move away from Camp Nou and will see his current contract expire in eight days' time.

However, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, it is 'just a matter of time' before Messi signs a new two-year deal, with just a few clauses to be approved before an agreement can be reached.

The Argentina international was desperate to leave Camp Nou last summer after requesting a transfer, but he eventually stayed after Barca demanded that his £625m release clause was met before any transfer could take place.

Messi, who has been with the Catalan club since 2004, is now set to remain in Spain despite reported interest from both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months.

The legendary forward is currently with Argentina at the 2021 Copa America and earned a record-equalling 147th cap in the 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Monday, which puts him level with former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano.