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NO MESSIN'

Barcelona confirm Lionel Messi’s new £25m a year deal is close and that Luis Enrique’s replacement has been selected

Vice-president Jordi Mestre says 'Messi's contract renewal is on track' and that 'we have already chosen' new head coach

LIONEL MESSI is close to signing a new deal with Barcelona, according to the club’s vice-president Jordi Mestre.

And Barca have also found a replacement for head coach Luis Enrique.

The Besiktas chief also stated he his intention to sign Lionel Messi

AP:Associated Press
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Barcelona star Lionel Messi is close to signing a new deal with the club

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, 29, shrugged off speculation that he WON’T be signing on by scoring twice against Villareal at the weekend.


Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the summer window with SunSport’s daily LIVE blog


Now it looks as though he’s heading for a £25million a year contract.

Mestre took the chance to set the record straight when he told TV3.

“Lionel Messi’s contract renewal is on track. I’d say we’ve hit the final straight and in a few weeks there will be news. I cannot give an exact date, but it won’t be long.

Messi celebrates victory over Villareal with sons Thiago and Mateo

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Messi celebrates victory over Villareal with sons Thiago and Mateo

Messi notches his 51st goal of the season from the penalty spot against Villreal

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Messi on his way to 51 goals for the season from the penalty spot against Vilalreal

“The truth is everything looks very good.

“Everything will end up well. If they’re saying there are problems [with the talks] in Madrid, then I’m delighted to be able to contradict them.”

Of the situation surrounding the outgoing Enrique, assistant Juan Carlos Unzue has also been talked up as a potential No 1 by Barca players.

Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman have also been linked to the job, but Mestre added:

Jordi Mestre has confirmed Messi is staying and that Barca have found a replacement for Luis Enrique

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Jordi Mestre has confirmed Messi is staying and that Barca have found a replacement for Luis Enrique

“We have already chosen his replacement but we won’t communicate our decision right now out of respect for Luis Enrique.”

Messi scored his 500th goal for Barca in the thrilling Clasico win over title rivals Real Madrid at the end of last month and he is on 51 for the season after netting against Villarreal.

As Barcelona try to keep the heat on Real Madrid in the battle at the top, added motivation may come in looking to end Luis Enrique’s reign with a third title in as many years.