Barcelona president says Messi deal extension talks 'going well'

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Barcelona Chairman Joan Laporta confirmed Friday that talks over a new deal with team captain Lionel Messi are going well but are not done yet.

"We have to keep working on it but the relationship is a really good one and Messi loves Barça. We get the impression, all of us, that we are getting everything we need to ready so that Messi stays at Barça," Laporta said in a statement.

"We have made an offer within Barça's capabilities. It's clear Leo deserves more and he could get more but I think he wants to keep improving with Barça and he is excited about staying and the project," he added.

Messi, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of June, has been the man for Barca.

Argentine superstar won 34 senior-level titles, including 10 Spanish La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles.

The six-time Ballon d'Or holder won eight Spanish Super Cups, six Copa del Rey (Spanish King's Cup), three FIFA Club World Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups.