Lionel Messi has scored 51 goals in 49 games this season for Barcelona. So, it's no wonder that club executives are in a hurry to get negotiations over with and to get Messi's contract finalized.
It appears today that the club and Messi's agents may be close to a deal. Only a day after we reported that Messi's camp rejected Barcelona's initial offer, Barcelona VP Jordi Mestre said "it won't be long" before Lionel Messi signs a new contract with FC Barcelona.
Speaking with TV3 after Barcelona's 4-1 win over Villarreal (in which Messi scored his sixth consecutive brace at Camp Nou in La Liga), Mestre said:
"The truth is everything looks good. Everything will end up well. If they're saying there are problems [with talks] in Madrid, then I'm delighted to be able to contradict them."
"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."
While there is little doubt that Messi will stay with Barcelona, fans and club management alike will breathe easier once the contract is actually signed.