Rivaldo Predicts Lionel Messi’s Future at Barcelona

DBasia.news – Barcelona legend Rivaldo is increasingly convinced that Lionel Messi will sign a new contract at Camp Nou, as he asks club directors to sign David Alaba.

Speculation regarding Messi’s future continues to roll as the Argentina international will be contract-free in the summer.

Messi once wanted to leave in 2020 for a number of clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, but Rivaldo believes he will now extend his contract after Joan Laporta is re-elected as president.

“Barcelona in recent weeks has experienced a rapid improvement, maximizing Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance and the election of a new president. Messi now looks more connected and happier since the arrival of Joan Laporta – a president he knows very well,” Rivaldo told Betfair.

“For that reason, I am starting to have more confidence that Messi might reach a new agreement with this new director and sign a contract to stay at the club for the next few years.”

“Messi’s confidence increases with the new elected president – someone with whom he has a good relationship – which increases his chances of staying a little longer.”

Messi himself has stated that he will not make a decision until the end of the season. Discussions remained open before that, but until now there has been no continuation.

That has allowed Barca to shift focus to other sectors, as they are looking at a number of options to sign in the summer.

Eric Garcia is favorites to return from Manchester City, while Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is also a possibility given his free agent status.

Bayern Munich star Alaba is another big name whose contract is running out, and Barca are one of the clubs reportedly interested in him.

Rivaldo added: “It was clear that Alaba wanted to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, but now it looks like Barcelona are also trying to sign the player and I’m sure he will be a good improvement for Barcelona’s back line.

“He is a great player, a European champion and with the years ahead of him, he will be an extraordinary signing. Of course, many would view it as a win against Real Madrid, but I don’t see it that way.”

“Barcelona must focus on themselves and not look at other rivals, because that is the only way to become the strongest in Europe like they were a few years ago.”