Barcelona CEO preaches patience over Messi's contract: 'We're working hard'

The drama regarding Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona hasn't shown any sign of disappearing.

As Barcelona fans become more anxious with each month that passes without a sign of the Argentine putting pen to paper on a new contract, Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau reassured the club's fan base that officials are "working hard" to renew Messi's deal.

Grau also called for patience, adding that the club's representatives will not let Messi slip through their fingers.

"We're working hard to renew Messi," Grau told reporters Wednesday, according to ESPN FC's Samuel Marsden.

"We're keen to get it done and I am sure we will find the formula. By saying this I want to reassure supporters, because when you have the best (in the world) it would be stupid to let him escape."

Alarms were raised in the Catalan capital near the end of last year when Messi hinted at the possibility of seeing out his contract before deciding which direction to take.

Grau added: "It's a matter that has to be analysed with a cool head and common sense."

Barcelona has been efficient throughout the season when it comes to locking up its premier players. To date, the club has secured the long-term services of stars Luis Suarez, Neymar, Javier Mascherano, and Sergio Busquets.

The Liga titleholder is also said to be eager to sign Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However, managing the salary budget is becoming a complex task due to the soaring wages among Barca players.

"Barca cannot spend more than 70 percent of the budget on salaries, therefore we have (to) make sure things balance. ... We want to have the best, but we must always prioritise," Grau said.

"The objective is for the best player in the world to stay at Barcelona and it's the same with everyone, although especially with those that were formed in La Masia, who I think should retire here."