Barcelona VP expects Messi to sign new contract 'in a few weeks'
Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre doesn't seem overly concerned about Lionel Messi's contract situation.
Speaking after the Argentine magician scored twice Saturday in a 4-1 hammering of Villarreal, Mestre said he expects Messi - whose contract at the Camp Nou expires in 2018 - to ink fresh terms in short order.
Whether genuine or simply a response to recent reports in Spain that the iconic No. 10 had rejected the club's offer that would pay him between €30 million and €35 million per season, Mestre certainly said all the right things to reassure fans of the Catalan side.
"The truth is everything looks good," Mestre told TV3 after Saturday's contest, per Samuel Marsden of ESPN FC.
"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.
"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."
The 29-year-old, who is expected to become the world's highest-paid player upon signing his new contract, continues to be an unstoppable force for the Blaugrana despite creeping up on the 30-year-old mark that is seen by many as the start of the decline for attacking players.
Related: Messi, Suarez, Neymar surpass 100 goals for 3rd straight campaign
His brace in Saturday's win pushed him to 51 goals in all competitions this year, marking the fifth season in which he has hit the half-century mark.