LIONEL MESSI’S new contract at Barcelona is ‘imminent’, according to reports.
And that could see the Argentine great go up against Cristiano Ronaldo this weekend.
Barcelona take on Juventus in a pre-season friendly on Sunday night in Catalonia.
Ronaldo is expected to be involved with the match being both sides’ final warm-up games before the new campaign gets underway.
And Ronald Koeman will want Messi available.
The Dutchman could well get his wishes granted with the Barcelona legend back in the city after returning from his latest holiday in Ibiza.
He landed at El Prat airport on a private flight at around 9.30pm on Wednesday night, report Mundo Deportivo.
Marca add all the details of Messi’s contract extension were sorted three weeks ago.
Now the 34-year-old has returned to Barcelona, the contract looks set to be signed and announced in ‘a matter of hours’.
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The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will put pen to paper on a five-year extension with the club.
At least two of those are expected to be as a Barca player – but the last three could be as an ambassador in the USA.
Messi may even be presented at the Estadi Johan Cruyff ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Juve.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
