Barcelona hope to announce Lionel Messi contract renewal before friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus

BARCELONA reportedly want to announce Lionel Messi’s new contract in the first week of August.

And that would allow the Argentine ace to clash once again with old foe Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, 34, is officially a free agent after his Nou Camp contract expired at the start of July.

However, the legendary forward is said to be eager to extend his stay with Barcelona.

And talks are ongoing over a new long-term deal.

However, the Catalans have been unable to meet Messi’s terms as they struggle to balance the books.

It’s reckoned a number of players must leave before Messi’s deal can be finalised.

But Catalan newspaper Sport claims Barca chiefs are now hoping to confirm the contract by the end of next week.

Should Messi officially return as a Barcelona player, it would mean he could face Ronaldo when Juventus play the Spaniards in a pre-season friendly on August 8.

The old rivals duelled for Ballons d’Or, LaLiga titles and Champions Leagues during Ronnie’s time at Real Madrid.

And fans will be salivating at the prospect of seeing them share the stage once again.

Ronaldo, 36, has entered the final year of his Juventus contract.

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And it’s reckoned he will not be offered an extension when it expires in 2022.

Real have already been linked with a move for their former superstar after rehiring Carlo Ancelotti as boss.

And that could set up a fresh battle between Ronaldo and Messi in El Clasico.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk