The overall situation at FC Barcelona is a total mess regarding the debts and also regarding Lionel Messi’s contract. However, former Barca star Rivaldo feels that the Argentine will pledge his future to FC Barcelona and sign a new contract as soon as possible.

While the speculations continue to rise as teams like Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City have close eyes on the overall development in the contract situation for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. There are rumours that the Argentine star is waiting for his contract to expire so that he can join another club for a free transfer.

Messi himself has pushed for a move away from FC Barcelona and since then Manchester City and PSG are interested in the whole prospect. However, since then a lot has changed and Blaugrana have elected an able president in Joan Laporta and he is looking to do anything in his power to keep the 33-year-old at Camp Nou.

Laporta is already working on the deal to lure Bayern Munich’s David Alaba away from the jaws of Real Madrid. The Austrian versatile defender will be leaving Bavaria at the end of the season and Los Blancos are the frontrunners in the race to sign him. But now their rivals have also entered the race. It can be a big move for Barcelona and getting a defender like Alaba will be a statement of intent for the Catalans and it may increase the chances of Messi staying and signing a new contract.

“Barcelona are massively improving in the last few weeks, capitalising on Lionel Messi’s superb form and the election of a new president. Messi looks much more connected and happier since Juan Laporta’s arrival – a president he knows well,” former Barca star Rivaldo has told Betfair.

“For that reason, I’m starting to believe more and more that Messi might reach an agreement with the new board and sign a new contract to stay at the club for a few more years.

“Messi had a confidence boost with the new president election – someone he has a good connection with – raising the chances of him considering to stay for a bit longer,” the Brazilian legend continued.

While Messi has not yet decided on his future and will only make a call at the end of the season, Barca do not have any other option but to wait. However, in that time, they have already held talks with Manchester City defender Eric Garcia and Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum is also among the players on Ronald Koeman’s wishlist so the intent is very clear.