Lionel Messi rejects Barcelona's opening contract offer
Barça striker Messi has turned down the LaLiga giants' initial offer for the renewal of his deal, which runs out in June 2018</br><a title="Chelsea - Barcelona U - 19 live: UEFA Youth League final" href="https://en.as.com/en/2018/04/23/football/1524493554_685422.html">Chelsea - Barcelona U - 19 live: UEFA Youth League final</a>
Lionel Messi has rejected Barcelona's opening offer of a new Camp Nou contract, understood to be worth around 30 to 35 million euros net per season.
Messi's current deal expires in June 2018, and talks between Los Azulgranas and the Argentine striker's father and agent, Jorge, have been ongoing for months.
Messi contract expected to be agreed despite rejection
Despite the initial rebuff, however, the signals being sent to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu by the player and Messi Sr remain reassuring in nature.
Negotiations over a fresh agreement are still very much alive - and the expectation is that the two sides will reach common ground in the coming weeks.
Barcelona star willing to play waiting game
Related stories
But, as previously reported by AS, Messi's camp is in no rush and is prepared to hold out, particularly in view of the recent deals given to Luis Suárez and Neymar.
Messi, who is enjoying an excellent end to the season, is well aware of the desire in and around the club to secure his future, and expects an improved offer.