Barcelona president Joan Laporta has declared “everything is very much on the right track” for Lionel Messi’s long-awaited contract renewal. Messi, 34, became a free agent when his deal expired on June 30. Issues related to meeting La Liga’s stringent financial fair play regulations have complicated the matter, although widespread reports insist a five-year extension on a 50-per-cent wage reduction has been agreed by the iconic Argentina forward. “We are in the process of getting Messi to stay,” Laporta said. “He wants to stay at Barca and we have to make sure that happens. “We all want Messi in La Liga because he is a world-class player, the best in the world, and he clearly helps to promote the league. I know Leo wants to stay and appreciate that highly. “Everything is very much on the right track.” Messi has still not returned to Spain since last month’s 2021 Copa America victory with Los Albiceleste.