Football
Adriana Garcia 8y

Barcelona plan Luis Enrique, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez renewals

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he is preparing to offer new contracts to coach Luis Enrique and stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic.

Luis Enrique has won eight trophies of a possible 10 in his two years in charge of Barca, including two La Liga titles and the 2015 Champions League, but his current deal is due to expire in the summer.

"Luis Enrique doesn't want to talk about this but after Christmas we will have to discuss these issues," Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio. "We have to talk about Messi's renewal, as well as that of Luis Suarez and Rakitic."

Suarez scored 40 league goals as Barca won La Liga last season, earning him the European Golden Shoe award for the second time in his career.

The 29-year-old Uruguay forward joined Barca in 2014 from Liverpool and is under contract with the Blaugrana until June 2019.

Croatia midfielder Rakitic, 28, also has three years remaining on his deal.

"The important thing is that our roster is competitive," Bartomeu said. "I've been many years at Barca and the level in our squad is incredible."

Barca's priority is to tie Messi to a long-term contract. The Argentina captain's current deal expires in June 2018 and Bartomeu has no doubt that the 29-year-old will pledge his future to his current club.

"Messi is strong, a winner, he has huge ambition," Bartomeu said. "He has returned better than ever. He is proving to us how much willingness he has to make the socios [Barcelona members] happy. He is the world No. 1 and the world No. 1 in terms of commitment. He is one more of this family."

Messi was again linked with a move away in the summer after a difficult period on and off the field.

The Barca star and his father Jorge were given 21-month suspended sentences by a Spanish court last month for tax fraud. 

Messi then quit international football after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final in June -- the nation's third defeat in a major final in three years -- before reversing his decision earlier this month. 

"Not to win the Copa America this summer was a disappointment, just like it would be for any player," Bartomeu said. "With respect to the fiscal issues that he is going through, we already said we would stand by him. Not just with Messi, but with his agent and his family."

However, Newell's Old Boys are hopeful they can bring Messi back to the club after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The forward has regularly said he would like to end his career with the Argentine club.

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