The coaching situation at Barcelona "is an issue that pales in comparison with the undertaking required to sign Lionel Messi up to a new contract," with the club limited to a €35M ($37.2M) annual salary for the Argentine, according to Marcos López of MARCA. In fact, several conditions must be met by Barcelona to keep Messi, "with money a side issue when it comes to the sporting project." Messi is "aware that time will run out and he seeks to bulk out his trophy cabinet with a successful final third of his career." Barcelona is "hopeful of this renewal staying on track and eventually being sealed" (MARCA, 3/5).
EXPLAINING HIMSELF: In London, Rory O'Callaghan reported Messi "rubbished" the rumors suggesting his unusual "telephone" celebration against Celta Vigo was a "reference to his ongoing contract talks." Following his first goal in the 5-0 win, Messi pointed to the stands as he walked back to the center circle and "made a telephone gesture to his ear -- with some interpreting the signal as a message to the Barcelona boardroom." Messi said that he was "merely dedicating the goal to his nephew, who was in the crowd." His nephew, Augustin "had been trying to phone the Argentine superstar throughout the day but was unable to get through," Messi said (DAILY MAIL, 3/5).
