Barcelona director dismisses tension on Messi contract

Barcelona director, Albert Soler sent a "message of peace" to fans concerned that Lionel Messi has yet to sign his new contract.

Messi agreed an extension running to 2021 in July, but has yet to put pen to paper, with the 30-year-old reportedly waiting to see the club's transfer dealings following the departure of attacking partner Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a €222 million move.

France international Ousmane Dembele arrived in an initial €105m deal but late attempts to snare Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho failed after the Merseyside club demanded €200m for the Brazilian.

Despite widespread criticism of their transfer window as a whole, Soler claims there is no problem with Messi's contract and remains adamant it will be signed when the time is right.

"There is no problem, I want to send a message of peace to the members," Soler told reporters on Saturday.

"There has been the United States tour, we've had international duty, the season starting, there is absolutely no problem where Messi is concerned."

UCJ, UNILORIN.