Sergio Aguero has been doing his utmost to convince Lionel Messi to sign a new contract at Barcelona, according to the club’s president Joan Laporta.
Aguero, 33, joined Barca from Manchester City on a two-year deal last month and arrived at Camp Nou hoping to join up with his dear friend and fellow Argentina international.
But Messi’s future is still up in the air as he is yet to agree to new terms with the club ahead of his contract’s expiry on 30 June.
Aguero would be distraught to join Barcelona only to see his compatriot depart the same summer, and has been trying to convince him to stay at every available opportunity.
“Aguero is helping. He is telling him every day to stay,” Laporta told Catalan outlet La Vanguardia of Messi’s situation.
He added: “I would like Messi to tell us ‘yes’ as soon as possible. He would help us in every way.
Laporta also provided an encouraging update on recent talks with Messi, saying: “He is excited and I am grateful to him for the desire he is showing to stay.”
Messi is currently away with the Argentina national team at the Copa America, but that has not stopped the Barcelona president talking to him “every other day”.
Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Chile in their first group-stage match but battled to a 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Saturday night.
Messi, 33, provided the assist for Guido Rodriguez’s first-half winner, with Aguero an unused substitute for the match.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner posted an emphatic message on Facebook after the victory, writing: “Let’s f***ing go!!!
“It was important to win today. This is going to give us peace of mind for what’s coming that’s going to continue to be tough.”
Meanwhile, Laporta declared he is targeting “three or four more signings” before the transfer window shuts as Barcelona look to improve on their third-place finish in La Liga last season.
The Catalans have already strengthened by acquiring Eric Garcia as well as Aguero on a free transfer from Manchester City, while Memphis Depay has signed a two-year deal after leaving Lyon.
Barcelona have also obtained full ownership of full-back Emerson Royal from Real Betis.
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