Barca set deadline for Leo Messi extension (reliability: 5 stars)

Barcelona want to extend Leo Messi's contract before the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Juventus scheduled for August 8, Cadena SER's reliable Santi Ovalle reports.

There is a lot of optimism that the agreement can be completed in time, it's claimed.

A free agent, Messi is currently on holiday but he's expected to arrive at the Ciutat Esportiva and join the pre-season on August 2. The 34-year-old could start training with Barca even before putting pen to paper.

Meanwhile, La Liga is set to kick off on August 14, with the Catalans set to host Real Sociedad.