Report: Lionel Messi, Barcelona have 'very positive' contract talks

The saga involving superstar footballer Lionel Messi and Barcelona that began last summer with reports the 33-year-old all-time great wanted to cancel the remainder of his contract will come to some conclusion by or on June 30, when that deal expires. 

ESPN's Moises Llorens and Adriana Garcia explained Thursday that Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently had a "very positive" meeting with Messi's father and agent about working out a new deal. While Messi would have to agree to a pay reduction, he would, per the report, receive a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. TV3 reports, however, that Laporta is willing to shift to five years if necessary. 

Interestingly, either offer includes a clause that would allow Messi to head to Major League Soccer as soon as after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Messi said last December he wants "to enjoy and experience life in the United States," per the ESPN story. 

As has been the case over the past year, Laporta must also convince Messi that he's doing all he can to take the Spanish giants back to the top of the La Liga and Champions League mountains. Barca finished third in the domestic title race and failed to make it to the quarterfinals of UEFA's top club competition earlier this year.