Although superstar Lionel Messi is coming towards the final year of his current deal with Barcelona, former Camp Noustriker Hristo Stoichkov claims that the Argentine has already signed a new contract, according toThe Sun.
The former Bulgarian international told an assembled press conference that: "Messi renewed six months ago."
There had been rumours that his former boss Pep Guardiola was planning a £100m move to bring the Argentine captain to Manchester City.
It was hoped that links between the two would allow the Etihad side to take advantage of any potential stumbling blocks in the contract negotiationsbetween Barcelona and Messi.
If what Stoichkov says is correct then the former Camp Nou manager will have to look elsewhere to strengthen his side for next season.
The 29-year-old didn't celebrate his penalty which secured Barcelona a last minute 2-1 victory on Sunday in their game against Leganes - which could arguably cast doubts about Messi's current relationship with the club and it's fans.
Argentina national team boss Edgardo Bauza claims that Lionel Messi is annoyed with the Catalonian supporters for their criticismof the him - following the side's 4-0 first-leg defeat to Paris St-Germain in their recent last-16 Champions League tie.
Stoichkov certainly has ties with Barcelona after the former Bulgarian international spent five years with the La Liga side - in which time he scored 109 goals in 212 appearances and won the Ballon D'or while with the club.
Whether the former striker'sinfluence stretches as far as being made aware of any potential contract negotiations or transfer dealings, isdebatable - but if what he says is true then the Barcelona fans can expect to see more magic from the Argentine maestro.