Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has insisted that patience is the key to resolving the ongoing situation regarding Lionel Messi's contract and long-term future at the club.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently due to become a free agent in June 2018 and is believed to have turned down the offer of a new deal during the summer following his brief retirement from international football, informing the club he would not make a decision on his future until his current contract is up.
It has sparked mass transfer speculation, with interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League, although Barcelona officials have always maintained confidence and hope that an extension will eventually be agreed.
It remains a sensitive issue, though, as director Pere Gratacos was sacked this week following his recent and rather innocuous comments suggesting that Messi has been made to look even better on the pitch by his talented supporting cast of Andres Iniesta, Neymar and others.
God of football.. pic.twitter.com/nalIPeM30B
Barça are clearly keen to avoid upsetting Messi further - he felt the club could have supported him more during his high profile court case regarding tax evasion - and seemingly want to make it clear they are on his side at all costs now.
Quizzed on the subject of the contract talks ahead of this weekend's La Liga game against Las Palmas, Enrique diplomatically said, "[Messi] and the club dictate the tempo of the negotiation. All parties must remain calm."
On the subject of the game itself, the coach added, "We are up against a side that has a similar philosophy to ours. They battle for the ball, and they try to use it to open up spaces and create chances. As a fan, they're one of the most entertaining teams to watch."
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