He was elected when he promised to keep Messi – and now he's not sure

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Friday he is "moderately optimistic" Lionel Messi will stay a Barcelona player. Laporta also remained defiant over Barca's continuing membership of the European Super League, insisting they will not apologise and will take UEFA to court if fines are imposed on the three remaining clubs.

Messi's contract expires this summer, allowing the Argentinian to leave for free. Laporta admitted Barca's offer will be curbed by the club's financial problems but insisted talks are "going well".

"We can make an offer within our means. He deserves more and could get a better contract somewhere else but I'm convinced he appreciates the efforts we are making. I think he is keen to stay. For Leo, it's not about money, it's about winning. And that's what we are working on. I'm moderately optimistic that Messi would stay. The new contract is going well but it's not done yet."

He was also asked about Barcelona's continued involvement in the Europan Super League, despite nine of the 12 founding clubs quitting the project. Real Madrid and Juventus also remain attached. The nine clubs that left accepted fines and agreed to commit to UEFA's current competitions but European football's governing body has opened separate disciplinary proceedings against Barca, Madrid and Juventus.

"We are not going to apologise nor do we have any intention of paying a fine," said Laporta. "It has no justification. If they fine us we will go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and I'm sure we will win. European law means we are legally allowed to create new competitions."

Laporta also defended the decision to sign up.

"When I arrived, the project was already very advanced but it was important for Barca to be involved. Barca will never stand on the sidelines when it comes to new movements in the world of football."

Barcelona have debts of $1.46 billion, which will restrict their activity in the transfer window.

Laporta said new signings will be announced next week, with Sergio Aguero expected to join on a free transfer from Manchester City. He admitted they will be looking for player exchange and loan deals this summer. He said the financial situation will be clearer when an audit is completed in July but admitted some of the findings so far have been "worrying" and "surprising".

"We are fighting to reverse this economic situation. In a year and a half, maximum two seasons, our club will be financially healthy again."

© Agence France-Presse