Barcelona is trying to reconcile Messi with a deal of his friend Lautaro

Laotaro is Messi's friend.

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The Catalan newspaper "Sport" reported that Barcelona is trying to reconcile with its Argentine player, Lionel Messi, by contracting with his countryman and friend Lautaro Martinez this summer, despite the difficulties facing the completion of the deal with Italian club Inter Milan.

Messi had entered into a crisis with his club's board of directors led by Josep Bartomeu, during which he was unable to implement his desire to leave the club this summer in front of the impeding penalty clause in his contract of 700 million euros, which prompted him to finally make the decision to remain within the Barca ranks.

The newspaper said yesterday, "The agent of the Inter Milan striker has already opened communication channels with Barcelona officials, and he will meet with representatives of the club during the next few days to discuss the deal that Barcelona has long sought."

She added, "There is a penalty clause in Martinez (23 years old) contract with Inter Milan worth 111 million euros, but Barcelona has indicated its willingness to pay 80 million to disengage the player and his club."

The newspaper explained: "The new Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman, has put forward the French Olympique Lyon striker, Dutchman Memphis Depay, as an alternative solution to Martinez in case the club's efforts to sign the latter did not succeed."

The newspaper continued: "Lautaro Martinez's contract with his club expires at the end of next season, and the two parties have already entered into negotiations to extend it, but it could be available for 30 million euros."

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