By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
Barca announced in July Messi had agreed to a contract extension running until 2021, with his previous terms set to expire in 2018.
Bartomeu says the only thing outstanding is an official photograph and “the protocol of a signature”, insisting it is a mere formality.
“It’s all agreed and signed,” Bartomeu told Sport.
“There are three contracts. One with the Messi Foundation, which is signed with the president of the Foundations and the player’s brother.
“There’s an image rights contract with Messi, which his father has signed, who is the administrator of his company, and the employment contract, which his father has signed, who has the power to do so.”
Asked what was still needed, Bartomeu explained: “That Leo arrives and we have the official photograph and the protocol of the signature.
“The contract’s signed, it’s valid from the month of June, from June 30, the same day that he got married, curiously.
“It’s been audited because it goes into the accounts for last season. The renewal is included in the accounts for the closing of this season. There are no problems. It’s just the protocol of the signature. We’re relaxed.”