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New Barcelona president Joan Laporta launches his bid to keep Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp, insisting star man's decision to vote in the election is 'a clear sign' of his love for the club as his contract continues to run down and Man City and PSG circle

Newly-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta has immediately turned his attention to convincing Lionel Messi to stay, insisting the fact the Argentine voted on Sunday is a 'clear sign' of his love for the club.

Messi's future was a major issue on the campaign trail and Laporta regularly said that he would be able to convince the club's main man to stay put if he were to win the election.

Messi wanted to leave the club last summer but his wishes were denied by the previous regime and speculation has since mounted over a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City when his contract expires this summer.