Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has abruptly pulled back from new contract negotiations.
Barca chief Jordi Mestre declared lastweek that an agreement was close.
However,El Mundo Deportivo says Messi has ended talks this week. The Argentine refuses to consider a new contract until he knows the identity of the new coach.
With Luis Enrique walking away at the end of this season, no decision has been made over his successor.
Ernesto Valverde, who comes off contract at Athletic Bilbao next month, is favourite for the job. But Messi won’t commit until a formal announcement is made.
