Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will end his career at FC Barcelona according to the President of the club, Josep Maria Bartomeu who expects that El Pulga will spend “three or four years” more at Camp Nou. Messi’s current deal with Barcelona lapses at the end of the 2020-21 season, but Bartomeu is confident that the six time Ballon d’Or winner will sign an extension.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a return to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before he calls time on his career but the suggestion remains speculation with Messi yet to make public a definite statement on his future.
“It’s not just me who says it. Messi says it himself, that he wants to finish his professional playing career at Barcelona and it’s the only club for him,” Bartomeu told beIN SPORTS.
“I don’t have any doubt that when he finishes his football career in three or four years that it will be here in Barcelona.
“Messi has it very clear. He’s been here since he was a kid. He knows the colours and he’s a part of the club’s history.
“He’s the best player in the world. Not just right now, but in the history of the game. He’s at Barcelona and has made clear he wants to stay here.”
Bartomeu also discussed the future of German goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen who still has two remaining on his current contract.
“Marc is an excellent player and person, he has always shown that as a goalkeeper,” said Bartomeu.
“With the current situation with COVID-19, he said, ‘Let’s hope everything is calmer to talk about it in the future.’ But his future is to renew with Barca.
“We have a goalkeeper for many years because he is young. When everything passes, we will talk with Marc to finalise his renewal.”
Despite being yet to play a game for Barca, Francisco Trincao and Pedri have been linked with exits from Camp Nou.
Trincao is reportedly a target for Leicester City, while Bayern Munich are said to have an interest in Pedri.
Bartomeu has no plans to sell either player as Barca prepare for the future with a new generation of talent.
“Trincao and Pedri are not for sale,” he said. “Young players are coming who will be the stars in a few years.”
