Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu is confident that Lionel Messi, along with others, will continue to represent the Blaugrana for the next few seasons.
The 31-year-old has scored 581 goals in 665 games for the Catalan giants and is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2021, having signed a deal in November 2017.
A new deal for the Argentine has not been formally discussed but a contract renewal will definitely be drawn up according to Bartomeu.
“Leo Messi will continue with us,” Bartomeu told RKB. “He is a club player and the relationship will continue forever.
“Jordi Alba is another player who is set to continue playing for the Catalan club and Bartomeu is optimistic about a new deal.
“He has told us that he wants to continue,” Bartomeu said.
“We have offered him a new contract over five years and I hope we will continue discussing the deal.”
Coach Ernesto Valverde is another individual who Bartomeu is keen on keeping at the club no matter what happens this season.
“I believe he will stay.” Bartomeu stated.
“He trusts his players and it is only his second season in charge.
“The goal is to finish the season strong and win everything. I trust him to lead the team and even if we do not win anything, he will continue to coach the team.”
