President Josep Maria Bartomeu has acknowledged that Barcelona are already preparing for life without Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has spent his entire professional career at Camp Nou, and 581 goals have been scored from 665 appearance for the Catalan giants in all competitions.

Messi also has just under two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, but Bartomeu has suggested that the club's recent dealings in the transfer market have come with Messi's eventual departure in mind.

Bartomeu told BBC Radio 5 live's Football Daily Podcast: "I know one day Lionel will say he's retiring. We have to prepare the club for the future.

"We are bringing great young players to the team because we need to continue this era of success. That's our responsibility. My mandate will be finished in two seasons. So I need to leave the club in a great position and tell the new president 'that's our legacy'."

Barcelona have completed deals for the likes of Arthur, Malcom and Frenkie de Jong over the past 12 months.