Josep Maria Bartomeu: 'Lionel Messi will retire at Barcelona'

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has claimed that Lionel Messi will remain at Camp Nou past the end of next season.

After a below-par campaign for the Catalan giants and rising tension behind the scenes, speculation persists that Messi will choose to leave in 2021.

However, despite the uncertainty which remains regarding the club legend's future, Bartomeu does not expect the Argentine to end his long-term association with the La Liga side.

Speaking to Sport, Bartomeu said: "He'll finish his career at Barcelona. He still has three or four more years of excellent football left.

"His next contract will finish next year but I have no doubt that he'll keep his word and end his career here."

Messi contributed 25 goals and 21 assists in Spain's top flight this season.