Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu has stated that Lionel Messi will conclude his career with the club, dismissing reports of the Argentine playmaker’s potential exit due to delays in signing a new contract for his stay at the Nou Camp.
Earlier reports suggested that the striker had halted contract negotiations indefinitely due to issues between the players and the board. However, Bartomeu informed Spanish network Movistar that Messi has expressed his intention to sign a new deal and retire at the club.
‘Messi has confirmed that he will complete his working and footballing life at Barca,’ Bartomeu affirmed following his team’s 4-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday, July 5.
‘I won’t go into details because our focus is on the competition and we are in negotiations with many players, but Messi has communicated his desire to stay, so we will have the pleasure of enjoying his presence for much longer.’
The 33-year-old Messi, who last signed a contract in 2017, has been with the club since joining the youth ranks in 2001. He has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona, achieving a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and six Copas del Rey. Additionally, he has won a record six Ballon d’Or awards and a record six European Golden Shoes.