Barca expect Messi stay

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is confident Lionel Messi will spend the rest of his career with the Catalan giants. The Argentine star is due to fall out of contract in 2018 and the fact he is yet to agree to an extension has led to speculation he could depart.

Bartomeu has moved to ease any concerns over the 29-year-old, as he stressed he is convinced Messi will remain at Camp Nou beyond the end of his current deal.

Speaking at the announcement of a four-year sponsorship deal with Japanese company Rakuten, Bartomeu said: “I believe we’ve got a team with incredible players, all of them.

“There is nonetheless a leader of course, Leo Messi, he is well known and popular all over the world.

“We’re all convinced, we’re all positive Leo Messi will end his sporting career in Barca.

“All the members of Barca believe this is how it has to be, because he is the player that in the last few years has brought us sporting success.”

Barcelona host Malaga on Saturday and they are 5/6 to win with a -2 handicap.

The Spanish champions are 10/3 to win the Champions League outright.

View all Soccer betting on Bet365

Source: Bet365