Messi's relationship with Barcelona will continue 'forever' - Bartomeu

Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona and his relationship with the club will last "forever", according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Messi, 31, is enjoying another fine season with the Catalan giants, having scored 21 goals in as many LaLiga games this season, with Barca six points clear at the summit.

The Argentine star has just over two years left on his Barça contract and will be 34 when it expires.

Messi has previously stated his desire to play in his native Argentina with Newell's Old Boys before he finishes his career.

But Bartomeu does not want to see Messi leave the club, confident a new contract will be agreed to keep him at Camp Nou for the remainder of his career.

"Leo Messi will continue with us," Bartomeu told RKB. "He is a club player and the relationship will continue forever".