“Barcelona Preparing For Life After Lionel Messi” – President Bartomeu

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that the club are preparing for life without forward Lionel Messi.

In January, Barcelona agreed a £65million deal to sign 21-year-old Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jongfor next season and also teenage defender Jean-Clair Todibo who was added to the squad.

The Catalan club signed Malcom and Arthur in the summer, with Lionel Messi’s retirement from football fast approaching.

MySportDab report Messi – who was named on the bench for Wednesday’s 1-1 Copa Del Rey draw with Real Madrid- still has two years left on the contract he signed in 2017.

However, speaking to journalist Guillem Balague on BBC Radio Five Live’s Football Daily Podcast, Bartomeu said the club are looking to the future.

“I know one day Lionel will say he’s retiring,” he said.

“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 clubin a great position and tell the new president ‘that’s our legacy’.”