Barcelona speaks on talks of Messi exit

Barcelona president, Josep Bartomeu has reacted to rumours linking Lionel Messi away from the club.

Messi is said to have suspended contract renewal talks with the Catalan Giants which will expire in 2021.

This is reportedly due to the recent poor form of the club which now trails Real Madrid by four points in the Spanish La Liga.

However, Bartomeu who spoke after the club's 4-1 win against Villareal on Sunday said Messi plans to end his career with Barcelona.

Bartomeu told Movistar: “I’m not going to give details of the negotiations, but he has said many times that he wants to finish his career at Barcelona.

“Right now, we are focused on the competition and there are negotiations with lots of players. Messi wants to continue at Barca and he wants to end (his career) here. He has many years left and we’re going to enjoy him for a long time.”