Barcelona prepares for life without Lionel Messi, said club president

Barcelona's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, said that the club's recent activity in the field of transfers had in mind the retirement of Lionel Messi.

Last month, the Catalan club signed a £ 65 million contract to engage Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong, 21, for next season, as well as teenage defender Jean-Clair Todibo , which was immediately added to the team.

Brazilian duo Arthur (22) and Malcom (21) have also been signed this summer. According to Bartomeu, their additions were made as part of a concerted effort to prepare the team for the day Messi decided to leave the club.

The Argentine – who was named on the bench for Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Copa Del Rey against Real Madrid – has another two years to sign the contract that he signed in 2017 and Bartomeu – who quits as president of the club in 2021 – rebadures fans that his retirement is still "a moment yet".

But speaking to journalist Guillem Balague on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily podcast, Bartomeu said the club is looking to the future.

"I know that one day Lionel will say that he is retiring," he said.

"We have to prepare the club for the future.

"We bring excellent young players to the team because we have to continue this era of success – it's our responsibility."

"My term will be completed in two seasons, so I have to leave the club in an excellent position and tell the new president" it's our legacy "."

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