Bartomeu says Barca is preparing for a future without Leo Messi

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club was considering a future after Lionel Messi. He knows that the day will come when No. 10 will have to hang up his boots.

"Messi … we have the best player in the world, from history," said Bartomeu on a podcast of the BBC. "I know that one day Lionel will say" I'm retiring. "But we have to prepare the club for the future.

"We are bringing great young players to the team as we have to continue this era of success, which is our responsibility – Arthur, Ter Stegen, Dembele, Lenglet, Coutinho, De Jong, Todibo.

"My term will be finished in two seasons. So I have to leave the club in an ideal position and tell the new president "This is our legacy".

Bartomeu also spoke about Frenkie de Jong's signing of Ajax. "I explained to him what it would mean to come to Barcelona," said Bartomeu. "Not only to play Barca, but also for the city, Barca would be his home for the next 12 to 14 years of his life."