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The prospect of the club captain spending time on his career may be unthinkable for some fans, but the president is already preparing for the day.
Barcelona's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, said the club was investing in "excellent young players" for life after Lionel Messi.
With 29 goals in 28 games in all competitions, captain Messi remains the star player on Ernesto Valverde's side, but at 31, La Liga's top scorer may be in his last seasons at the top of his clbad.
The Argentinian sensation will be 34 years old when his contract expires in 2021 and, although Bartomeu expects him to sign a few more years, he knows he can not go on forever.
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The Catalan side has already completed the signing of two young players who will be going to Camp Nou this summer while they are looking to build a team for the future. Frenkie de Jong will join Ajax at the end of the season for an initial amount of 75 million euros (£ 65m), while right-back Emerson, aged 20, is in road to Atletico Mineiro. These two transactions add to their previous acquisitions of Malcom, Arthur, Clement Lenglet and Jean-Clair Todibo over the last two transfer windows.
The term of President Bartomeu will also end in 2021 and he is confident that he will leave the champions of Spain in top form to retain their place among the European elite even after the end of their term. talisman career.
"I know that one day, Lionel will say that he is retiring," he said. BBC Radio 5Live.
"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."
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"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 "."
Messi is leading the league goals table with 21 goals and is aiming for his 10th title with Barca, who has six points ahead of Atletico Madrid at the top of the standings, followed by two points by the Real Madrid.
They are also in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey with Madrid. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and the return match at Bernabeu on 27 February.
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