Have no doubt that Lionel Messi will retire at Barcelona, admits Josep Maria Bartomeu

The 33-year-old finished as the club’s top scorer, over and above his twenty-plus assists, with 30 goals which put him well ahead of second placed Luis Suarez by eleven goals. That combined with Antoine Griezmann’s struggles, their issues in midfield and a lack of consistency at the back saw Barcelona give up a two point lead with the Catalan giants finishing five points behind. It saw Messi, whose deal expires at the end of next season, admit that his side was “weak” and “inconsistent” which is why Real Madrid won.

The La Liga giants have numerous contract issues but arguably their biggest problem, beyond Messi’s contract, is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s deal. The goalkeeper is considered to be one of the best in his position but has also been linked with a move to England in the near future. But Bartomeu admitted that a new deal for the German is the club’s top priority because of how important to the club he is.