In the first reaction to press leaks that confirmed the possibility of Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona, the president of the Spanish club Josep Maria Bartomio that the Argentine star will stay with the Blaugrana as long as possible.
This came after news was reported through the Spanish media, about the existence of a clause in the contract of Messi allows him to leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
"Messi has a contract and can decide his future in the 2020 season, just as he did with Xavi and Iniesta," Bartumio told reporters on Friday.
"We are not worried at all because Messi has been great and will be playing for many years in Barcelona."
"Messi's contract expires in June 2021 and it was agreed that at the end of the penultimate season he had the ability to terminate his contract and move to another club. He has gained the freedom to decide his future," the club president concluded.