The prospect of the club captain calling time on his career may be unthinkable for some fans, but the president is already getting ready for the day
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are investing in "great young players" in preparation for life after Lionel Messi.
With 29 goals from 28 games in all competitions, captain Messi remains the star player for Ernesto Valverde's team, but at 31 years old La Liga's top scorer may be in his last few seasons at the top of the sport.
The Argentine sensation will be 34 when his contract runs out in 2021 and although Bartomeu expects him to sign on for a few more years, he knows he cannot carry on forever.
The Catalan side have already wrapped up the signing of two young players who will move to Camp Nou in the summer as they look to build a team for the future. Frenkie de Jong will join from Ajax at the end of the season for an initial €75 million (£65m/$85m) and 20-year-old right-back Emerson is on his way from Atletico Mineiro. Those two deals add to their previous acquisitions of Malcom, Arthur, Clement Lenglet and Jean-Clair Todibo over the last two transfer windows.
Bartomeu's term as president will also come to an end in 2021 and he is confident that he will leave the Spanish champions in good shape to maintain their place among Europe's elite even after their talisman brings an end to his career.
"I know one day Lionel will say he's retiring," he told BBC Radio 5Live.
"We have to prepare the club for the future.
"We are bringing great young players to the team because we need to continue this era of success. That's our responsibility.
"My mandate will be finished in two seasons. So I need to leave the club in a great position and tell the new president 'that's our legacy'."
Messi is top of La Liga's goal chart with 21 goals and is chasing his 10th title with Barca, who sit six points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table with fierce rivals Real Madrid trailing by a further two points.
They are also in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with Madrid, with the first leg finishing a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and the second leg to follow at the Bernabeu on February 27.
vfc1
218
that day will be the sadest day of my life[Cry][Cry][Cry]
Ahnaf77
167
Honestly,Barca's record without Messi isn't great at all.Messi will be retiring soon.He has been a fantastic player.He is a legend.But Barca must think of the future of what will happen to Barca without Messi.
Navyd
97
It will be the hardest day for Barcelona, there will be no replacement for this 👑 king. I hope they retire the No.10 Jersey, we should respect the guy he has given us alot. Not like how madrid gave Mariano the number 7.
Yebeimnp
89
if I am the president of Fc Barcelona than i will announce to keep no. 10 Jersey with tag Name on Jersey as LIONEL MESSI at museum in respect of Lionel Messi... no 1 could wear no. 10 because i am sure there will never be another Messi in this world... Amen [Cry][Cry][Cry]
jarvis333
76
Barca president should plan how to harness young talents from La Masia academy. Or else Barca style of play will be lost forever. In recent matches when Messi is off the field, it seems like I'm matching some other EPL team . Soon when Messi steps inside the ground I can feels that Barca style game play.
SekanderAli
74
I like Messi from the bottom of my heart. He is the best. im sure I'll cry on that day. football will not be funny for me like that without Messi. I'm praying that extend his time. Amd when he chooses to retire, he'll be in my heart forever...LONG LIVE LEO.
Bodmasbodmas
69
The sad 😞 day of my life will be that day when Messi retires. I may not continue watching football unless someone who brings more joy on football. The day is near. I want to see some young players who can be as close as Messi, I’m thankful that i was born in this generation to watch him play.My idol , my hero , I will miss you forever and ever. Thank you 🙏🏻 GOD BLESS YOU every one ☝️. BE GOOD DO GOOD.
whykallar
64
President Bartomeu you are the only Barca president that refuses to invest in our academy, what legacy are you talking about ?????? Instead of investing in our academy to continue our tradition, you buying players with different mentality, we need players coming out of our academy like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and the list goes on.
huaknuy
38
They should not worry at all, Messi has three sons whom they will obviously join Barca very soon
ow71222
11
that day will be the sadest day of my life[Cry][Cry][Cry]
I am a Madrid fan but still will burst into tears in such day as he brings magic in football. I love Madrid but do not have messi[Cry][Cry][Cry][Cry][Cry]