Gerardo Martino: 'Lionel Messi will retire at Barcelona'

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino believes that Lionel Messi will retire at the Spanish outfit.

The Argentine has been criticised in recent weeks following Barcelona's elimination from the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid.

As a result, rumours have surfaced that the attacker is open to a move away from Catalonia.

However, Martino has said that the former Ballon d'Or winner will retire at the Camp Nou.

"When we talk about the future of Messi, myself and about 99% of people in the world of football, aren't surprised there's always talk about his future, but it's a running commentary that isn't worth fretting about," Inside Spanish Football quotes Martino as saying.

"I believe his future will be at Barca, right until the day he retires."

Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in La Liga tomorrow evening.