Lionel Messi: We will overcome Pep Guardiola departure

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has said that the club will overcome the loss of outgoing manager Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard, who led the club to 14 trophies in four seasons in charge, announced in April that he would step down from his position at the end of the current campaign. However, Messi insists that the club will be able to adapt under new boss Tito Vilanova.

"I never thought about switching clubs," he told Expansion. "I am not leaving.

"We will overcome Guardiola's exit. Tito is different, but we will adapt and we hope that the results will be similar. I do not think that our work will change much."

Meanwhile, Messi has admitted that Guardiola's decision shocked him.