Barcelona chief: 'Lionel Messi can leave when he wants'

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner has revealed that Lionel Messi has the option to leave Camp Nou at a time of his choosing.

The forward has spent his entire professional career with the Catalan giants, and there is talk of a career-length contract being offered to the 32-year-old.

According to Cardoner, however, the Argentina international is currently in control of his own future due to a clause in his existing deal.

Cardoner is quoted by Marca as saying: "He can enter and leave the club when he sees fit. We are calm and there is a lot of positivity, especially in the dressing room.

"Leo will do what he thinks is fit, but Leo's contract is very special because he is who he is. It's a concession made to him and other players who deserve it."

There has previously been speculation regarding a future stint with Argentine outfit Newell's Old Boys.