Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu wants new Lionel Messi deal

Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu has acknowledged that he is keen for Lionel Messi to sign a new contract.

With the club legend only having 18 months left on his existing deal, speculation persists regarding the future of the Argentina international.

However, Bartomeu says that he has no concerns about the 32-year-old, whom he feels will remain at Camp Nou for the rest of his career.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Bartomeu said: "I would like Messi to sign one more contract. He still has a long way to go before retiring.

"He has no problem with staying at Barcelona. I have no doubt that he will play here until he retires.

"He said that we'll talk when the seasons go by. It'll be over when he wants to. For his quality and for being a reference, I hope I can get Messi to sign a new contract."

Messi netted the 35th La Liga hat-trick of his career on Saturday night as Barcelona recorded a 5-2 victory over Mallorca.