Lionel Messi future 'depends on new Barcelona president'

Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona will reportedly hinge on whom the Blaugrana appoint as their new president.

The Argentine's frosty relationship with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu was well-documented, with Messi handing in a transfer request over the summer before staying put amid a dispute over his release clause.

Bartomeu has since resigned from his post along with the entire board of directors, but the 57-year-old's departure may not be enough to keep Messi on the books in Catalonia.

According to Marca, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner does not want to make any decisions about his future until a new president assumes office, with Messi wanting key questions over the club's transfer policy and long-term plans answered before he plots his next move.

The report claims that the 33-year-old will see out the current season with Barcelona before coming to a decision, with Messi's contract at Camp Nou set to expire in under a year's time.

The Barcelona talisman came off the bench to net twice in a 5-2 victory over Real Betis at the weekend, ending a run of five La Liga games without a goal in doing so.