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Josep Maria Bartomeu remains optimistic that Lionel Messi will see out his career at Barcelona, despite recent reports that the superstar forward is looking to leave.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reiterated that he has "no doubt" Lionel Messi will extend his contract at Camp Nou.

The Argentina international's future has been called into question in recent months amid concerns over the direction the club are heading.

Messi's existing deal expires at the end of the next season and, according to reports in Spain, he does not intend to agree fresh terms at this point.

However, Bartomeu remains optimistic that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner - who has spent his entire career in Catalonia - will still be a Barcelona player beyond next year.

"Messi has said many times that he wants to retire here and I have no doubt he will renew," he told Mundo Deportivo.

Inter Milan have been tipped to make an audacious move for Messi but, speaking on Sunday, Antonio Conte labelled the rumours "fantasy football".

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