Ronald Koeman "concerned" about Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has admitted that he is "concerned" about Lionel Messi's contract situation.

The 34-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Argentina at the Copa America, became a free agent earlier this month when his deal with Barcelona expired.

The Catalan outfit's deep financial problems mean that they have thus far been unable to announce a new contract for Messi, who actively attempted to leave Camp Nou last summer.

Koeman has said that he is "concerned" by the matter but has "full confidence" that the club's president Joan Laporta will resolve the problem in the near future.

"Whenever an issue isn't resolved, you have to be concerned," Koeman told Marca. "But I have full confidence in our president to fix this issue; it's very important for the club, but also for La Liga, that the best player in the world remains and we all have to make an effort to ensure he continues with us."

Messi, who has been linked with both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, scored 38 goals and registered 14 assists in 47 appearances for Barcelona during the 2020-21 campaign.