We must take care of Messi: Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has said that Lionel Messi will be offered an adjustment to his contract.

Bartomeu insisted that the Argentine deserved an improved contract, according to BBC.

The 26-year-old superstar’s current contract runs until 2018.

However, the Barca president was coy about commenting on manager Gerardo Martino’s future at the club.

Messi, the record goal scorer for Barcelona, struggled for form in a number of key matches.

The Catalan side crashed out of Champions League, followed by a painful loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final of Copa del Rey.

Barcelona run the risk of ending the season without major silverware after six years as they are third in La Liga standings.

"We are being unfair to Leo (Messi)…Our club members need to understand that we must take care of Messi." Bartomeu told Esport3 television channel ahead of Sunday's league match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

"He has made such an important contribution to this club and he will continue to do so. That's why we have no doubt that he will lead the future of the club.

“He is young, he is the best player in the world, and we believe in him," he was quoted as saying by the BBC.

He also said the squad would undergo an overhaul in the summer, if Barcelona can have Fifa list a transfer ban imposed earlier this month for violations in their signing of young players.