James Rodriguez to Juventus, Mauro Icardi to Real Madrid and more: LaLiga Transfer Roundup, 7 February 2019

Josep Maria Bartomeu says Barcelona are preparing for life without Messi

Josep Maria Bartomeu is preparing Barcelona for life after Messi

Lionel Messi has been in prime form once again and is scoring goals for fun for Barcelona. He has been, for the umpteenth time, their most important player so far this season and looks like he will continue to be for the next two years, in the very least.

However, Barcelona are not willing to let Messi's current form lull them into any sense of complacency. Speaking to Guillem Balague on the Football Daily Podcast (courtesy: Daily Mail), Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said,

'I know one day Lionel will say he's retiring,'

'We have to prepare the club for the future,'

'We are bringing great young players to the team because we need to continue this era of success. That's our responsibility.

'My mandate will be finished in two seasons. So I need to leave the club in a great position and tell the new president 'that's our legacy'.'