Van Bronckhorst Says He ‘Can’t Imagine’ Barcelona Without Messi

Former Barcelona defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst has said he hopes Lionel Messi remains at the club for the rest of his career, amid growing speculation over the Argentine’s future.

Reports suggested Messi had become frustrated with Barcelona’s recent struggles and had halted negotiations over a new contract, with his existing deal due to expire in 2021.

Van Bronckhorst, who later moved into coaching, said he would like to see Messi finish his career at the Camp Nou.

“I would love to see him be part of Barcelona for his whole career,” he told AFP.

“He’s one of the few players to stay his whole career at the same club. I admire him as a person and a player and hopefully he will stay there.”

Van Bronckhorst joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2003 and won the Champions League with the club in 2006, when Messi was still emerging as one of Europe’s most promising young players.

“I’ve known him since he was 16 and now he’s 33,” the Dutchman said.

He praised Messi’s development both on and off the pitch and stressed that the forward was capable of deciding his own future.

“He will decide himself, but I can’t imagine a Barcelona without him,” Van Bronckhorst said.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu had also insisted the club wanted Messi to stay, describing him as the best player in the club’s history.

Speculation over Messi’s future came during a turbulent period at Barcelona, with the forward having publicly disagreed with members of the club’s hierarchy on several occasions.

He had previously questioned the team’s ability to challenge for the Champions League and criticised sporting director Eric Abidal following comments about the dismissal of former coach Ernesto Valverde.

Messi was also involved in discussions between the squad and the club over salary reductions during the coronavirus pandemic.