Messi to end his career at Camp Nou, says Barcelona boss Setien

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona future is not under threat due to behind-the-scenes ructions at Camp Nou, says head coach Quique Setien.

Messi himself has come into conflict with Barca hierarchy over recent months, publicly attacking sporting director Eric Abidal for criticising the squad in the aftermath of Setien’s predecessor Ernesto Valverde being sacked.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was also displeased at the lack of protection from the board for his team-mates as wage reductions were negotiated in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Links to Manchester City and Inter have been reprised as a result, although Setien is confident his star man and captain will remain.

“These are normal things at big clubs,” he told TV3. “Perhaps the sad thing is that these crises are transmitted to the media.

“It would be better to work in a quieter environment but things are like that.

“I don’t think what happened has made a player like Messi rethink whether or not to [stay with] the club. I am sure he will finish his career at Camp Nou.”