Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed that he and his team-mates have told coach Pep Guardiola they want him to sign a new deal.
Guardiola’s current contract expires at the end of the season and the former Spain international has yet to give any indication as to whether he will sign an extension.
Messi, though, remains optimistic that the Barcelona boss will soon commit his future to the club as he retains the full support of the Catalans’ squad.
“He knows what we think and he will make the decision when he sees fit,” the Argentina international told Spanish television after scoring four goals in Barcelona’s 5-1 thrashing of Valencia on Sunday.
“We want him to continue. He means a lot to us and to this club.”
Messi, who was playing his 200th La Liga match for Barcelona, resisted the opportunity to bite back at those who have questioned his form of late after taking his season tally to 27 goals from 23 matches.
“There is always a time of year it is said (that he’s playing poorly),” he said.
“(But) I have the confidence of my colleagues, of the coach and people of Barcelona – and that is what matters to me and makes me feel happy.”
Messi, who made his debut for the club in October 2004, has now scored 146 La Liga goals for Barcelona.
