Lionel Messi is ‘a part Barcelona’s badge’ according to Ivan Rakitic, who is hopeful the Argentine commits to a new contract at Camp Nou.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract at the Blaugrana expires in June and despite reports of a new deal being agreed, nothing official has been confirmed by the club.
“Messi is a part of our club’s badge and I am confident he will stay,” Rakitic told reporters on Tuesday.
“He is a very important player of course but he is much more than that if you look at his career and what he has done for the club.
“I cannot say for certain if he will stay or not as it is his decision and you must respect that, he has earned that right.
“All the fans want to see confirmation: a picture, a handshake, just like I do. I want to be playing with Leo for another three, four or five years.
“We all enjoy playing with him but from what we have been told, things are going well between the president and Leo.”
