Bartomeu: Messi already playing under new contract

However, Bartomeu said Iniesta is set to stay, adding: "The agreement with Iniesta will be special, it will be different just because it is him. I won't reveal exactly what because it is part of private negotiations, but with Ramon Sostres, we have been talking for a long time.

He added: "Iniesta isn't just a reference point for us, but also for the young supporters, he has earned the right to play here until he decides not to any more, Andres is critical to this club and the intention is that this extension will be an indefinite contract so that he can finish whenever he desires."

Barca – already four points clear of defending champions Real Madrid – are away to Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.