FC Barcelona

Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati has said it is "a dream come true" to become the youngest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.

Fati scored an 86th-minute winner at the San Siro in Barca's 2-1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday to set a new benchmark in the tournament's history:

17y 40d - Ansu Fati has become the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history, scoring for Barcelona tonight aged just 17 years and 40 days. Whippersnapper. #UCL #INTBAR pic.twitter.com/z8TRAsr9Z9

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 10, 2019

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1204522885500620801

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204518994729951232

His goal also sent Inter out of the competition after Romelu Lukaku had cancelled out Carles Perez's opener.

It was only Fati's third appearance in Europe's elite competition, and he said after the match he is eager to take every opportunity he gets, per Marca:

"They just told me [about the record], I'm very happy for the goal and for the team with the win. You think, 'what have I just done?' I'm very happy. It's a dream come true. I always say it, everything is happening so quickly. I have to keep working and keep learning from the best, I'm very grateful for every opportunity I get."

Barca manager Ernesto Valverde played a weakened side against Inter because the Blaugrana had already secured top spot in Group F.

Frenkie de Jong, Luis Suarez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Sergio Busquets all started on the bench in Milan, while Lionel Messi was not even in the squad.

Barca are leading La Liga on goal difference to Real Madrid:

1st — @FCBarcelona (34pts)
2nd — @realmadriden (34pts)

With 10 days until #ElClásico, it couldn't be closer at the top of #LaLigaSantander! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/5JsnN2sycV

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 8, 2019

They visit Real Sociedad on Saturday before the first El Clasico of the season against Los Blancos at the Camp Nou next Wednesday.

The fact a number of Barca's key players, most notably Messi, were given a rest for the trip to Inter could give them an edge as they aim to reach the winter break still top of the table.

Barcelona's home clash against Alaves on December 21 is their last match of 2019. They kick off 2020 with a derby clash away at Espanyol on January 4. 

Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela has an offer from Barcelona, according to Mexico team-mate Jonathan dos Santos. 

Dos Santos, who came through the ranks at Barcelona as a youngster and was at the club between 2002 and 2014, was asked about his Mexican compatriot on W Radio (h/t Goal's James Westwood). He said:

"As I am now on vacation; I have not had much contact with him.

"But it is true, he has that offer on the table [from Barcelona]. I don't know what he's going to do.

"He's very happy in Los Angeles, he had a spectacular season, but Barca looking for you is a very nice opportunity.

"I'm happy for him. As a Mexican, I hope this possibility can be given."

Vela said he almost joined Barcelona on loan last January and would be keen on heading there:

Carlos Vela says he was close to a loan move to Barcelona last winter, and made it clear he would jump at the chance to join the Spanish giants 👇 pic.twitter.com/m2GUjPy7Um

— GOAL (@goal) August 28, 2019

If Barca were interested in him at the start of 2019, his incredible year with LAFC will have done him no harm.

In 36 appearances, Vela produced 38 goals and 12 assists for his side.

Of those goals, 34 were in Major League Soccer as he set a new record for most regular-season strikes:

Count it up, count it up, count it up, count it!

All 34 goals from @11carlosV's record-breaking season. 👑 pic.twitter.com/Yay6QmMjKQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 7, 2019

Former United States international Alexi Lalas thinks highly of the 30-year-old:

Is Carlos Vela a Top-20 player in the world? 🤔@AlexiLalas makes his case for the new @MLS single-season scoring record holder. pic.twitter.com/DMTxdSZcVV

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 18, 2019

The Catalan giants aren't exactly struggling for goals this season, though, with attacking options including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona have netted 41 goals in 15 La Liga matches this season, nine more than nearest competitors Real Madrid.

Vela's arrival would give manager Ernesto Valverde more scope to rest 32-year-old Messi and keep him fresh for their most important games, as the Mexico international also predominantly plays on the right.

It's unlikely he'd be as prolific as he has been in MLS for Barca, though. The forward has evidently taken advantage of the lower standard of defending in that league, as in 250 games for Real Sociedad he scored less frequently, returning 73 goals in that time.

Barcelona remain undefeated at the end of Group F qualifying in the 2019 UEFA Champions League, as they defeated Inter Milan 2-1 on Tuesday at the San Siro.

The loss sees the Italians crash out of the competition after Borussia Dortmund beat Slavia Prague 2-1, claiming the second qualification spot.

Carles Perez gave Barcelona a 23rd-minute lead after Inter's Romelu Lukaku had a goal ruled out for offside in the opening moments.

The San Siro was on its feet a minute before half-time when Lukaku smashed his deflected effort into the bottom corner, with Antonio Conte elated in the technical area.

Inter hearts were broken by Barca substitute Ansu Fati. The 17-year-old became the youngest player to score in the Champions League with just four minutes on the clock.

Barca and Dortmund leave Inter behind 👋 pic.twitter.com/NTNeK7f8x8

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 10, 2019

The Blaugrana failed to read the script during the first half in Italy, and despite changes to their starting line-up, Ernesto Valverde's side took the lead.

An early burst saw Lukaku beat Barca goalkeeper Neto after seven minutes, but the Belgian was frustrated by the offside flag.

The visitors responded by delivering an irresistible passage of play, and despite missing Lionel Messi, Barca grabbed an advantage. Arturo Vidal assisted Perez in the box and the 21-year-old fired home to break the deadlock.

Inter knew before the game this was a contest they could not afford to lose, and Conte's team went hunting for an equaliser. Lautaro Martinez watched his effort saved by Neto, and Borja Valero missed the target when he should have scored before the interval.

The Italians were back in the game just before half-time as their strikers punished the Barca defence.

Martinez successfully held the ball up before laying it off for Lukaku, and the former Manchester United No. 9 fired from the edge of the box past Neto.

OptaJoe highlighted the striker's contribution:

2 - Romelu Lukaku has scored in back-to-back Champions League games for the first time since his first two appearances in the competition, for Man Utd back in September 2017. Levelled. #INTBAR #UCL pic.twitter.com/YfnWWEGTaB

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 10, 2019

The second half witnessed news of Dortmund's 2-1 lead against Slavia Prague filter around the San Siro, meaning Inter certainly needed the victory against the Catalan giants in order to qualify for the knockouts.

The two sides played out an open affair, with frantic passages seeing each team attack with numbers. Inter rampaged forward as Martinez and Lukaku missed chances, and the Serie A team pressed high up the pitch.

Martinez found the back of the net with 18 minutes remaining, but once again an offside call denied Inter the precious goal they desired. The Argentina international had the ball in the net again after 79 minutes, but this time Lukaku was given offside as he became active before the strike.

The San Siro was a cauldron of noise in the closing stages, and Inter's all-out attack left plenty of space behind for Barca to expose. Perez should have completed his brace, but missed his opportunity, and Inter were relentless as they battled to survive in the tournament.

Luis Suarez came on as a late sub for the visitors, and the Uruguayan was influential in the final minutes when Fati netted.

Suarez set up the prodigy for his winner, and Inter didn't have enough time to score the two goals they required to qualify.

Conte's men drop into the UEFA Europa League after finishing third in the group.

               

What's Next

Barcelona are in La Liga action on Saturday when they visit Real Sociedad, and Inter travel to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday. The Champions League resumes on Feb. 18 with the round of 16.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde continued the club's charm offensive towards Lautaro Martinez ahead of the clash between the Blaugrana and Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. 

Per Sacha Pisani of Goal, the Catalans have been strongly linked with the 22-year-old, and Valverde was asked about Martinez during a press conference. He spoke highly of the forward:

"He is a great player, and he's having a great season. He is quick and strong.

"He scored a great goal in the first game at the Camp Nou. I know he is comfortable with [Romelu] Lukaku, they've found the right mechanism to help Inter.

"As for Lautaro being similar to Luis Suarez, they are a little different but both are born goalscorers.

"But Inter have so many good players, Lautaro, Lukaku, [Milan] Skriniar…"

Last month, club director Eric Abidal also praised the youngster in an interview with Mundo Deportivo (h/t Football Italia) and said the Catalans are "aware" of him. Martinez's agent Alberto Yaque previously told Ole (h/t Pisani) Barcelona are interested in his client.

Martinez has been among Europe's top breakout performers this season, making Inter fans forget all about Mauro Icardi, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

The Argentina international has been on a tear of late:

Lautaro Martinez - simply unstoppable in recent months:

vs Sampdoria 🅰️
vs Barcelona ⚽️
vs Juventus ⚽️
vs Sassuolo ⚽️⚽️
vs BVB ⚽️
vs Parma ❌
vs Brescia ⚽️
vs Bologna 🅰️
vs BVB ⚽️
vs Verona ❌
vs Torino ⚽️
vs Slavia ⚽️⚽️
vs SPAL ⚽️⚽️

One of the best strikers in the world. pic.twitter.com/P9boEN6Z2K

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) December 1, 2019

He has formed a tremendous partnership with summer arrival Romelu Lukaku, and has reserved his best play for the biggest stage. In the Champions League, he has bagged five goals in five matches, including a brace away to Slavia Prague. He also scored at the Camp Nou.

BBC Sport's John Bennett thinks even more people should be talking about Martinez:

Why aren’t more people raving about Lautaro Martinez?!

He’s having a superb season... One of THE in form players in the “big 5” European leagues.

— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) December 1, 2019

An all-action forward who impresses with his work rate and movement, Martinez has some similarities to Luis Suarez. Like the Barcelona star, he contributes a lot more than just goals, and he could be an excellent long-term replacement for the Uruguayan.

Inter are in a position to advance from the difficult Group F, but they will have to match Borussia Dortmund's result on the final matchday. Fortunately for the Nerazzurri, Barcelona have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners, and are likely to rest some stars, with crucial matches against Real Sociedad and Real Madrid on the schedule.

Valverde has already confirmed Lionel Messi will sit this match out, which is a major bonus for Inter. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is coming off a phenomenal hat-trick against Mallorca and has already scored 12 La Liga goals in just 10 outings.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said he is not expecting any players to leave in January despite rumours of potential departures.

Ivan Rakitic has been linked with a move away because of his reduced game time so far in 2019-20. Juventus and Manchester United are both said to be interested in the Croat, according to Marca's M. Carmen Torres. 

Meanwhile, Marca (h/t the Daily Mail's James Ayles) also linked Inter Milan with a winter move for Arturo Vidal. 

However, Bartomeu has now said Barca cannot afford to lose any players in the new year, per La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia):

"We are not expecting any movement in January. We have a balanced squad; we don't miss anything, but we can't afford to lose anyone. It has happened several times to me already [a player showing a desire to be transferred]. Never in January, but at the end of the season. In some cases, we let them go. Other times, we convince them to stay."

Rakitic, 31, looked destined for the exit door midway through last month after making just one start in La Liga.

Since, though, he has started three consecutive matches against Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Mallorca, and he has been impressive:

Rakitic gets so much crap in the weird Twitter bubble yet he comes back into the Barça team and they start to play better.

Barça fans who actually go to the games seem to like him, strangely...

— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) December 7, 2019

Vidal, meanwhile, has found his game time similarly restricted this term following the arrival of Frenkie de Jong and rise in prominence of Arthur.

It is no surprise Barcelona seem loath to lose him in January, though.

Manager Ernesto Valverde will need to use the full expanse of his squad in the second half of the season if Barca are to compete for silverware on multiple fronts.

Vidal, 32, is the perfect kind of player to be able to call upon on big occasions late in the season because he is immensely experienced and has won league titles in four different countries:

The man for the big moments. 👑

Arturo Vidal has scored a goal every 86 minutes this season! 🇨🇱⚽️ #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/VjIanxewgF

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 23, 2019

One other central midfielder who has been linked with a temporary Barca departure in January is Carles Alena.

Vidal and Rakitic have been underused this term, but both have almost 400 La Liga minutes under their belts in 2019-20. 

Alena, 21, has been afforded just 64, and academy director Patrick Kluivert said in November the Spaniard could benefit from a loan period away from the Camp Nou.   

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic thinks the club is the "perfect place" for him amid recent speculation regarding a transfer.

The Croatia international has struggled to cement his position in the side this season and has been linked with a possible departure as a result. However, Rakitic has started the last three games for the Blaugrana and impressed at the hub of the team.

After shining in the 5-2 win over Real Mallorca on Saturday, Rakitic was asked about whether he thinks he has a future at the club, per Liam Blackburn of Goal:

"Lots of things have happened in the last few months. Sometimes, things happen that you can't understand, but you have to accept it. It's happened to me. No one gives you anything.

"I want to give my all and if I can play here then I've always said that there's no better place than Barcelona to keep winning trophies, it's the perfect place for me. I want to enjoy myself and try to help the team improve. I'm giving my best and if it can be like it has been in the last few games then that's even better."

The playmaker said recently that he is considering a possible January move, having only started three La Liga games this season. Per Blackburn, Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus have both been linked with a possible move for Rakitic.

Barcelona were far too good for their opponents on the night, with a Lionel Messi hat-trick, a Luis Suarez wondergoal and a fine finish from Antoine Griezmann helping them move back to the summit of La Liga:

Rakitic set up Messi's second goal on the night and kept things ticking over in central midfield for the Blaugrana.

Given the way Barcelona have played with him in the side, it would be harsh to drop Rakitic for some important matches coming up. Spanish football writer Andy West thinks the 31-year-old should have been back into the side sooner:

The way Ivan Rakitic has played since being brought back into the team makes you think maybe he shouldn't have been frozen out for the first three months of the season...

— Andy West (@andywest01) December 7, 2019

European football writer Lee Roden thinks the midfielder gets a lot of unfair criticism:

Rakitic gets so much crap in the weird Twitter bubble yet he comes back into the Barça team and they start to play better.

Barça fans who actually go to the games seem to like him, strangely...

— Lee Roden (@LeeRoden89) December 7, 2019

Since moving to Barcelona from Sevilla in 2014, Rakitic has enjoyed success aplenty, helping the team win the UEFA Champions League and four La Liga titles.

His importance to the team appeared to dwindle at the start of the season, though, with summer signing Frenkie de Jong often preferred to the former Schalke man in midfield. But Rakitic has shown in recent encounters he can be a useful player still.

Barcelona have some challenging matches coming up, with trips to Inter Milan and Real Sociedad followed by a Clasico showdown with Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. A player of Rakitic's pedigree should have a role to play in those fixtures.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona hammered their way to a 5-2 win over Mallorca at the Camp Nou on Saturday, when the Blaugrana reclaimed the lead in La Liga from Real Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann scored an impressive opener for the hosts, but Messi soon took the spotlight with a brace before half-time, followed shortly by a back-heeled Goal of the Season contender from Luis Suarez.

Ante Budimir scored both goals for Mallorca, but his side couldn't come up with a result at the Camp Nou, where Messi capped off a successful week with his second hat-trick of the campaign:

Messi scores his 35th La Liga hat-trick

A league record 🐐 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/iRdbXDMe5m

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 7, 2019

Ernesto Valverde's side are unbeaten in seven games and have won their last six across all competitions. 

Messi—who has scored five goals in his past three games—was presented with the Ballon d'Or in front of his home fans before kick-off, having clinched a record sixth gong in Paris on Monday:

🤩 Best in #LaLigaSantander.
🌎 Best in the world.
🐐 Best ever?

Leo Messi presented the Ballon d'Or to the Camp Nou ahead of #BarçaRCDMallorca. 🏆

💙 @FCBarcelona ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZcyQxdTwEp

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 7, 2019

Griezmann got lost somewhat in the Ballon d'Or chatter after a slow start to life in Catalonia, but he latched on to an opportunistic Marc-Andre ter Stegen lob through to break the deadlock.

The Frenchman caught Mallorca's defence on the break and raced through to chip over goalkeeper Manolo Reina, while Ter Stegen celebrated his second assist of the season, per football writer Michael Yokhin:

Ter Stegen with his second assist this season.
Only Messi, Griezmann and Arthur have provided more assists for Barcelona.

— Michael Yokhin (@Yokhin) December 7, 2019

Messi's first goal of the night was a thing of beauty, and although Griezmann collected an assist in its build-up, the Argentinian's left-footed finish was a work of individual grace, via Premier Sports (UK viewers only):

😱 Messi with his weekly screamer!

⚽ 2-0 to Barca and Mallorca could be in for a long, long night pic.twitter.com/1GIqdUBPjY

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 7, 2019

Budimir got the benefit of a Clement Lenglet deflection to halve the deficit on 35 minutes, with his effort skipping off the defender and up over Ter Stegen's stretching frame.

The one-goal gap didn't last long, however, as Messi again received too much freedom on his left foot and wrapped a second strike inside Reina's left post.

The best of the bunch was to come, though, when Suarez sealed a tight passage of passing play on the edge of Mallorca's box by back-heeling over the keeper with wizard-like aplomb (UK only):

🤤 Oh my word, Luis Suarez!

🔥 Barca are RAMPANT!

🐐 It's 4-1 at HT as Leo Messi goal also got his second and Barca's third pic.twitter.com/gTxk2C6TmE

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 7, 2019

Budimir finished again in the 64th minute to mark a memorable outing for him, but Messi again stole centre stage after completing his hat-trick in almost expected fashion.

Sergi Roberto made good progress down the right side and put the ball into the feet of Suarez, who laid it back for Messi to slam home a landmark finish:

Lionel. Messi.

Hat-trick number 5️⃣3️⃣ in all competitions for the GOAT. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8v8NkpnGY5

— GOAL (@goal) December 7, 2019

His 35th treble in La Liga takes him clear of former Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo:

35 - @FCBarcelona's Lionel Messi has become the player with the most hat-tricks in @LaLigaEN history (35), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (34). Excellence. pic.twitter.com/WUFU9Ck241

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 7, 2019

Roberto deserved special praise for his constant presence down Mallorca's right flank, while Budimir will have earned some deserved attention with a brace at the Camp Nou. 

However, Messi claimed the night as his own to celebrate the end of a historic week for the Barcelona talisman, who continues to play the role of guide in their La Liga title defence.

             

What's Next?

Barcelona travel to Inter Milan on Tuesday already assured of a first-place finish in UEFA Champions League Group F, with the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid set for December 18. Mallorca travel to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

             

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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Real Betis defender Emerson has said he expects to eventually join Barcelona and has confirmed the Spanish champions can sign him due to a clause in his contract. 

The promising right-back recently made his debut for Brazil after impressing for Betis in La Liga.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Marca), Emerson said he believes he will soon end up at the Nou Camp to play alongside Lionel Messi, with Barca holding an option that could trigger his departure from Seville:

"In my head I'm clear that I will go to Barcelona and that I will play to win the Champions League.

"Barcelona often tell my agent that I'm doing well, so it might be soon.

"Yes, there is a clause. If I go to Barcelona, they must pay a fee. I don't know how much it is, but it's a dream to play with Lionel Messi, the best in the world."

The player arrived in Spain from Brazilian team Atletico Mineiro 11 months ago during the January transfer window, with Barca reported to have paid a share of his €12 million transfer fee. The Blaugrana reportedly can sign Emerson for €6 million, with Betis retaining a cut of any future sale.

Emerson is a modern wing-back who can feature in both defence and midfield, making him perfect for Barca's preferred tactics.

The player added Barca director of football and former defender Eric Abidal had passed on positional advice to him.

"He told me that versatility can be good," Emerson said. "He said that Barcelona players put this into practice already with Sergi Roberto and other players of that style."

The burgeoning star has started 12 games for El Glorioso this term and has scored twice while also providing three assists.

Betis are experiencing a turbulent campaign in 13th place, but Emerson has been one of the team's most consistent performers.

The Andalusian club recently earned back-to-back La Liga victories over Valencia and Mallorca but had collected just one win in their last seven before the upturn in results.

Barca are locked with Real Madrid on 31 points at the top of La Liga, and the champions will have the opportunity to strengthen their squad during the forthcoming transfer window in the new year.

Ronald Koeman has said he would not rule out managing Barcelona in the future, but he added he was "uncomfortable" talking about the prospect given he is already in a job.

The 56-year-old is manager of the Netherlands national team. He succeeded Dick Advocaat in 2018 and has a contract until the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup:

OFFICIAL: Ronald Koeman has been appointed the new Netherlands manager pic.twitter.com/S914L5N5sB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 6, 2018

Barca, meanwhile, have Ernesto Valverde at the helm, a man who has overseen back-to-back league title victories in his two campaigns in charge.

Despite his successes, though, Valverde has never been entirely comfortable in his post, not least due to consecutive humiliating exits in the UEFA Champions League to Roma and Liverpool:

I know no one wants to be "that guy," but Ernesto Valverde is quite simply not good enough. the way he sets Barcelona up, particularly away from home, is quite simply abysmal.

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) November 2, 2019

2018: Barcelona blow a 4-1 lead to Roma

2019: Barcelona blow a 3-0 lead to Liverpool

☠️ pic.twitter.com/Y6Q3VWXtSy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 7, 2019

Koeman has often been touted as a potential successor for the Spaniard should he be sacked by Barca.

Per Marca (h/t Colin Millar of Football Espana), when asked about the possibility of taking the Barcelona job, Koeman said:

"I have two more years of contract with the national team and I don't like to talk about Barca. It's uncomfortable for many reasons, now I have a job and it's not fair to talk about this. If that opportunity comes then it comes and if it doesn't come, it doesn't come. There are more important things in life, but never say never."

Koeman fits the mould of recent Barcelona managers.

Like Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova, Luis Enrique and Valverde, he is a former Barcelona player.

He also has a strong Ajax connection like Frank Rijkaard, Louis van Gaal, and most significantly, Johan Cruyff.

Koeman has revived the Dutch national team since he took over as manager.

Advocaat resigned after failing to lead the Netherlands to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Koeman has since guided his side to the final of the UEFA Nations League out of a group that also included France and Germany, and he's overseen qualification to UEFA Euro 2020.   

Barcelona's Luis Suarez believes Lionel Messi's comments about his potential retirement on receiving his sixth Ballon d'Or have been "misinterpreted." 

The Argentinian superstar won the prestigious gong for a record sixth time at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, and in his acceptance speech he said "the moment of withdrawal is approaching."

Messi cooked up something magical in 2019 🧙 pic.twitter.com/UEUrFiARn4

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 2, 2019

For many, it was an admission that Messi's playing days could soon come to an end. 

However, Suarez has said his Blaugrana team-mate still has plenty left to give, per beIN Sports (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic):

"[Messi] amazes me because he is a one-off and is making history. As a friend and team-mate, [the Ballon d'Or] makes me happy and proud because it's a beautiful moment for him.

"[His comments] were misinterpreted. When someone wins a Ballon d'Or they are happy but also nervous. Leo is a human being and gets nervous like the rest of us. He wanted to say he might have to contend with retiring in a couple of years. It was misunderstood, but I'm sure Leo Messi will continue for a long while yet."

Messi turned 32 in June, but he has displayed no signs recently that he is slowing down.

The intelligence he has gained over more than a decade playing at the peak of his powers—he won his first Ballon d'Or in 2009—have given him experience to make up for any pace he may have lost.

His return of 36 goals in La Liga in 2018-19 won him a record sixth European Golden Shoe award, and he already has nine in nine Spanish top-flight appearances this term despite missing the start of the campaign due to a foot injury.

Lionel Messi in 2019:

—10th Spanish league title
—A record-sixth European Golden Shoe
—Pichichi number six
—FIFA's The Best award
—First player to win six Ballons d'Or

🐐 pic.twitter.com/aHohjmbZr8

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 3, 2019

The Argentina international cannot carry on forever, but unlike his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who is nearly 35, his numbers remain as good as they were when he was in his mid-20s.

As well as his goals, Messi provided 13 assists in La Liga last term for a combined contribution of 49 goals, exactly the same as his return in 2010-11 (31 goals, 18 assists).

Messi's current contract at Camp Nou runs to the end of the 2020-21 season. 

Given how brilliant he continues to be, it would be a surprise were he to decide to call it a day when that deal expires instead of continuing on.