Messi fully ‘engaged’ at Barcelona despite exit talk as Koeman looks to manage 33-year-old’s workload

The Blaugrana boss is aware that he needs to handle the six-time Ballon d’Or winner with care and has been impressed with the Argentine’s attitude

Lionel Messi remains fully “engaged” at Barcelona despite the speculation surrounding his future, says Ronald Koeman, with the Liga giants looking to keep their captain happy and firing on all cylinders.

As things stand, the talismanic presence at Camp Nou will hit free agency in the summer of 2021.

He will be able to discuss pre-contract terms with any suitors from January, with the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain said to be heading that queue.