Barcelona are on edge with regards to Lionel Messi, not least because of the imminent resumption of competition but also because of the difficulties in maintaining the Argentine’s physical fitness and the small matter of the contract renewal which he has as yet shown no interest in signing.Messi is working in training to preserve the condition of the quadriceps muscle in his right leg, working separately from the group at times to look at preventative measures to stop an ailment occurring once football begins in earnest.However, this will not stop him from being the first name on the teamsheet against Real Mallorca on Saturday, and his intention is to continue playing for Barcelona in 2019/20.Beyond that is anyone’s guess, although further negotiations are due to start between the two camps in the coming days, ones which in an ideal world for all see Messi committing his future to the Catalan club.On the pitch he has other challenges: win the Champions League, win LaLiga Santander and finish as the top scorer.
