Josep Maria Bartomeu has said it's his obligation to renew Lionel Messi's contract with Barcelona before his mandate expires next summer.

Messi's contract expires in 2021 and he reportedly is interested in leaving the club at that time. 

Bartomeu expressed his belief that Messi will remain at Barca for many more years.

"It's true he [only] has a contract until June 2021," Bartomeu told RAC1 on Tuesday. "We don't like to explain [contractual] situations usually but it's obvious that we're obliged to renew Messi's deal.

"He's the best player ever. He's got many years of football left ahead of him. Leo has said many times that he wants to retire at Barcelona -- and I don't have any doubt that he will. And not with me, but with another president."