“In two years, I’m leaving, and you’ll be alone, you’ll take my place.” - Messi told Neymar in a telephone conversation.

According to express.co.uk reporter Mikael MicKenzie, Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has told former teammate Neymar that he will leave Barcelona at the end of next season.

Messi and Barcelona did all what they can to sign back the Paris Saint-Germain forward to the the Catalan side.

MicKenzie reported that, according to France Football, the forward begged Neymar to comeback and help the Catalans win the Champions League after falling to Liverpool in last season's semi-finals.

“Only together can we win the Champions League. I want you to come back,” Messi reportedly said in a phone call to the Brazilian.

“In two years, I’m leaving, and you’ll be alone, you’ll take my place.”

The two superstars alongside Suarez formed a fearsome front three, scored a lot of goals and won many trophies including the UEFA Champions League in 2015.

By the end of the 2020/21 campaign Messi will by 34 years old and probably not ready for retirement.

That means a host of top clubs could be vying for his signature - including his former youth team Newell’s Old Boys.