Lionel Messi has changed since taking over as Barcelona captain, claims club president Josep Maria Bartomeu
- Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi took over as the club captain this season
- The Argentina star has led his side to four straight wins so far in La Liga
- Barcelona face PSV at the Nou Camp in the Champions League on Tuesday
- Ahead of the game Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu has praised Messi
Lionel Messi has changed since assuming the responsibility of being Barcelona captain, the club’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu has claimed.
Messi was appointed skipper this season following the departure of long-serving midfielder Andres Iniesta.
The Argentine has led Barcelona to four straight wins in La Liga so far this season and, ahead of their first Champions League clash of the campaign, Bartomeu has been singing the praises of his new skipper.
Lionel Messi has changed since becoming Barcelona captain, claims Josep Maria Bartomeu
‘He has decided to take on the captaincy and assume that responsibility,’ claimed Bartomeu
‘Messi is very happy here. He is delighted and excited about continuing to triumph at Barcelona,’ he told Onda Cero on Monday.
‘Messi has made a change, he has decided to take on the captaincy and assume that responsibility in the team.’
Barcelona welcome Dutch side PSV to the Nou Camp on Tuesday evening as they look to begin their Champions League campaign in style.
But the Catalan giants could soon be playing further afield than Europe, with Barca set to face Girona in the United States next year.
Messi and his team-mates train ahead of their Champions League clash with Dutch side PSV
And Bartomeu has welcomed the controversial development.
‘La Liga proposed that we play a match abroad and it seemed a good idea. We have the obligation to promote the league,’ he said.
‘You have to get closer to the fans and find new streams of income. Playing a match abroad would help us.
‘If it can be played, we’ll do it. The club captains have been informed.’
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