Barça coach Koeman: Messi is a 10 as a person and as a professional
The Dutchman hopes Messi has not played his last game for Barcelona
Ronald Koeman says Barcelona's future is brighter with Lionel Messi than without him amid fears the forward could have played his last game for the club.
Messi, 33, is out of contract in June and will not travel for this weekend's final game of the season against Eibar in La Liga.
If he doesn't extend his deal, therefore, last Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo at Camp Nou will be his last in a Barcelona shirt after 20 years at the club.
"I hope Messi stays here for many more years," Koeman said in a press conference on Friday.
"Once again this season, he's shown that he's unique. He's scored 30 goals and has been fantastic for the team. For me, as a person, as a professional, he's been a 10... so I hope he stays here.
"If not, we have to develop other players, look for effectiveness for the team because we lose 30 goals. Barça with Messi has a bigger future than Barca without Messi."
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