Bartomeu: Even Messi doesn't realise how great he can become

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner hit 58 goals in 57 games during his club's treble success but the Catalan believes the forward can get even better

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu believes that there is even more to come from Lionel Messi, claiming that even the Argentine attacker does not realise exactly what he is capable of.
Messi inspired the Catalans to a remarkable treble last season, netting 58 times in just 57 appearances in all competitions as the Blaugrana won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

However, Bartomeu believes that Messi, who combined with fellow forwards Luis Suarez and Neymar for a record-breaking 120 goals across the 2014-15 campaign, has not yet peaked.
"Messi is now La Liga's top scorer," the Blaugrana supremo stated. "It's crazy what he has done.
"But nobody knows his limits - not even him.
"We have now created the best trio in football history. They have broken records and it’s a privilege to have them with us.
"We have a young team that allows us to dream of future success. I have to say that this is a magical moment.
"Under Luis Enrique and headed by Messi, they have done the most difficult thing, they have managed to end one winning cycle by building a new winning cycle.
"It’s incredible. They’ve done things without people even noticing. They’ve overcome challenges that seemed impossible."
Bartomeu also reiterated his determination to sustain Barca's success by earning re-election later this year, insisting that he remains the man best equipped to helping the club deal with their current transfer ban and the ongoing fallout from Neymar's transfer from Santos in 2013, which is the subject of a legal investigation into alleged tax evasion.
"When I took over a year-and-a-half ago, I knew it would not be easy but we acted seriously and decisively and with determination we pulled through," he added.
"Some people didn’t think I would have been capable of getting through the difficulties.
"I put all my heart and soul in trying to make sure this club was as transparent as possible
"When you make decisions, you have to think of what is best for Barca. Then, you never make a bad decision.
"We were attacked by those outside, who wanted to weaken the club. I speak about Fifa transfer ban, for example, and Neymar case.
"I’ve always said the club has always acted correctly. I’ve always said the Neymar case would end up as nothing.
"I am going to be resigning along with my board and I will stand in the presidential elections.
"It is time for candidates to put forward their proposals.
"I think we’ve done a good job, we’re the most successful club of the last three years and we hope to continue being so‏.
"In a sporting sense we are unrivalled, our economic situation is unsurpassable. We also have a historic project ahead with the stadium upgrade.
"These three trophies have been the triumphs of everyone, not just the players, but the members and the supporters who have done everything for the club this season."