New Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to quickly establish a positive relationship with Lionel Messi.

The former Athletic Bilbao's appointment was confirmed by Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu yesterday.

Valverde in the past has said of Messi: "I want to have in Athletic the best players in the world. I hope that it will be discovered that Messi is from Arrigorriaga and we can bring him!"

He's also stated: "Barça is not just Messi. But he's a player who always performs in big matches.

"He can be incredible, unstoppable."