Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic is confident Barcelona ace Leo Messi has plenty of years ahead of him.

The Croatian played with Messi at Camp Nou between 2014 and 2020, before moving back to Sevilla this summer.

The La Liga Santander midfielder, speaking at an event for LiveScore, said: “I hope that he has a lot of years left and that he decides what is best for him and for FC Barcelona.

“I had six amazing years playing with him at Barcelona and it's really amazing to have played with him and been on the same team, so hopefully he can stay many more years at Barcelona."

Asked where he would go if he left the club, Rakitic was unsure.

“I think this has to be his decision and he needs to do what is best for him and the club," he added. “I think all of the people at Barcelona and fans of the club are still behind him, so he has to be clear with himself, with his family, the club and all of the fans. I'm sure he will make the right decision for sure."