Eric Abidal casts doubt over future of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi

Eric Abidal has suggested that Lionel Messi signing a new contract at Barcelona should not be regarded as a formality.

Earlier this week, Messi criticised the behaviour of the club's sporting director, who claimed that several unnamed players had not worked hard enough under sacked manager Ernesto Valverde.

While it appears that the Frenchman will continue in his role at Camp Nou, the former defender has been outspoken again, saying that Messi is not guaranteed to end his career with the Catalan giants.

According to Spanish media, Abidal said: "The question is for him, hopefully it continues. Leo said that Barca is everything for him, that he wants to stay here, from there there are conditions.

"We are talking about the best player in the world and having a renewal with such a player is never easy."

Messi is currently able to leave Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer, a scenario which has led to interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.