Koeman drops bleak verdict on Barcelona's future without Messi

Lionel Messi may have just played his last game at Camp Nou in a Barcelona jersey with his future still hanging in the balance.

Ronald Koeman hopes Lionel Messi will stay for next season as it will be ‘impossible’ for Barcelona to play without him.

With his contract to expire in June, Messi’s future is in doubt. He has previously stated no decision will be made until the season is over amid rumors linking him to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Not helping Barcelona’s case was a 2-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, which ended the club’s title hopes in La Liga.

While Messi may have scored the opening goal, Santi Mina’s brace sealed Celta a shock victory.

Now, especially after another disappointing season, could this have been Messi’s last game at Camp Nou in Blaugrana colors?

“I hope not because I think [against Celta] he’s shown his effectiveness and that he’s still the best in the world,” said Koeman in a press conference as stated on ESPN.

“It [would be] impossible to play without him. But it’s Leo on his own and, to win more games and get more points, we need more players to score goals.

“Leo’s scored 30 goals and won us a lot of points. But [his future] is a question for him.”

The Barcelona manager added: “For me and for the club, we hope he stays.

“Because if there’s no Leo, we have doubts about who will score the goals.”

If Messi decides to leave, next Sunday’s trip to Eibar could be his last competitive match for Barcelona.