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Don't worry about Messi renewal, Valverde tells Barcelona fans

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says fans should not worry about Lionel Messi's contract renewal.

The 29-year-old agreed a new deal in July but the LaLiga leaders are still to announce the signing of the document.

The delay in the process has led to increased speculation over Messi's future, with the Argentina star available to hold talks with clubs in January over a possible free transfer next year, assuming the contract remains unsigned.

"I'd tell them not to worry, and to watch Messi play and realise that he isn't worried. It's a pleasure to watch him," he told a news conference on Friday.

"What worries us about Leganes is that they're an opponent who have conceded few goals," he said. "We have a lot to win because it's an important game before the important run before Christmas.

"We have to be alert for this kind of match. We lost points at these sorts of grounds last year and it cost us LaLiga. It's not as glamorous to play against Leganes as it is against Atletico Madrid but we have to apply ourselves and know that it will be tough."