Mascherano: Leo Messi and Barcelona need each other
The defender spoke confidently about the chances of the Argentine renewing his Barça contract
Javier Mascherano is one of the players that knows Lionel Messi best. The Argentine spoke to reporters after the game against UD Las Palmas and was convinced Messi will renew his contract with Barcelona.
Mascherano said: "I have no doubt that both Messi and the club need each other. The relationship between both parties has been really good up until now.
"I hope that, in terms of elite football, Messi plays here forever. There’s no better place for him, although it’s a matter which must be dealt with in private by Barcelona."
With regards to the refereeing decisions which have dominated 2017 so far, Mascherano said the best way for officials to stay out of the news is to referee games "like today's against Las Palmas and leave the controversy to one side, even though some times they can't. But you have to forget [what has gone on] and focus on the game."
The 'jefecito' added that the team have to be careful now because they are "in a situation in which we can't leave anything to chance. We have to cut out errors and be stronger."
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