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

Lionel Messi's future remains uncertain but Ernesto Valverde has given any anxious Barcelona fans some advice.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has agreed to a new deal in July but the club is still to announce the signing of the document.

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 leader is 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.

READ: 'Messi has signed Barcelona contract'

However, Valverde has offered some advice to any supporters who are concerned about the prospect of Messi leaving Camp Nou.

"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.

Barca resumes LaLiga duties on Saturday with a trip to Leganes, who is in ninth place in the table after a strong start to the season.

Valverde has warned his side not to underestimate its opponents as he believes this is the kind of fixture that cost them the title last term.

"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."