Josep Maria Bartomeu is lying about the validity about Lionel Messi’s renewed deal at Barcelona, according to former presidential candidate Agusti Benedito.

Bartomeu recently claimed that the Argentine is already playing for the Camp Nou side under new terms , but Benedito insists the claims are false due to a lack of a signature from Messi himself.

“Bartomeu has said that the contract is signed, but that is not true,” Benedito told a press conference.

“This contract without the signature of Messi has no validity. Although signed by his father, he needs the signature of the player.

“It’s possible that the presence of Bartomeu is the main obstacle. I hope the president explains the truth, because this is not the first time he has lied.”