Luis Enrique says Messi magic not about to end any time soon

Luis Enrique has reassured Barcelona supporters that although he is leaving the club they will still have Lionel Messi for many years to come.

In the aftermath of Barcelona's Copa de Rey win on Saturday night, the outgoing coach was asked about the fact that Messi, who has now won 30 trophies with Barcelona, will be 30 next month.

He said: "Thirty trophies in 30 years is not bad is it?

"Messi will be around for a long time yet. We can enjoy him for a good while longer.

"To stay at the top you have to not just have the ability but you have to the physical condition and he has that.

"You only have to see how hard it is to knock him off the ball to see that. He takes care of himself."

Luis Enrique described Messi as an "extraterrestrial" after his goal and assist helped Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 in the Spanish Cup final at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid.

He was asked if winning another trophy made him regret having quit the club.

He said: "No. I need this and the team needs it too. These intense cycles of three or four years [under the same coach] are ideal.

"To leave like this makes me happy. I certainly don't feel sad, and even less so when I consider the nine trophies I have been able to win from a possible 13 in three years."

Barcelona will present the former Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde this week as their new coach.

When asked about his successor Luis Enrique added: "I am sure he has more experience than me so I don't need to give him any advice."