Carles Puyol believes that Lionel Messi is motivated and enthusiastic at Barcelona, although he didn’t comment on his former teammate’s future.
Messi‘s contract expires this summer and there has been a lot of speculation surrounding him this season.
“I spoke to him recently, when he equalled Xavi [Hernandez‘s appearance record],” Puyol told RAC 1.
“I see him well and with enthusiasm, I think he’s in the best place.
“But each individual decides what they want and we have to understand and respect the decision he makes.”
Ronald Koeman has led Barcelona back into the title race this season and Puyol is impressed by the job the former Dutch international is doing at the club.
“From the outside it seems as though the players are happy with Koeman,” he said.
“He’s a legend of the club.
“He’s doing a good job and he deserves respect and trust. Then, at the end of the season, an assessment will be made.”
Puyol has been enjoying the team’s recent on-field form, which has seen them forget their underwhelming start to the season.
“There’s been a change of energy in the team,” he said.
“I see positives, there’s enthusiasm. We saw that in the Copa del Rey comeback.
“One more goal in the Champions League against Paris [Saint-Germain] could have changed everything as well.
“It’s a new project, with a coach and with young players. LaLiga [Santander] is still alive and there’s the Copa del Rey final too.”
