Pedri keen for Messi to stay at Barcelona: I want to learn from the best

New Barcelona signing Pedri is desperate for star man Lionel Messi to stay at the club so he can "learn from the best". Two obstacles might stand in the way of that though, with the new signing having not ruled out a loan move for the 2020-21 season, and the news on Thursday evening that Messi has told new coach Koeman that he sees his future away from the club. 

Pedri finally joins Barcelona

Barcelona confirmed a deal with Las Palmas to sign the highly rated 17-year-old in September 2019, but he stayed at the second-tier club for the remainder of the campaign. 

He was finally unveiled as a Barcelona player on Thursday, however, with president Josep Maria Bartomeu and new sporting director Ramon Planes – who has replaced Eric Abidal in the role – present at the ceremony. 

Pedri – who revealed he idolises Andres Iniesta – is excited at the prospect of working alongside Messi, provided the forward remains at Camp Nou amid continued speculation over his future. 

"It's not every day you can sign for this club," Pedri said. 

"I'm really looking forward to doing great things, but the pressure is the worst a footballer can have. You have to get rid of it as soon as possible and replace it with excitement. 

He added: "My idol has always been Andres Iniesta and now I want to learn from the best, which is Leo Messi."

As for his own situation, Pedri is planning for life at Barça but is also prepared for a temporary move away, a spell out on loan potentially offering him the chance to play regularly and aid his long-term development. 

"The first option is to stay here and have fun with the best, although a transfer is not an option that I've ruled out," he admitted. 

"You have to take [pressure] off from the first moment. You must have enthusiasm to enjoy each day and hope that everything goes well." 

It has been a busy week for Bartomeu and Barça, who parted ways with Quique Setién after the humbling Champions League exit to Bayern Munich that has increased concerns Messi may leave.

Ronald Koeman has since been appointed as head coach, while presidential elections have also been moved forward to March 2021.

"With Pedri we bring in one of the most talented players of his generation and a Barça fan since he was a child," Bartomeu tweeted, along with a picture of him stood alongside the club's new recruit.

"He brings the excitement and ambition we need for this new project and to be a success at Barça."