Barcelona attacker Neymar is delighted that Lionel Messi extended his contract, saying it would be “complicated” for his team without their star.

As expected, Messi, 30, re-signed with the La Liga giants on Wednesday, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2021.

Neymar was thrilled with the Argentina international’s extension, which puts Messi on track to finish his career at Barca.

“I’m very happy to have the best in the world with us,” he said.

“It’s complicated to think about football without him.”

Under a new coach in Ernesto Valverde, Barca are preparing for what is sure to be another title battle with rivals Real Madrid in 2017-18.

Neymar said he had been impressed by what he had heard from the former Athletic Bilbao boss.

“We’ll have a great coach,” he said. “I’ve heard him speak very well. May we be happy.”