Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says Lionel Messi is “very happy” at the club and has praised the star for changing after taking the captaincy.

Bartomeu said he had seen a change in the Argentina international, 31, who was named Barca skipper in August after Andres Iniesta’s departure from the Camp Nou.

“Messi is very happy here. He is delighted and excited about continuing to triumph at Barcelona,” he told Onda Cero on Monday.

“Messi has made a change, he has decided to take on the captaincy and assume that responsibility in the team.”

Barca have come in for heavy criticism after they agreed to play a La Liga game against Girona early next year in the United States.

Bartomeu said his club were simply trying to grow the league.

“La Liga proposed that we play a match abroad and it seemed a good idea. We have the obligation to promote the league,” he said.

“You have to get closer to the fans and find new streams of income. Playing a match abroad would help us. If it can be played, we’ll do it. The club captains have been informed.”