BARCELONA: Manager Tito Vilanova says Barcelona magician Lionel Messi (left) is on the way to becoming the best player of all time, and has revealed that everyone at Nou Camp hopes he will end his career there.

Barca president Sandro Rosell confirmed this week the Catalans are planning to offer the Argentina international captain a new contract, despite his current deal running until 2016.

And Vilanova has echoed the desire to keep Messi with the Primera Liga giants for the foreseeable future.

"He is the best in the world. If he is not already the best in history, he will end up being so," said Vilanova.

"To all at Barca it would be a joy to have him end his career here. You will not see a player like Messi again."

Vilanova (right) also denied suggestions that he has one eye on the upcoming El Clasico on Oct 7, saying their home clash with Granada tomorrow (4am) is the only thing occupying his thoughts.

"I am not thinking about the Clasico," he said. "What concerns me is reaching 15 points from a possible 15 this weekend.

"It has not been done many times in history. In my head there is only Granada, Granada and Granada. It's like you (reporters) asking me about the game in Madrid in the second round of fixtures.

"Against Granada, the incentive is to win, not to think that we move 11 points ahead of Real. As it is not up to us, it is not worth wasting time.

"I have seen games of Granada's and they are organized and do very well on the counterattack."

Real will only play against Rayo Vallecano on Monday (3.30am).

Vilanova is still undecided as to who would play in central defence against Granada, with Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique both absent through injury.

Talented youngster Marc Bartra could instead get the nod, while Alex Song is also in consideration.

"I will decide who plays. If Bartra is in the first team it is because he has the ability," said Vilanova.

"He will get games, but the season has only just begun. Bartra is in the first team because he deserves it, not because his contract may say so.

"Song can also be brought in to play at centerback. He has many levels. He fits perfectly and can also play in defence. I was surprised because he understands everything I explain to him first time," he said.

- mD