Andres Iniesta has urged Barcelona chiefs to get a new deal over the line for star forward Lionel Messi as the club "cannot live without him".

The Argentina international has yet to officially commit to the Catalan giants beyond the end of the season, when his current contract is due to expire.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has stressed on numerous occasions that it is just a matter of time before an announcement is made, but Iniesta - who himself put pen to paper on Friday afternoon - wants the speculation to end for good.

"In Leo's situation I think that dialogue is something that is not lacking," he told reporters. "The club wants Leo to be here, he wants to be here. I hope that his story [at Barca] never ends.

"He is unique, we can't live without him and I think the club thinks the same way. It's just a question of time, but I hope he renews as soon as possible."

Iniesta had previously cast doubt over his Barcelona future prior to agreeing a "lifetime" contract.