The Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba spent the week in Doha with Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets for some promotional events. He said, in an interview at the Aspire Academy in Doha, that "Messi's renewal is very important for us", "he's the best player in history. If I can keep playing with him, it's better."

Regarding new coach Ernesto Valverde, who replaces the departing Luis Enrique, Alba added: "I want to play as much as possible under Valverde. With him everyone starts from zero, so I'm happy for the new challenge ahead."

Alba added: "We want to win all the titles possible this season.". He arrived from Valencia in 2012 for 14m and has won 11 titles.