Ivan Rakitic: 'Lionel Messi has been very helpful'

Ivan Rakitic has revealed that Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has offered to help him settle into life with his new club.

Rakitic, who arrived at the Catalan side from Sevilla this summer, has also claimed that the Argentine offered his assistance in helping him to find a property.

"Messi is no different from the others. He is very helpful. He offered me his assistance in finding an apartment or house in Barcelona," he told Sportske Novosti.

Rakitic and Messi are both expected to start Barcelona's La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday.