Real Madrid star Modric has revealed that Barcelona youngsters will benefit from Messi exit

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric says Lionel Messi's departure could allow some of Barcelona's young players to shine.

The Argentine has handed in a transfer request to end his 20-year stint at the club.

While most Barca fans have reacted with outrage, Modric thinks there could be a silver lining to Messi leaving the Camp Nou in the same way Cristiano Ronaldo's switch to Juventus helped Real.

"It would be a huge loss. Like when Cristiano left. But you can't think about the past. It's football and that's it," Modric told AFP.

"If it happens it will be a huge loss for the prestige of the league. But we need to go forward. Other players will become stars.

"When Ronaldo left, the same thing happened, the life of Real Madrid went on without him and it will be the same for Barcelona and La Liga without Messi."