Lionel Messi has never been closer to leaving Barcelona than he was in the summer.The Argentinian refused to turn up for the start of pre-season after believing he had activated a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the Camp Nou on a free, a year before it expired.La Liga ruled against him, though, and Messi waved the white flag as he didn’t want to continue the drama.He was furious though."I'll continue at Barcelona and my attitude won't change, no matter how much I have wanted to go," Messi said in an exclusive interview with Goal."I told the club, the president, that I wanted to go. I've been telling him all year,” Messi added, referring to former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Barcelona would love for Messi to sign an extension but they are going to have to meet the five conditions he has set for that to happen.According to Marca, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has laid out his requirements. If they’re not met, then expect Messi to leave next year.1. A good club presidentA new president will be elected in the new year to replace Bartomeu.Their project for the immediate future will have to convince Messi that his best option is to stay and potentially retire at Barcelona.Given how unsatisfied Messi was with Bartomeu in charge, it’s important that his replacement has a sound plan.2. What’s happening with the sporting director roleMessi also wants to know what’s going to happen with the sporting director role.Ramon Planes replaced Eric Abidal in the summer and Planes is keen for Messi to stay.“We are not contemplating any kind of departure because what we want is for Messi to stay,” Planes said in August.
3. Barcelona’s plans over the managerThe Argentinian is also keen to know what Barcelona’s plans are at the manager position.Ronald Koeman only signed a two-year deal at the Camp Nou, and he’s made a shaky start with Barça lying eighth in La Liga.Messi’s former teammate Xavi has been tipped to take over one day. Could the opportunity to work with the Spaniard convince Messi to stay?
4. Barcelona’s transfer strategyRecruitment in Catalonia in recent years has been underwhelming, with Barcelona missing on a number of big-money signings.Messi also wasn’t happy with Barcelona for ‘kicking out’ Luis Suarez in the summer.This is something that Barcelona, not just Messi, should want to correct.
5. His and the team’s form
Messi’s own form, and that of the team, will influence his decision to stay or leave.
If the 33-year-old has an elite individual season but the club fail to win a trophy, it would make a lot of sense for him to leave.
That’s what happened last season, and we saw how upset it made Messi.
The big clubs will be circling and Barcelona need to land a major trophy, otherwise they will be saying goodbye to the greatest player in their history.
