Lionel Messi was all set to leave Barcelona last summer, with the Argentinian handing in a transfer request through burofax. However, he has ended up staying for the 20/21 season and his contract with the Blaugrana is set to expire at the end of the season, and he will be a free agent at that point.
However, the player is still loyal to Barcelona and is willing to extend his contract if and only if his demands are met. The first of his demands is to be more accessible to the Technical Director of the team, Ramon Planes.
Secondly, being a La Masia graduate himself, Messi knows the potential of the players coming through the academy and hence, wants the club to put more faith in the youngsters who come through the academy than it has done in recent years.
This will help the young players coming in to perform to their best knowing that their club has faith in their abilities. Additionally, Messi himself has an incredible relationship with them which only gives them more confidence on the pitch.
Lastly, the club captain is aware of the difficult financial situation at Barcelona but has asked the club to invest in at least one marquee signing to make sure that their intent of getting back to their best is received loud and clear.
Only when these demands are met, will Messi fully commit to staying at Barcelona and as understood by the reports coming out of France, the player has faith that Joan Laporta will bring Barcelona back to their best.
