Barcelona presidential hopeful confident about Lionel Messi staying

Barcelona presidential candidate believes he can convince Messi to stay.

Barcelona presidential candidate, Victor Font, is confident that he will be able to keep Lionel Messi after the end of the season. The Argentine is in the last year of his contract and will be a free agent next season. It would be an absolute disaster if Messi leaves for free, as Barca are in a financial mess at the moment and Messi’s transfer could help them avoid bankruptcy.

More from Everything Barca

• FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
• FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
• Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
• FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
• Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid

The Argentine came into the spotlight in August when he sent an official letter to the club’s former board, asking them to release him from the club. This was a clause in the contract which allowed him to leave at the end of the season.

There was immediate interest from the likes of Manchester City and Inter Milan but after some legal complications, Messi decided to honour the last year of his contract.

The big question now is, whether he will continue with his boyhood club or leave for a team like City or PSG. Font thinks that he can persuade the captain into staying if he is elected president in the upcoming elections. In an interview with ESPN, Font said,

"“I’m convinced that with a competitive, exciting and, especially in Messi’s case, long-term project – one that could even go beyond the day that Messi retires – we will convince him to stay,”Source Goal"

He went on to claim that Messi is the best player who has ever played the game and thus, it is important to sort out an agreement as soon as the elections finish. The president-elect goes on to say that Messi is looking for a competitive side and is always looking to win. Barca must provide him with the same winning mentality. The wages, however, are one part where the club might have a little bit of trouble

"“[His salary] is one of the realities that has to be adjusted. The level of revenue in the short-term and for next season is up in the air. It depends on what happens with fans coming back to the stadium.”"

However, Font is still confident that Messi’s love for his club will ultimately make the decision. The 33-year-old has been with the Catalans since he was 13. There are a lot of memories and a lot of love for the club. It is heartbreaking for every football fan that Messi might leave the club but the decision is ultimately based on the player’s own emotions and feelings.

The way things are looking currently, it is very much possible that the magician will leave after the season is over. Barcelona are currently sitting in 9th position, 12 points away from the league leaders. It has been a rather disappointing start and if Ronald Koeman does not change things soon, Messi could be playing in a different league from next season.

Will Mesis sign an extension with Barca?