5 reasons why Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona

Lionel Messi, the five-time World Player of the Year, is nearing the end of his contract at FC Barcelona. Linked with moves to Manchester City, the talismanic forward's future has been making the headlines since last summer after what has transpired at Barcelona.

Many pundits have discussed the fact that Messi might move away from the club but the Board of Directors at the Catalan club remain firm over his longevity at the Nou Camp.

"I feel sorry for those who want to compete for Messi's throne – it's impossible, this kid is unique." - Pep Guardiola

The Argentina forward has made over 389 appearances for the club, becoming the all-time leading scorer of the club and the league in his 13 years at the first team. Messi moved to Barcelona back in 2001 and joined La Masia, the famed academy of FC Barcelona.

Making his mark early at the academy, Messi moved quickly up the ranks of the system and made his first-team debut in 2005. Since then, the Argentine has been an idol for many upcoming young forwards in world football.

Let's ponder over some reasons which are potentially bound to keep the forward at the club which made him a sensation...

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#1 Ernesto Valverde

FC Barcelona Unveil New Head Coach Ernesto Valverde

Under the new manager, Barcelona have arguably proven to be a better-balanced outfit than in the previous season under Luis Enrique. The Blaugrana were unable to defend their league title last season and after Enrique's departure, they went with the former Bilbao tactician.

After Valverde took charge of the club, Barcelona had a decent pre-season, winning the invitational tournament. They were beaten in the Super Cup by Real Madrid, but they have bounced back and have gone seven games without dropping a single point in the league and Champions League, taking them to the top of both the tables.

With Messi back in his tried-and-tested False 9 role, Barcelona are in serious contention for the Spanish League and Champions League titles. After a good start to the season, all the talk of a supposed turmoil has been put to rest for the time being at least.

#2 Contract already agreed?

Messi is the all-time leading goalscorer for FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona confirmed in the summer of 2017 that a new deal was agreed with the club, the player, and his agent (Messi's father). Although it was later revealed that the deal is yet to be signed by the player, Barcelona's board confirmed that the signing is 'only a matter of time' and the deal has been sealed between the associated parties.

The agreement reflects Lionel's interest to stay at the club. According to the Barcelona board, Lionel Messi is expected to sign the contract in the fourth quarter of 2017, with the club being aware that the forward would be free talk to other clubs after 1st January 2017.

#3 Andres Iniesta

Iniesta and Messi share the record for the most number of trophies (30) in a Barcelona shirt

The Barcelona captain only recently pledged his future to the club, making his title of being a 'one club man' a guarantee. Despite recent rumours of a potential move to Juventus and the captain being 'unsure' about his future plans, the Blaugrana announced on its social media channel that the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder has extended his contract with the club 'for life'.

"The club wants Leo to be here, he wants to be here. I hope that his story [at Barca] never ends." - Andres Iniesta

Iniesta was vocal about Messi's contract situation after announcing his future plans to the media and urged the board to tie down the situation at the earliest.

Messi and Iniesta have a good rapport on and off the pitch. The formidable duo was a central reason for Barcelona's success in the past decade and the veteran's renewal with the club could be a deciding factor in Messi staying put at Barcelona.

Captain in Iniesta's absence, Messi and Iniesta are both La Masia graduates and have shared the dressing the room since the debut of the former in 2005.

#4 The city of Barcelona

Messi at the launch of the launch of the Sarkany Barcelona Store (Image: Reuters)

Messi has an affectionate link with the Catalan region. Living in the city since 2001, the diminutive star is an idol for the people of the city. Residing in a magnificent home at Castelldefels, Barcelona, the Argentine enrolled at the La Masia at an age of 13.

Messi's wife, Antonella is also the owner of a famous fashion venture in Barcelona City in partnership with Luis Suarez's partner, Sofia Balbi, which extends the ties of the Messi family with the city even deeper. Suarez also reported that Messi was thinking of moving away from the Camp Nou in near past but the Uruguayan and other dressing room figures kept the forward loyal to his club, who is now confident about a long future at Barcelona.

Messi has been a loyal servant to Barcelona and is known for rejecting several mammoth offers from various powerful clubs including Real Madrid and Juventus.

Barcelona president Josep Maria denied possibilities of Messi moving to Manchester City stating that the Argentina is already playing under a new contract.

#5 Future projects

Xavi has openly declined media rumours of Messi moving to Manchester City

Neymar Jr. left Barcelona in the summer because he wanted to carve his own influential image. As Barcelona try to resuscitate themselves into contention for major titles over a longer period, the officials have stated that they are eager to keep Messi at Nou Camp for years to come.

Club legend Xavi declared his intentions of being the manager of his boyhood club in near future and defender Gerard Pique has also made his intentions of running for Presidency clear. Xavi and Pique have stated that they want Messi to renew with the club at the earliest and be a part of a bigger future plan for Barcelona.

"As a fan of Barcelona and being close to Leo (Messi), I wish and hope he renews with Barcelona. But it depends on him and Barcelona. I think they will reach an agreement." - Xavi

Although Neymar's departure was a blow, Ousmane Dembele -- for whom Barcelona paid a lot -- is a pretty good player in his own right and what's more is Messi is still at the heart of it all, which could make the upcoming few years as exciting as the last few seasons.