Five reasons why this could be Messi's last season at Barcelona

Widely regarded as the greatest player this generation has seen, the magnificence of Lionel Messi has never failed to amaze people throughout his career. The Barcelona forward is nothing more than a joy to watch, owing to his silky dribbling skills and goal-scoring abilities.

Barcelona has benefited tremendously from the Argentine's loyal service to them. The Catalans have become one of the most followed football clubs around the globe and also have considerable financial might.

And make no mistake, Leo Messi is a big reason why they have been at the pinnacle both on and off the pitch for over a decade.

Even at his age, Messi is THE most important part of Barcelona's line-up. With Real Madrid becoming increasingly powerful, they will need the maestro to guide them in the battle against their arch-rivals.

But, recent developments at the Nou Camp seem to be putting the 30-year-old's future in doubt. Although Barcelona would like to cling on to their megastar, are we any closer to witnessing the end of Messi's Catalan fairytale?

Here's why May 2018 could be the month when the Rosario-born forward pulls on the Blaugrana shirt for one last time.

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#5: The political turmoil in Spain

Messi could be out of the Nou Camp due to tumultuous times in Spain

At the beginning, this wasn't a very important issue influencing the Argentine's future at the club. But, with the tumultuous times that Spain has been going through, the turmoil could be an important aspect in Messi's departure from Nou Camp.

With the Catalan separatists keen on calling a vote for independence, the geography of Spain is much closer to being split into two in the recent days. Should Catalonia win their independence, Barcelona will have to put with a host of problems.

First and foremost, the Blaugrana face an increasing threat of being excluded from the La Liga, should Catalonia win the independence. That would cause a certain trouble for Barca to attract players, even though they will be allowed to join a new league.

Financially, it would signal a loss for Lionel Messi. The Argentine is a big brand in football, and his earnings could be affected with his stocks expected to fall. Also, the various endorsements and sponsorship deals could see a dip in their profit. To top it all, the safety of his family is another issue Messi will need to address.

With Spain and Catalonia no closer to ending their tug-of-war, Nou Camp would emerge as the biggest loser, as a result of the unrest in the country.

#4: Barcelona's incompetency in transfer windows

Barcelona failed to sign Coutinho with three bids this summer

Money matters a great deal in the modern day football. With big clubs already throwing in chunks of cash to attract young prospects as well as established superstars, Barca stands nowhere near the shopping sprees of the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint Germain.

The Catalan club are quite reluctant when it comes to spending money in the transfer market.

Luis Suarez is the only high-profile signing the Catalans have made since 2014. Ousmane Dembele came in for Neymar, but the 20-year-old is still a budding talent and is yet to prove himself at the Nou Camp.

With big-shots like Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Neymar leaving Barcelona in recent times, the Catalan midfield has seen a considerable degradation in their quality.

Although Iniesta is still a pivotal player, he will not last until eternity. Barca has failed to sign adequate replacements in the summer, with Liverpool thwarting their plans of bringing Coutinho to the club.

The current Barcelona midfield is nowhere near the one they had a decade ago. This in-turn affects Messi's play, who needs to fulfil playmaking duties instead of being the main forward. If the Blaugrana want to win silverware, they must make adequate amends by being competitive in the transfer windows.

#3: The endless tax issues

Messi has been left frustrated by the tax authorities in Spain

The infamous tax issues have been haunting the mercurial forward for years now. Messi and his father have repeatedly been convicted in tax fraud issues. The tax authorities have continued to fine the Argentine superstar heavily many times, and the Argentine skipper has been rightly frustrated with them.

In Spain, it is not only Messi who has faced this issue, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Rafael Nadal also being harassed by the authorities over alleged illegal wealth. Ronaldo even threatened to leave Madrid due to this matter. Also, taxation is one of the crucial reason why Neymar decided to switch Nou Camp for the Parc Des Princes.

To add another point, there has been no announcement regarding Messi's new contract with the Blaugrana. Although President Josep Bartomeu stated that Messi is already playing under a new contract, why is Barca biding time to make the news official?

Barcelona's failure to tie Messi to a new deal might as well seem them losing their most prized asset for free.

Apart from financial losses, such issues also harm the reputation of a well-known player. With Messi being a brand in football, he might as well consider this topic as an important aspect in his decision to quit the Catalans. A decision to switch clubs might also see him being relieved of this endless torture.

#2: The vultures that hover above

Manchester City will be the most expected destination should Messi decide to quit the Catalans

While going through Messi's resume as a Barcelona player, one can easily deduce the fact that the Barcelona forward has won every single trophy at the club level. He also has a number of records with his name written all over them.

The Argentinian knows there won't be a scarcity of worthy suitors, should he make up his mind to move to a new club. With the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all having their coffers filled to the brim, he would easily get the salary he desires.

Manchester City will be the most expected destination for the Rosario-born forward, owing to his healthy relations with boss Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard wouldn't think twice about signing his former colleague, as it would make them a force to reckon in Europe.

City would have the most potent attacking line in Europe, with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi spearheading of the attack.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether City or any of the other heavyweights succeed in pouncing at Barcelona for Lionel Messi.

#1: Ending the debate

Ronaldo always outbids Messi due to his experience in multiple leagues

Messi's competitiveness is what makes him one of the greatest players in the world. In the age-old debate of Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi, the little magician overpowers the mighty Portuguese skipper on several fronts.

However, one disadvantage has always hampered of him being considered better than Ronaldo. And, a move to Premier League might well offer him a chance to emerge as the ultimate best amongst the two.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a proven Premier League player. The English League is regarded as the toughest and the most competitive league in the football world. Compared to Ronaldo, Messi has spent his entire career at La Liga.

This has raised certain doubts whether he can be equally good as Ronaldo was in the Premier League.

The Premier League would be an exciting challenge for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at this stage of his career. It is regarded as a tough league to settle for foreigners, owing to the physical rigours of the English game.

Aged 30, the Barcelona superstar could do well by taking a leaf out of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's book, who set the Premier League alight even at the ripe old age of 36.

Messi has shredded the defences of all the top English clubs in the UEFA Champions League, but that sole fact isn't enough to shut out his haters. Should he make the move to England, Messi certainly wouldn't find himself having 'a hard time on a cold, wet night at Stoke.'