Josep Bartomeu is doing everything possible to hold unto Lionel Messi with doubts driven on the player’s future at Barcelona.

The Catalan president has come under immense tension concerning the welfare of the club as a section of stakeholders has called for his exit. He seeks to make things right under his tenure before the Blaugranas' next election in March next year, believing that by then, situations would have been transformed.

One key assignment is taming Messi to a new deal. The club president would never agree to Argentine's departure during his term after breaking in the first team in 2005 hence the need to prune every agitation out of the player’s way to enjoy the rest of his days at the Camp Nou.

The departure of Quique Setien and Eric Abidal are signs following the Argentine’s self-doubt around some members of the technical team.

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Ronald Koeman is the next manager of the Catalan club as his official appointment is soon to be confirmed. The club president has hinted that the 33-year old Lionel Messi will be the fulcrum of the team surrounded by fresh legs.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract will run out in 2021 and talks are ongoing for an extension.

If Messi will stay, he needs to feel safe and be appreciated for his work under serene guardian of the team. 

“I have spoken with Koeman and the pillar of our project is Messi,” Bartomeu said. “He has a contract until 2021, I speak a lot with Leo and more regularly with his father.

“He is number one in the world. There is no doubt that in Koeman's new project you can count on Messi.”

Messi has scored 631 goals in 734 appearances and has helped the Laliga club to win four Champions League crowns, 10 LaLiga titles, and many other trophies besides.