Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi's Future Clarified by Josep Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona "forever" and believes the Argentinian maestro will continue to lead the Catalan club to success.

Bartomeu is a known admirer of Messi, having stated on local radio that the player isn't for sale, reported on the official club website.

Bartomeu has also said that the Argentinian's value to the club remains "unlimited," according to CNN's James Montague and Amanda Davies.

Messi's legendary quality remains key to any Blaugrana success, a factor noted by Bartomeu during his recent interview with RMC, as reported by Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio:

"

Having Messi in the team is a joy that renews itself every day. He’s a key player, he has been that for many years and I’m sure that he’ll continue to be that. I know that he’s happy here, but we would be even more happy if he decided to finish his career here. I can’t see him with the jersey of another club and I would be proud to keep him at Barcelona forever.

"

Messi is often linked with unlikely moves away from the Camp Nou, but his departure seems incredibly unlikely.

The Argentinian's game developed through Barcelona's La Masia ranks, and the club have remained committed to his growth—both physically and as a global brand—since he moved to Spain as a child.

He has continued to give back to the club through vital goals, assists and match-winning performances, abilities that have seen him collect a staggering quartet of Ballon d'Or trophies.

He recently netted his 400th career goal and is excellently placed to become La Liga's all-time leading goalscorer, reported by Adam Shergold of the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old remains three strikes behind Athletic Bilbao hero Telmo Zarra, whose total of 251 will finally be toppled in the Spanish top flight.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Messi could easily achieve this during the next two domestic fixtures against Rayo Vallecano and Eibar, or indeed, versus Real Madrid on Oct. 25. The records continue to tumble, as Messi has reached the peak of gratification in a career that has seen him win everything at club level.

Luis Enrique's new-look side have certainly helped Messi brush up on last season's showings. While Messi still posted an excellent run of goals—28 in 31 La Liga appearances, per WhoScored.com—injury problems limited his general play last term.

He wasn't effectively linking with his team-mates under Gerardo Martino, a problem Enrique seems to have conquered during the first few weeks of the campaign.

Although Barcelona conceded their first goals and defeat of the season during Tuesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi was still effective at the heart of Barca's attacking play. His goal wasn't enough to secure a positive result, but once Munir El Haddadi and Sandro entered the pitch, it was clear Messi's prolonged stay at the Camp Nou doesn't just revolve around his current ability.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Leo worked through the middle and provided both youngsters with opportunities to get on the ball. Like Ronaldinho did for him some 10 years ago, Messi's world-class talents allow Barcelona to facilitate the use of emerging stars in important games.

Munir cracked a shot off a post, Sandro missed a decent opportunity to hit the target, but both were afforded greater space via the movement of their leader.

Bartomeu gets at this in his comments. Barcelona's unblemished start to the La Liga season indicates that, if Enrique is given time, he will be able to return the club to its former glory. Sky Sports' Graham Hunter believes there were signs of this during the 6-0 win over Granada:

Messi's importance to Barca's new era is at an all-time high. He is in scintillating form and is on the brink of rewriting numerous records, noted in Shergold's report. Alongside him, a band of new stars await to begin etching their name into the club's history books.

It is fair to suggest Messi's play will dictate just how quickly and emphatically the likes of Munir are propelled to global stardom.

One of Barcelona's greatest strengths over the past decade is that their established greats have allowed developing stars to be expressive while learning the values and expectations of the club. Messi is now in this position and will continue to significantly influence Barca matches until he calls time on his illustrious tenure.

Follow @Nakerman