Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi, Neymar Futures Clarified by Club Official

Barcelona's technical secretary Robert Fernandez is adamant Lionel Messi will sign a contract that guarantees he will be with the club at least until the Camp Nou stadium's revamp is completed in 2021, and he is equally confident Neymar will sign a renewal of his deal.

According to Goal.com's David Manuca, Fernandez told Estudio Estadio:

"

Messi will continue in 2021, that is for sure. We are talking about the best player in history with great sporting and personal qualities. Many are surprised to know hoe how humble he is, and he has a capacity and intelligence that is above normal. He is in an extraordinary moment and we have him as a player for the next few years. 

"

Meanwhile, per Xavi Hernandez of Marca, he told Spanish television network TVE: "I made it very clear a fortnight ago, and I'll say it again now, Neymar will be staying here and there'll be no issues. He'll stay at Barcelona. I'd be concerned about it if he wasn't happy, but that isn't the case. I'm saying outright that he'll stay at Barca."

The pair, along with Luis Suarez, are the Blaugrana's best and brightest, so it's vitally important to the Catalan giants they remain at the club as long as possible.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Neymar has been linked with a sensational switch to Real Madrid in recent months by Spanish radio station Onda Cero (h/t the Mirror's Kit Mann), while Pep Guardiola's impending arrival at Manchester City has fuelled speculation they could pursue Messi and reunite the Argentinian with his former mentor, as noted by the Sun (h/t the Mirror's Liam Corless).

Messi has scored 35 goals in as many games this season and registered 14 assists. Neymar lags some way behind on 23 goals in the same number of appearances, but he has assisted 22 times.

Per Squawka Football, the former recently enjoyed setting yet another record to add to his ever-growing collection:

Meanwhile, the latter has already racked up a phenomenal number of goals in his relatively short career:

The pair are not only outstanding individuals, but they also have brilliant chemistry together as part of Barca's attacking trident with Suarez. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez revealed the extent of their combined form this year:

As Dominguez notes, Messi doesn't just shine because of his numbers, though, while Neymar's incredible technique and electric pace continue to impress:

While Barca are perhaps the only team equipped to cope with the loss of a player at their level, for their dominance over Spain and the rest of Europe to continue, they need both to remain at the Camp Nou.

Fortunately, the only realistic destination for Messi to end his career—aside from Barcelona—is back in his home country Argentina, which he has said is something he "would like to do" according to Argentinian magazine El Grafico (h/t Eurosport).

Even if that is an option the forward pursues, it's not likely to be for many years and should be in the twilight of his career.

As for Neymar, he has expressed his desire to remain with the Catalan giants for years to come in an interview with beIN Sports (h/t Sky Sports). The Brazilian has the world at his feet in Barcelona, so he may well follow in Messi's footsteps in becoming a club legend.