Barcelona's 'New Cristiano Ronaldo' Convinced Lionel Messi Will Stay

Barcelona youngster Francisco Trincao explains why he thinks Lionel Messi will stay at Camp Nou.

Messi and Barca have decided to settle their rift prior to the start of the 2020-21 La Liga season. However, it doesn’t guarantee that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will remain with the Blaugranas after his contract expires in 2021.

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona rising star was asked to share his thoughts about the possible departure of Messi from Barcelona.

Based on the midfielder’s observations, the Barca captain is likely to stay as he never hinted at his desire to leave on the pitch and even in the locker room.

“I think [he’ll stay],” Trincao said of Messi. “I see Leo calm in the dressing room and always wanting to train, and I think we’ll enjoy Leo for a long time at Barca.”

“Messi’s place is where he is and where he has to end up is in this huge club, Barca,” he added.

Earlier this year, Barcelona signed Trincao via a €31 million ($36.8 million) deal from his boyhood club Braga. The Catalans seemed sure about Trincao’s future as they put a staggering €500 million (approximately $594 million) release clause in his contract.

On the field, Trincao has earned comparisons to Ronaldo. But when asked to name who the better player is between his teammate and his fellow countryman, the 20-year-old refused to pick as both legendary athletes are two “different aliens” in the sport.

“The best thing they [Messi and Ronaldo] have is that they always want to win,” the Portuguese youngster explained. “I think it is the best they have and that they are great leaders and help their teammates.”

“They are two completely different aliens,” he continued. “Among the two best players in history. As a southpaw [left-footed player] I love Messi, but Cristiano is my compatriot, an animal, a phenomenon, and it would be unfair for me to say who is best.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has recently addressed Messi’s current situation.

Following the 33-year-old’s lashing out from always being blamed for his club’s misery, Koeman stressed that he understood why Messi grew tired of the media.

"I can understand why Leo was p----d off," the manager stated. “ he just had a long journey and asking questions immediately afterward was disrespectful.”

As for Messi’s future with Barcelona, the Dutchman insisted that he’s not the one who can make him stay at this point.

"Messi still has a contract, and in my opinion, he has to stay here," he pointed out. "But I am not the person that has to try to make him stay here. We will see about his future. Still, he is a Barcelona player. Nobody knows what will happen with the future of Messi."