New Barcelona Presidential Candidate Reveals What Could Make Lionel Messi Stay

New FC Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta revealed what he could do for Lionel Messi in order to make him stay.

Ronald Koeman and Messi seem to have a good working relationship. However, the Barca manager is also aware that it doesn’t guarantee that the Argentine will reconsider his thoughts about leaving Camp Nou.

With Barcelona nearing presidential elections, Laporta assures that he knows what Messi needs at this point of his career. Based on his platform, the 58-year-old is keen on making the Argentine superstar feel that he is the club's centerpiece by forming “a good team.”

"I will never forget the look in the eyes of the 20-year-old kid [Messi] when I told him that he will be the Barcelona captain and will wear the No. 10 jersey one day," Laporta told reporters in a recent press conference. "No one can doubt Messi's love for Barcelona. I haven't spoken to Messi yet, but we respect each other and he has time to decide.”

"Messi loves Barca and I'm sure he can give the club a chance,” he added. “I will be able to, at the right time, have a conversation with him and help him make the right decision. To keep the best player of all time happy, you have to have a good team."

As early as now, Messi is already being linked to big European clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. But for Laporta, family is also important for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and it is unlikely that he considers moving to England or France as they have become accustomed to the way of living in Spain.

"He [Messi] lives in a place where his whole family is comfortable and there is not much to encourage leaving a city like this. It is a kind of life that is very good for them,” the law firm owner pointed out.

"[Change it for Paris or Manchester?] well, it is not a question of money, but we have to rise to the occasion and we must give them an almost familiar treatment, esteem and professional appreciation,” he continued.

Barcelona vice-captain Gerard Pique, who has played alongside Messi for years, also recently shared his insights about the issue.

According to the 33-year-old, Barca players are hoping they could “seduce” Messi to stay and have him in the squad for a longer period of time.

“We hope he stays, of course,” Pique stated via ESPN. “It’s a personal decision for Leo and we will wait and see. But for as long as he’s wearing the Barca shirt, there is always hope. We hope to seduce him to stay for many more years.”