Messi: I don't want a contract that binds me to Barcelona, I want to fight for targets Barcelona Discussed Neymar's failed return

The talk surrounding Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona sent many fans into a state of fear after it emerged that he has the option to leave at the end of each season, yet the Argentine does not want to be handcuffed to the club.

Instead, the Barcelona captain has stated that he wants to stay with the Catalan side, but that he also wants them to be fighting for and meeting their targets.

"At the time there was talk of a contract for life [at Barcelona], as they did with [Andres] Iniesta," Messi said in an interview with the 'Perros de la Calle' show on Radio Metro.

"What I said was that I don't want a contract that binds me.

"I don't want to be here if I'm not happy.

"I want to compete, perform and keep fighting for targets, not being here simply due to my contract.

"That is why I don't like [the idea of binding myself to Barcelona].

"But here [at Barcelona], I'd stay here all my life."

Juan Roman Riquelme is one of Argentina's best ever players, with Messi admitting that he may attend the former playmaker's testimonial.

"I speak a lot with Riquelme," Messi noted.

"He called me about his testimonial, and if the dates match up and I can go, I'd be delighted.

"Roman deserves a great farewell, for everything he gave to football and to Boca [Juniors].

"He deserves something special and very big."

Also spoke about Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo

Regarding his relationship with Neymar, Messi emphasised the good relationship he has with the Brazilian forward.

"With Neymar, we continue to speak a lot," Messi explained.

"We continue to have a WhatsApp group which also has Luis Suarez.

"It was difficult for him to return, but here we are.

"Many members and people at the club didn't want him to come back, although in a sporting sense it would have been great."

Cristiano Ronaldo's name cropped up in the interview and Messi stated that he enjoyed the Portuguese's time in LaLiga Santander.

"It was good when Cristiano Ronaldo was here, it made the Clasico much more special and LaLiga as well," he added.

"It gave value to the competition."