Following the reported fallout between the Barcelona squad and the boardroom over the Neymar saga in the summer, Lionel Messi seemed to leave the door slightly open to his possible departure from Camp Nou in an interview with Catalan daily Sport, saying he could leave if he felt there was not a “winning project” at the club.

Adding to the uncertainty about the Argentine star’s future at the Catalan club, president, Josep Bartomeu, confirmed reports that there was a special clause in Messi’s contract that would allow him to leave freely before the official June 2021 expiration date.

"Messi has a contract that we signed two years ago and it runs for four years. Before the last season, 2020-21, he can leave Barcelona, retire from football or play where he likes. It Is a write that he has earned like Xavi Iniesta,” explained Bartomeu to Barca TV in September.

Full screen Marcelo del Pozo (REUTERS)

Messi puts ends to doubts about Barcelona future

However, following the uncertainty instigated by the president and player himself, it now seems certain that the Rosario-born forward will be staying put at the club he joined at the tender age of 13.

In an interview with Catalan radio station RAC-1, the 32-year-old striker gave the green light to his contract renewal at Camp Nou, saying: “If they want me, I am delighted. My idea is to stay here forever. It has always been like this and remains the same way; nothing has changed.”

The Argentina international claimed that he was unaware whether or not the renewal talks have begun, but assured “there will be no problems” in negotiations between his father, Jorge Messi, and the Catalan club.

With Messi publically stating his desire to remain at the club until retirement, it is now in the hands of Bartomeu to put together an attractive offer to ensure that happens. The footballing superstar’s last renewal came in November 2017, which saw his salary increase to a reported 70 million euros per year after he signed on at Camp Nou for another four seasons.