Lionel Messi is continuously being linked to a move out of Camp Nou, and teammate Andres Iniesta believes FC Barcelona should make a stand and keep the superstar forward.
Iniesta has enjoyed a lot of success with FC Barcelona, but he reiterated that they are determined to win more trophies and are using last season's disappointing campaign as motivation.
"We are out to win everything we can and have a lot to look forward to," Iniesta told FIFA.com. "We've got a great team and the disappointment of last year has to be a motivation for us to show our true colors and try to end this season with a smile on our faces and our fans celebrating a title once more."
But in order to have a good chance of winning more silverware in seasons to come, Iniesta insisted that FC Barcelona cannot afford to let go of Messi, who has been the center of their offensive attack over the past several years.
"I hope and wish that Leo can be with Barca for a long time, because he has been, is and will be fundamental to our competing four honors," Iniesta said. "That's my sole desire."
Rumors about the possibility of Messi leaving FC Barcelona started when reports indicated that the Argentina international had a row with Barca coach Luis Enrique.
Since then, he has been linked to lucrative moves to top-tier teams like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and even to FC Barcelona rival, Real Madrid. Speculation intensified when Messi admitted last month that he is unsure about his future at Camp Nou.
Messi said that he wants to finish his career at Barca if he will have it his way, but he knows that anything can happen in the future. The Argentine superstar also expressed disappointment over reports that he is the one who is forcing his way out of FC Barcelona.
"I have heard lots of things being said about me before and now," Messi lamented via ESPN FC. "They make it look like I am the one who is in charge here when I am just another player. I have never demanded anything to stay because I don't have any intention of going. I heard people say that my dad had spoken to Chelsea, to City. It's all lies."
