Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona, with negotiations beginning after Christmas

A man of few words, with Leo Messi you have to interpret a lot through his gestures. And his answer to the fans for him from the fans after he scored the fourth against Espanyol was a clear demonstration of how he feels towards Barcelona, and everyone around the club where he has been since he was 11.

Messi lifted his arms in the air to acknowledge the fans showing him, like always, the greatest respect. Take into account his response while bearing in mind the face that Messi has never been a fan of show or spectacle, and nor—even though someone once accused him of it—of theatre. 

Right after the game, almost without time to even shower, he was packed up and in the car of his brother Rodrigo to head to the airport, and Rosario. He did it with the sensation of a job well done, the feeling the team are playing well and that he is win good form.

Messi has good sensations this season, after recovering from the hangover of the Copa America. It was the moment to reinvent himself, to keep enjoying his football. There are other things to note too, including his early return from holiday in the summer to enjoy calm with his partner and children in the city, a week before he was asked to come back. Nobody expected him in training, but there he was. 

Luis Enrique, for this season among others, has no doubt in allowing him to leave for his Christmas break early. Messi has gained this privilege. 

Five months after the start of the season and 16 years into his Barcelona life, it is the moment to start thinking about the future and his contract renovation. Messi has signed seven deals with the club but this one is special.

Those who know him have few doubts, “although it will be tight economically”. Messi’s family is on the way back to Rosario and when he returns it will be the moment to meet president Bartomeu and negotiate. Both club and player want a deal. 

It’s an important contract because it may well be the last one the player signs. He will be 30 when the current season ends and for any footballer these moments are decisive because one has to think about their immediate future and hat comes after that. And there you will find Leo Messi.