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Do Barcelona have a 'Lionel Messi rule'?

Lionel Messi is Barcelona's most prized asset and those associated with the Catalan institution let out a collective sigh of relief when the Argentine agreed to stay after a protracted dispute.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner came closer to an exit from Camp Nou than ever before this summer by officially declaring his desire to leave, but he eventually relented - albeit after airing his grievances in an exclusive interview with Goal.

Keeping Messi happy is a crucial part of ensuring the talisman remains at the club and that reality has not been lost on the presidential hopefuls who seek to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu.