Barcelona newly signed manager Ronald Koeman on Wednesday, has made his stance known on Lionel Messi's possible departure from the Spanish side following the current situation in the club.

Koeman joins Barca as he leaves his role with the Netherlands national team, and he'll find that his old club is currently in a state of disarray.

Technical Director Eric Abidal has followed Setien out the door, while Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu faces an election in March.

The president has already stated that several Barca stars are available for transfer, with the club only committing to keeping hold of individuals they see as key players.

One player that the club is eager to hold on to is Messi, although recent reports have stated that the captain is fed up with Barca's decision-making and is considering a departure from Camp Nou.

Koeman, meanwhile, is hopeful that Messi stays on with the club for as long as possible as he looks forward to working alongside the club's long-time star.

"I don't know if I have to convince Messi or not," Koeman said on Wednesday. "You want to have the best in the world in your team, not the opposite.

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