Ronald Koeman says Barcelona showed Lionel Messi the club has a bright future despite being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, Report informs, citing Marca.
Messi, 33, was on target as Barca drew 1-1 in Paris, exiting the competition at the last 16 stages for the first time since 2007 following a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
It could prove to be Messi's last European game in Barca colors if he decides not to renew his contract when it expires in June, but Koeman believes recent improvements could convince him to stay.
"Leo's seen for a while that the team is improving with the changes we've made," the Barca coach said after exiting the Champions League.
"We have youngsters with quality and big futures coming into the team, so it's not a question of having doubts about what this team is capable of.
"But only he can decide his future. No one can help him. He can see this site has a great future, so that's not an argument for him to [leave]."
Messi wanted to leave last August following the 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UCL. He said there was "no project" at the club and criticized the board and president in charge at the time.
Both Manchester City and PSG are interested in signing him if he does leave Barca this summer, sources have previously told ESPN.