What a ridiculous way to destroy your legacy. Extremely ill-advised.
What??
Messi's legacy at the club as unquestionably the greatest player in their history is more than sealed after 16 seasons.
He doesn't owe them a damn thing at this stage in his career, if he believes that he needs to leave to accomplish his aims then he should be granted that right without second question.
He's arguably earned it more than anyone who's ever played the game.
That's why Real Madrid for all their faults and toxic fanbase, will always be bigger than them. They've got a rich tradition but don't dwell on sentimentality and allow it to hold them back like so many other clubs. They're like Bayern in that regard, they'll adapt and adjust to the present realities in the game on the fly. It might be emotionless or cold at times but it's helped them become the most successful side ever in European competition.
Arguably their greatest player ever in Ronaldo, was allowed to leave without much fuss when he decided the time was right to move on. They didn't engage in any ugly PR war or threaten legal proceedings like Barca have.
The phrase 'no player is bigger than the club' is how they truly go about their business, Barca have decided to go the complete opposite direction in that regard and it's only going to end up harming them as a club in the long run as a result of that approach