I tried to say that it's not even remotely true that people only care about Messi's stats rather than the team as a whole. I bet at least 90% of the people on here would have Messi out of the team if it would mean that we would be better without him, but it's a fact that he's the best player in the world and his impact is much smaller on the wing than in the centre.
True, don't get me wrong I'm not bashing Messi even if it may seem like that. He's the best player in the world by a huge margin.
Personally I just think Messi on the wing or even as attacking midfielder with a real mobile striker infront/next to him would be much better.
Fabregas also does much better when there's a mobile striker playing.
Something along the lines of:
Reus - Cavani - Messi
--- Iniesta - Cesc----
------- Busi
Just seems amazing to me. You have wingers that can cut inside and play trough balls, wingers that beat their man with ease. Also a striker that can finish and a midfield that can find a hole anywhere.
The attacking options would be limitless. You'd also be less reliable on Messi alone, so he can rest from time to time. Both fullbacks wouldn't have to push up like crazy, just 1 overlapping would be enough to balance out the more direct play.