It has been the main problem for long time but people could not blame him just because he is Messi.
To a certain extent, yes. It's because he is Messi with the ball, not because he is Messi by popularity. I have addressed Messi's problem but he is still by far the best player with the ball. Those key chances, plays, are the key to Barcelona's attack. Not to mention his brilliance in free kicks. We cant do without him.
For now, he isnt the biggest problem. What irks me the most is the lack of movement from the squad, coach didnt seem to give a shit and have never ever addressed these issues, old and slow players upfront after Neymar left, we stuck with Suarez and assume it could work.
Messi needs dynamic players around him, that can pick up his passes, drive the ball forward, carry on with attack, link up and make use of spaces, runs and when the opportunity presents itself, Leo can strike the ball and the rest is history.
Main problem is we are too afraid to break away from past glory, and continue using old players even they are washed up. Even the coach thought MSN was still a functional and feasible solution.
I still believe Messi will head for a decline, but for now, he is the least of our worries.