With Arthur and Frenkie the core of future Barca seems to be set, and im not that frightened of a post-Messi Barca anymore. The last 7 years tbh always thought it would be way more tricky to maintain our status without him. As the best player and most influential player in Barca history, it kinda feels weird critizing him, but the last 2-3 seasons his wages, captaincy-mentality, special position on the field, walking and status has taken a lot of what I consider beautiful football - when all 11 players on field have a strong defined role and arent just statister, and fight ofc with all they got. All tho it's common to blame Valverde for our boring playing style (he isnt to blame for that, once again) , I still think Messi has a big role to play in it, and the other oldies as well; Pique, Sergio, Rakitic, Vidal, Suarez...
So while "Messi-problem" was just one variable in many, I think he was a bigger one. Im not saying we would have been better of without him, we clearly have profited a looooot from him, I still feel the cons of Messi should be mentioned to give a clear picture of his last 2-3 seasons here. After all he isnt a perfect player, which doesn't exist. The only thing he can be blamed for is captaincy-mentality. He lifts a big burden, but a true leader will push his squad to maximum and wont have a resignedly attitude in the most crucial moments when the stakes are high and stuff isnt working out. Afterall he had maaaany years without leadership burden because of ouyol, xavi and iniesta, and could have learned it. I think he had the time and circumstances to learn it. Is still the greatest player I have ever seen in my just 10 years fan periode haha.
Well Anyway post-Messi looks a lot brighter for me. And hope we in future can have a squad as knit and well-rounded as other top teams.