We'll make it out the groups without Messi next season, not expecting us to win it with him, though that would be pretty Sweet.
The biggest issue is not so much Messi, it's the Messi & busquets combination in one XI.
In this case, the fact that Messi is amazing player in the league is gonna count too. If the club can get him on a decent salary, thinking in pragmatic sense, not much to be angry at.
If we could invest some 200m and get some elite players and instead we go after Messi, that would be different case imo. But it is clear that the club is mainly looking at free agents in the summer, or options on the cheap, because of financial possibilities and strict spending rules.
And as far as looking at free players goes, nobody is gonna provide a bigger impact than Messi that's for sure.
Tell me another free agent that is gonna guarantee a minimum of 40 goals & assists a season. There is none of that kind.