Messi was convinced we could do it for free and played his cards as strongly as he could, but my contacts have stated this morning that even the video yesterday was part of a plan B strategy.
I expect another power play before this window closes and if Barto is still there, a final negotiation in January involving Garcia.
Messi was actually very smart yesterday, he ticked a lot of boxes - love for Barca, love for his family, wanting to love the remainder of his playing days - even box checking the terrible toll COVID has had on the world.
His entire narrative was an appeal for empathy, wanting to draw people to his struggle.