Which of Messi's closest friends have clained he is staying? Heck, which journalist with previoilus access to the Messi camp has claimed it. It had only been distant thrird rate twitter spam merchants, and one or two quoting Laporta's heavily caveated cover all bases promises.
Sergio, when asked, upon is own arrival it should be noted, said he hoped to play with him, he thinks he would, and it was a decision for messi and Barcelona to make. Hardly any meaningful insider knowledge. Other than that, nobody else.
Why is that? Clearly Messi has no intention of leaking anything, and no need to do so. When it suited him, there were leaks last summer all over the shop. Now it doesn't, nothing. It would absolutely suit him, if there were negotiations, to leak he 'wants to stay' as it would then put pressure on Laporta to give what is asked for.
I too believe likely no smoke without fire etc etc, but the claims we have seen arent smoke, they are at best fart fumes.