Messi tried to force a move out of Catalonia before the beginning of the just ended 2020/2021 season after Barcelona ended the 2019-2020 season poorly.
Messi’s frustration was compounded when his friend Luis Suarez was shipped out to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan were all said to be mulling over the possibility of snapping up Messi but Barcelona blocked every potential move.
The 33-year-old had a wonderful season, scoring 38 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Ronald Koeman’s men.
Fernandez, who says he knows Messi very much, insists he is having a hunch that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will not leave Barcelona. Messi’s contract at the Camp Nou will come to an end this summer, and will be free to join any club.
"He will stay, I am very certain. Knowing him, he will stay," Fernandez told Marca.
"I don't have any information [about Messi], but I have a feeling."
Fernandez was the sporting director of Barcelona from 2015 to 2018, and he gave his opinion on what is happening in the club.
"As a sporting director you always have to reach a consensus," he said.
"The problem at Barcelona is that it is very difficult to improve the team because it is always good."
"[Ronald] Koeman has done an extraordinary job, very good. He got them fighting for La Liga right almost until the end.
"The team have shown what they are - a great team. At Barcelona, there are no transitional years.”
