How stupid are they as last season they could have at least sold Messi and now let him disappear on a free transfer because they cannot afford to renew his contract
That's right, Bartomeu was a complete disaster as a president and one of the reasons he refused to let Messi go was to not write his name in the history books as the president who lost Messi. Now Laporta will be forever remembered as the president who lost Messi but the causes of this economic debacle are Bartomeu's fault.
Don't expect to see Barcelona in the Champions League year after year as this is not going to happen.
I think it will be extremely difficult for them to win the league in the coming years especially if Real Madrid signs Mbappe, but playing the Champions League isn't at risk in my opinion. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could finish above Barcelona but which other team can do that? Even without Messi Barcelona is still better than Sevilla, Real Sociedad, and other good clubs, so in my case, I do think they will continue to compete in the Champions but I don't think they are going to have high chances of winning that trophy. Also, the champions league might become irrelevant if the Superleague plans end up being successful and Barcelona has a secure spot in the Superleague since they are a founder club.
I hope Messi decides to go to PSG because that will increase the chances of Mbappe signing for Real Madrid.
If you look at the numbers Messi is the first of many that has to go and this is not over yet. They think if they let Messi go it will save the rest of the team but they are still twice over the cost cap with players taking a 50% cut in salaries. I do expect another 6 or 7 players to be let go.