Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito has conceded that Lionel Messi will most likely leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner failed to force an exit last year and continues to be linked with moves to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain as he runs down his Blaugrana deal.
While one presidential candidate in Joan Laporta has expressed optimism over the club's chances of keeping hold of Messi, Benedito does not expect the 33-year-old to be plying his trade in Catalonia for much longer.
Speaking to ESPN, Benedito said: "Keeping Messi would be the best news for the club but I am not very optimistic. Given the club's situation, I think it's really important that he stays at Barca, with the understanding that he understands the next two years we have in front us [could be difficult].
"He's been here for 20 years; he's a Barcelona fan and I think he's sensitive to the situation. He has given us so much in the same way that Barcelona have given him a lot and it's time for us all to roll up our sleeves.
"I would have liked him to say in his interview the other week that his desire is to stay at the club, but he didn't and now we have to wait and see. The truth is I am pessimistic.
"Remember that in August he said he wanted to leave after 20 years and now he's still not cleared up what he wants to do. The most likely outcome I see is that he leaves us in the summer."
Barcelona's presidential election will take place on January 24, and Messi is reportedly waiting until Josep Maria Bartomeu's successor assumes office before making a firm decision on his future.
Ben Knapton
