Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has hinted that a new deal for Lionel Messi could be on the cards.
Speculation over the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's future continues to gather pace as he runs down the final few months on his current Blaugrana contract, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain still linked with a sensational swoop.
Messi opted to see out the last year of his deal after trying but failing to force a move away in the summer, and Laporta has now claimed that Barcelona should table a offer which reflects Messi's importance to the club and convince the Argentine that the Blaugrana can soon conquer Europe again.
Speaking to Sport, Laporta said: "You could argue many reasons for him staying. I prefer to think about what Leo generates, which is a lot – certainly more than his salary may cost.
"I'm not just talking about the sporting level, which is already well known. I consider him the best footballer in history. Leo is so much more than just that.
"In my opinion all players, when they win many titles and generate so much for the club, deserve to be valued accordingly.
"At least that's how I'll try to make it happen. Leo is, I repeat, the best player in the world and possibly in the history of football. What you have to keep in mind is that he loves Barca and has shown that repeatedly.
"He is a club man and is comfortable at Barcelona and in the city. That is another factor that leads us to think the best thing for us is for the Messi-Barcelona relationship to continue.
"You have to be imaginative. Knowing Messi is not guided by money, and I assure you that is the case, we must make a proposal that can convince him Barca has a team capable of winning the Champions League.
"That is essential. It is what will be more valuable to Leo when deciding his future at the end of the season. I am convinced of that.
"Leo and I have a relationship of mutual affection. He knows that whenever I have made him a proposal, it has been fulfilled. Leo knows it and has told me personally he valued that very much. He should finish his career at Barca."
Messi - now 33 - has amassed seven goals and four assists in all comps for Barca this season and is reportedly desperate to line up against Cristiano Ronaldo when Ronald Koeman's man face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Ben Knapton
