There's 90% chance Messi will stay at Barca: Former presidential candidate

Minguella claims that Messi's legal advisers don't understand the contractual situation right, he believes that no club can properly buy Leo because he considers himself free to go.

If the Argentine signs for another club, the Catalans could report him to FIFA.

"Someone suggested to them that the delay in the season would mean the dates of the clause expiring would change. Right now, Leo Messi's legal team don't see the situation clearly. There's a 90% chance he stays at Barca," former presidential candidate Jose Maria Minguella has told Diario Sport.

"The interpretation of the clause stops any club from coming in to buy a player saying that the transfer is free.

"If there is conflict, FIFA have the ability to let the player play for his new club but Barcelona could report the player for duplicity of contract."

Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly doesn't want to sell Messi and will insist on his release clause is any club come knocking.

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old wants to leave in a friendly manner and would like to meet with the club to discuss his exit, something the Catalans are said to have rejected.