Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has confirmed that Lionel Messi has already received lucrative offers from foreign clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Argentina international will depart Camp Nou after more than two decades in Catalonia at the end of the season unless a new contract can be agreed.
Messi tried and failed to leave last year and Barca have been unable to convince the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to commit to fresh terms since then.
With the days ticking down until the one-club man becomes a free agent, speculation has intensified over a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City.
Laporta, in the running to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu in the rescheduled March elections, is aware of interest from wealthy teams.
"It won't be easy because he's receiving offers from clubs that don't lack money, because they have either a tycoon or a state behind them," he said in a campaign speech.
"Messi is very comfortable here, I'm convinced. From what I know of him, he wants to stay. He loves Barcelona and I enjoy the honesty he has always spoken to me with."
Messi has scored 16 times and registered seven assists in 25 appearances for Barca this season.
Daniel Lewis
