Rivaldo has hinted that Messi will end his stay at Barcelona when his contract ends.

According to the former player, two things could influence the Argentine into changing his mind – winning a major trophy this season or reinventing the former beautiful possessive style of play of Barcelona.

The 33-year-old before the start of the new campaign requested to be released by the Catalan club after Bayern 8-2 demolition in the Champions League quarter-finals but his demand was not met by the former board headed by Josep Bartomeu.

The six-time winner of the Balon d’Or's contract extension negotiation has not been prompted by Barcelona which means failure to extend makes him a free agent from January.

"Of course, Messi will have better offers from other clubs, and was already trying to leave the club by the end of last season,” Rivaldo wrote in his Betfair column.

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“I can't see how our board will convince him to move back on that decision.

"In my opinion, only winning the Champions League or LaLiga this season or having [Ronald] Koeman getting the team playing beautiful football can convince Messi to reconsider his options. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this will be his last season with the club."

Pep Guardiola on Thursday committed his future to Manchester City by signing a new contract.

The former Barca manager was tipped for a return to the Camp Nou, someone who was recognised as ideal to convinced Messi of staying yet continuing his project in the Premier League could welcome the Argentine with open arms not really in January but after he finishes his contract at the end of the season.