Messi-Less Barcelona Will Be Devalued, Barca Presidential Candidate Lluis Fernandes Fears

Messi’s current contract with the Blaugrana expires at the end of the 2020/2021 season and he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in the current transfer window, though he has shelved those plans for the time being.

The six-time Ballon d’or winner unsuccessfully tried to force his way out of the club in August, citing a clause in his contract that could have allowed him to leave for free but Barcelona stood firm and held onto their most prized asset.

Fernandes will go head-to-head with former Barca president Joan Laporta, Victor Font, Jordi Farre and Agusti Benedito for the right to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned as president in October last year, on January 24.

"We can't forget that Barcelona have a greater income because of Messi," Fernandes told Radio Marca. "Barcelona would have less value without Messi.

"He is the only player in the squad who, by his mere presence, ensures Barcelona have more value and more income.

"We need income, but we also need to manage the club's structure. There's a need to negotiate the debt.

"But, there's no danger of Barcelona being forced to become a limited company. The members can rest assured about that."

Messi has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions this season.