Barcelona missed out in their high-profile pursuit of Antoine Griezmann last summer.
The French superstar opted to stay with La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid following a major decision on his future - and Rivaldo reckons Lionel Messi could have had something to do with it.
The Brazilian icon, who played for Barcelona from 1997 to 2002, admits he understood the choice of the forward to reject a Nou Camp switch.
He revealed his theory that being "in Messi's shadow" could well have been the key factor that stopped the World Cup winner from making the move to the iconic Catalan club.
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"I am not disappointed that Griezmann did not sign for Barcelona as every player has his own way of seeing things," Rivaldo told Marca.
"There are many great players at Barcelona and it's hard being in Messi's shadow.
"(Griezmann is) a world champion that I like very much as a player."
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Whilst Barcelona chased a high-profile transfer target last summer, it is rivals Real Madrid who are preparing for a big summer spending spree.
They have been linked with a host of huge names after a disappointing season - including former Barcelona star Neymar.
Rivaldo has urged his Brazilian compatriot to take the chance of moving to the Bernabeau.
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"Real Madrid need big players as this season they haven't done well," he added.
"They need someone that can change the situation.
"Everyone knows that Neymar is a great player and he would triumph if he played for a club like Real Madrid."
Whilst Real Madrid are out of the La Liga title race, Messi and Griezmann will do battle in a huge top of the table clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.
