Barcelona legend Rivaldo has insisted that Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona this summer.
The Argentine star was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in the most recent transfer window after airing his frustrations with the Barcelona board.
Messi decided to stay at the club, with the La Liga side insistent he could not leave unless his £630million release clause was triggered.
However, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is out of contract this summer and could leave Barcelona for free.
Pep Guardiola's new contract at City has reignited speculation that the pair could be reunited at the Etihad Stadium.
With Barcelona currently enduring financial difficulties after heavy spending, Rivaldo feels it's a formality that Messi will leave the club.
"Reaching an agreement to renew Messi's contract is going to be tough with a reduced margin to increase his salary," Rivaldo wrote in his Betfair column.
"Of course, Messi will have better offers from other clubs and was already trying to leave the club by the end of last season. 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."
Earlier this week Messi once again voiced his displeasure at the Barcelona board hierarchy, telling reporters he is 'tired of always being the problem for everything' at the Nou Camp.
