Barcelona directors are unhappy with Lionel Messi lobbying for Jorge Sampaoli to succeed Luis Enrique as coach.

The Sevilla boss is making headlines after establishing the club as a shock title contender and leading them to victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.

Messi is close to Sampaoli and speaks regularly with him.

Don Balon says the Argentine has urged the board to move for Sampaoli when Enrique confirms his departure.

But Barca directors are unhappy with the demands, as they do not want to make a hostile move on Sevilla for their coach.

There are also concerns inside the boardroom of giving Messi and his entourage greater power, which was disastrous when they hired Tata Martino on his recommendation.