Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre can see Lionel Messi having a spell with Newell's Old Boys before eventually returning to the club.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Farre made it clear that he wants Messi around for the long-term -- even after his retirement from the game as a player.

"I think we have to have an open contract so that he can decide when he retires at any moment," Farre said. "We'd be delighted if he asks to have a year playing for Newell's and then come back and never leave Barcelona. It's important to be grateful in life."

Farre continued: "We're not going to wait to win to speak with Leo's dad. We're going to get to work so we can go into the election relaxed about his future.

"We have a lifetime project for him. If we win, which we will, Leo will stay he for as long as he wants."