Former Barcelona vice-president Emili Rousaud says Lionel Messi retains plans of eventually joining Newell's Old Boys.

Messi has long been linked with his hometown club.

Rousaud said, "For Messi not to leave Barcelona, Messi needs Barcelona to present him with a good sports project. Messi wants to feel like a protagonist and participant.

"With a new leadership and a tailored sports project and a competitive squad I have no doubts that Messi would rethink it, but Messi still has in mind to retire at Newell's after the next World Cup. Therefore, no you have to make an approach only for a season if not for the next few years.

"Messi in this Barcelona is the only irreplaceable player, the only player who does not have a replacement on the bench and in the dressing room, because it treasures a talent that is unique. A project has to be done around of him, although in a few years he may leave, but as long as we have him in the Barca, we only have to put together a project thinking about him."