Lionel Messi has already decided to leave Barcelona in 2021.

That's the claim of Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who says only the election of Joan Laporta as president could change Messi's mind.

He told BBC Sport: "A lot of people say, 'but the elections will be held at the end of January, so if Laporta becomes president, he could convince him'.

"And this is the key. He has made his decision, he wants to leave. Then the new president will have to change his mind. And it will be very hard because what can they sell him? That Neymar will come? No. Neymar is waiting for him at PSG. That (Pep) Guardiola will come to Barcelona? No. He is at (Manchester) City, pending.

"And of course, don't City have some connection to an MLS franchise? These two clubs are the favourites."