Former Barcelona striker Jordi Cruyff believes the club can handle Lionel Messi's departure this summer.

Cruyff, currently in charge of China's FC Shenzen, has been linked with the March election at Barca.

"If Messi does not stay, Barça's construction will be different," said Cruyff.

“It would have been important if these elections had been held earlier. We are almost in March and this should have been done in November or December.

"There are interesting players who, perhaps, in March or April are no longer available."