One of FC Barcelona's hopeful presidential candidates has revealed what he will tell Lionel Messi regarding his current "unsustainable" salary.
Emili Rousaud is one of the men in the running to become president of Barcelona, with the elections reportedly set to be held on 24 January.
With Messi yet to extend his contract at Barcelona despite there being just six months left on his deal, there are plenty rumours surrounding the 33-year-old's future, particularly due to his attempts to leave the club before this season got underway.
Speaking about Messi's situation in Spain, Rousaud admits that the Blaugrana would not be able to continue paying the six-time Ballon d'Or winner what he currently earns, and says he will tell the forward just that up front.
"He did not want to leave the club for economic reasons. It was down to the lack of a sports project," he told Sport.
"I will look him in the eyes and say: 'Your salary is unsustainable, the club cannot pay you. But we are going to launch a project to surround you with young talent.'"
See below where Messi ranked among the best-paid players in 2020:
