Rivaldo believes a post-career role offer might tempt Messi to stay

Lionel Messi

might agree to sign a new contract should

include a clause in the deal promising him a role at Camp Nou whenever he decided to call it quits, according to

Rivaldo

.

As for now, the Argentina international is getting closer to becoming a free agent and exploring his options.

and

are keen on signing with the 33-year-old. Rivaldo believes that the Barcelona captain will most likely depart at this point. Notwithstanding being with Barca his whole career, Messi might be open to a new challenge. Barcelona, however, are pushing for an extension deal.

The legendary Brazilian said: “

A leak revealed details about Messi's contract with Barcelona this week. That's not good and is potentially damaging for the club and player, but I think we shouldn't get bogged down in discussing it.

“We need to remember what the player has done for the club. His contribution has been superb for decades, on and off the pitch, so it isn't fair to criticise him about any deal that he might have made for his own protection.

“Someone decided to leak this information, and they clearly had a bad agenda, seeking to divide the club a bit more in a time when things are already turbulent.

“Messi tried to leave the club last summer and it looks increasingly likely that he'll get his way at the end of the season.

“Barca's manager Ronald Koeman has doubts about him staying at the club and even Joan Laporta, favourite to be the next president, only has hope of keeping him instead of a commitment from the player.

“The club should make an effort to keep him if there are the financial resources to give him a long-term contract.

“It could include a clause about a job at the club when he ends his professional career. This might make him consider signing a new contract. This is just a suggestion and I don't know exactly what Messi's aspirations are when he stops playing football.

“But Messi will continue to be a huge figure in world football and staying at Barcelona - no matter what his role - would be beneficial to the club.”

Follow

for the