Xavi Hernandez has warned Barcelona that failing to tie Lionel Messi to a new deal "would be a historical mistake". Meanwhile, the club legend has confirmed plans to return to the Nou Camp to become the manager of the La Liga giants.
Messi, 29, has already scored 41 goals in the current campaign, but his long-term future at the Nou Camp has come under question amid delays in negotiations over a new deal.
Neymar, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano and Ivan Rakitic have all put pen to paper on new deals at Barcelona in recent months, but the Argentine is yet to follow despite his current contract being set to expire in the summer of 2018.
In January Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez said negotiations with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner were on track – but the club are yet to provide any updates since.
Xavi has now encouraged his former side to step up talks after claiming both Messi and the club need each other.