Lionel Messi will stay in Barcelona even after this season, because he is ready to put sporting goals ahead of financial ones, according to the former vice-president of the Catalan club, Jordi Mestre.

But any new deal for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner at Camp Nou will be lucrative because one of the best in sports history deserves conditions that reflect his status in the global game.

Messi can fill his pockets anywhere, because rich clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have expressed great interest in his services.

But the recent King’s Cup triumph and possible La Liga title this season could convince the 33-year-old to continue to be the one club man.

Asked if Messi could leave in the summer, when his contract with the club expires, Mestre said: “Messi will continue. But if he leaves, he will not do it for money.”