Barcelona are still trying to convince Lionel Messi to stay at the club and expect him to attend training when sessions resume, according to sporting director Ramon Planes.
The 33-year-old reportedly intends to activate a clause in his contract that would allow him to unilaterally terminate their agreement following the 2019-20 season and join another club.
While it was required to be activated before the end of May, Messi told the club he still intends to make use of it as the season was extended into August due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Planes, promoted to his role following Eric Abidal's dismissal last week, says Barca have not given up hope of continuing their association with Messi.
Next Match
Although Planes was speaking as Barca presented new signing Francisco Trincao to the media, unsurprisingly the focus was not on the young Portuguese winger.
"It was important news about Messi, but what we feel and have said many times is that we think of Messi as a Barca player," Planes said.
"Today Trincao arrives and we hope that he will triumph alongside Messi. Barca has rebuilt itself many times throughout its history and has always come back strong. Our idea is to do it around the best player in the world.
"You have to have enormous respect for Leo because of what he is and because of his history. We are not thinking about any contractual clause.
"Messi's marriage to Barca has given both parties a lot, much joy to the fans and internally we are working to convince Messi, to find the best solution for Barca and for Messi.
"We are making additions like Pedri and Trincao to make a winning and young team, all clubs are regenerating.
"It is not a dispute between Messi and Barcelona, neither deserve it. We are working to make a winning Barca."
A number of top European clubs have been linked with Messi in the wake of the reports coming out of Camp Nou, including Italian giants Inter and Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Manchester City has been mooted as the most likely next destination for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Goal has learned that Pep Guardiola has already been in contact with the Argentine over a potential move.
Guardiola was the man who initially unlocked Messi's full potential at Camp Nou, and he is eager to arrange a reunion ahead of the 2020-21 season.
