Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa is reluctant to discuss his plans for Lionel Messi.
Off contract in June, there's a growing concern Messi could force a move away next month before the election is held on January 24.
Freixa told AS: “Why don't I want to talk about Lionel Messi in my campaign? Because it doesn't do him any good. He is someone to whom no one can promise anything. The only thing that could be said openly is: 'I don't want Messi and I will let him go'. And since this is not my case, I will not say it. Everything else is wind. Better to leave him alone.
"When we get to the club we will have to manage it in the best possible way, and always put the club first, even in front of the best player in history who is Messi. I hope he can continue with us.
"If I prefer to avoid the subject? It's just that (Lionel) Messi's future is not in our hands. The decision is up to him. The words of Carles Tusquets on the fact that it would have been better to sell Lionel Messi in July? Everyone knows the situation of (Lionel) Messi. We all know he's at the end of his contract. Speaking now will not bring us light."
