Barcelona could reportedly attempt to acquire an MLS franchise in order to persuade Lionel Messi to stay on at Catalonia.
While Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are regarded as the favourites for the Argentine's signature, he has confirmed that he would like to play in the United States before he hangs up his boots.
Messi can now begin talks with other clubs after entering the final six months of his Camp Nou deal, and Barca presidential candidate Agusti Benedito cannot see the six-time Ballon d'Or winner staying on in Catalonia past the summer.
However, AS claims that Barca will look to use Messi's interest in the MLS to their advantage by buying an American club - an initiative proposed by presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana.
The report claims that La Blaugrana would allow Messi to join their affiliate MLS side when he calls time on his Camp Nou career, but given the uncertain financial situation at the club, such a plan is unlikely to come to fruition.
David Beckham's Inter Miami have been tipped to reunite Messi with former Barcelona attacker Luis Suarez in a couple of years' time.
Ben Knapton
