Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested Lionel Messi could leave the club if Josep Maria Bartomeu is not removed from the position.

Barcelona maintains Messi will sign his contract extension that was reportedly agreed upon in July.

Terms have not yet been signed and there were reports over the weekend that Manchester City could pay Messi's €300 million buyout clause.

"If we want Messi to continue to be happy at Barca we have to get rid of Bartomeu immediately," Laporta wrote on Twitter after the links with City had surfaced.

Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez downplayed the idea Messi could leave the club and said that the contract extension will be signed soon.

"The agreement for Messi's renewal is total on both sides," he told beIN after Barcelona began the new La Liga season with a 2-0 win against Real Betis on Sunday.

"We are looking for the right moment to sign it, there's nothing else [to be said]. We already know how key Leo is. He's a very important player for football."