Could Aguero hold the key to Barcelona keeping Messi?
Lionel Messi's future remains unclear, but a member of Victor Font's team believes signing Sergio Aguero would help Barcelona.
Barcelona signing Sergio Aguero could help convince Lionel Messi to stay, according to Juli Lopez, who is involved with Victor Font's candidacy to be the club's next president.
Messi's future beyond this season remains uncertain as he comes towards the end of his contract. The 33-year-old made clear his desire to leave prior to the 2020-21 campaign but ended up remaining at Camp Nou to see out his deal.
Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner,while Manchester City were reportedly interested in reuniting the Argentinian with his former Barça boss Pep Guardiola in England.
However, Lopez – who will oversee the sporting department if Font wins the election – feels a familiar face arriving from City could help make all the difference for Messi.
Asked in an interview with Marca if bringing in Aguero would help Messi decide to remain in Spain, he replied: "Absolutely. Barcelona need another goalscorer. Aguero wouldn't be signed just so Messi stays. We're talking about a top striker who wants to be playing top-level European football up to the World Cup in Qatar.
"He would bring a huge lift to the club and would play a huge role at Barcelona."
Like Messi, Aguero's deal with his current team is into the final few months.
Man City legend
The striker is City's all-time leading scorer but has barely featured this season due to injuries and illness, making just nine appearances in all competitions. After hamstring and knee issues earlier in the campaign, he tested positive for coronavirus in January.
Lopez also discussed the potential return of a Barcelona legend in Xavi – who is the head coach at Al Sadd in Qatar – as another move that may convince Messi, as the talismanic forward would be able to see there is a clear plan mapped out for the future.
Project with Xavi
"The first thing is to make sure he can see that this team in the medium and long term will play in the way that he likes," Lopez said.
"Someone who he trusts will need to tell him this. Who better to explain the project than his former team-mate Xavi?
"A good project and someone he can trust are the two key ingredients to keep him at the club."