Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has contacted Antoine Griezmann in order to convince him about making the move to Barcelona this summer, according to reports.

Griezmann, 27, has been widely expected to make a €100 million (Dh433.1m) transfer to Camp Nou for several months. But rumours have emerged in the wake of his star turn in Atletico’s Europa League victory last Wednesday that he could be convinced to stay and sign a new contract.

Spanish sport daily AS have declared that the La Liga champions have tasked their best player, Messi, to tell the France forward he would be “welcomed with open arms” if he makes the switch.

Barca want negotiations to be finished before the World Cup. To do this, they may have to pay €150m (Dh649.6m) as his release clause cannot be activated until July 1.