Lionel Messi remains a free agent while Barcelona work to free up the funds to register him as part of their squad.

Ronaldinho is among the Blaugrana fans eager to see his former team-mate sign on the dotted line.

The Brazilian has also suggested that Messi be honoured by having his No10 shirt retired once he calls time on his career.

“Messi has to stay,” Ronaldinho told TuttoMercato.

“When he retires, which I hope is a long time from now, he can leave his No.10 behind and nobody will play with it again.”

High praise from a fellow iconic Barca No.10.