Carlos Tusquets has revealed why Barcelona should have sold Lionel Messi during the summer transfer window.

Messi, the cub’s all-time leading goalscorer, wanted to exercise a clause in his contract which he said allowed him to leave for free.

But the Argentine reluctantly decided to stay after now-former president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted the 33-year-old’s €700m release clause had to be met in order for him to depart.

The club’s interim president told RAC1 radio station: “Economically speaking, I would’ve sold Messi in the summer window.

“Both in terms of what you save on the wage bill as well as the money you make, it would’ve been desirable. But this is something the coaching staff have to consent to and that’s not my place.

“La Liga are setting salary limits at the moment and this would’ve helped on that front.”