After steering Barcelona to a La Liga and Copa del Rey domestic double last term, Ernesto Valverde wants to make additions to his squad over the summer.
Atletico Madrid star Griezmann appears to be the top target and his release clause wouldn’t cause a problem for the Catalan giants.
But according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Messi has major concerns over the Frenchman.
Indeed, the report suggests Messi feels Philippe Coutinho can occupy the role which Barcelona chiefs are looking to strengthen.
Don Balon indicates Messi is adamant that the midfield needs to be prioritised instead.
It is claimed that he has urged Barcelona to sign Juventus’ Miralem Pjanic or Tottenham star Christian Eriksen.
Messi has supposedly grown increasingly fed up with Paulinho and Barca are desperate to fill the void once filled by Xavi and Iniesta.
Meanwhile, La Liga legend Gaizka Mendieta suggested Messi could be pivotal to Griezmann heading to the Nou Camp.
He said: “It’s obvious he will be more important playing for Atletico Madrid than Barcelona.
“If he played for Barcelona he would have to be on the bench resting some matches because there are high level players.
“Playing for Atletico Madrid would be better for him because his team-mates are looking for him constantly, if he goes to Barcelona, players look first for [Lionel] Messi.
“We have already seen other players signing for Barcelona and reaching another results and figures than they were used to on other teams because there is a really top level player making the difference as Lionel Messi is, even he is not selfish but it’s something you have to understand.”