Font believes the best way to keep Lionel Messi at Barca will be to entice former boss Guardiola from Manchester City back to the club where he enjoyed so much success.

Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned his presidency earlier this week, after months of criticism of Barcelona's ailing finances and struggles on the pitch.

Now Font, one of the leading candidates to replace him, has claimed he knows how to restore the glory days at the Catalan giants - starting with a move to lure former legends back to the club.

"Most of the best professionals who know about this style are also fans and love the club, like Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol," Font told Sky Sports News.

"They are all legends that love Barcelona but do not work for Barca today. We need to bring them back to ensure we will have a very competitive project.

"The only thing Messi needs is to know he is part of a competitive project that aspires to win the next Champions League.

"We have no doubt that if we basically have the honour to take the helm of FC Barcelona, we will be able to achieve that (Messi staying)."

Guardiola's current Manchester City contract expires next summer.

The 49-year-old steered Barcelona to three triumphs in LaLiga, two Champions League titles and two Copa del Rey victories in four years at the Nou Camp - not to mention three Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cup wins.

"Replacing the best generation the world of football has ever seen, which I believe we have had over the last decade, is a big challenge," said Font.

"Particularly at a time when competition is intense and many clubs are owned by very powerful owners.

"FC Barcelona also need a significant investment to rebuild the stadium and all in a world which has been hit with one of the worst crises ever (coronavirus)."

Australian Associated Press