Barcelona are reportedly using Lionel Messi in their ploy to lure Antoine Griezmann away from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann announced last month that he intends to leave the Wanda Metropolitano before next season, just 12 months on from signing a new deal.

The France international turned down a switch to Barcelona last summer, but the Catalan giants are the strong favourites to land his signature this time around.

According to The Mirror, the deal is as good as complete as Griezmann dreams of playing alongside Messi and therefore has no intention of joining any other club.

Messi is said to have phoned the striker and told him how they would complement each other's style of play.

Griezmann joined Atleti from Real Sociedad in 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances.

Real Madrid and Manchester United have also been linked with the 28-year-old.