Lionel Messi told Barcelona to replace Ronald Koeman with former team mate, Xavi Hernandez, before he left the club.
Cadena COPE reports that Messi already endorsed Barca's push to make Xavi their new manager following Koeman's sack.
Messi played with Xavi for 11 seasons at the Nou Camp.
Koeman was dismissed by the LaLiga giants following a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.
The Catalans have recorded just four wins from 10 games in the league so far and are struggling to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.
Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, is reportedly already in negotiations with their former captain, Xavi.
Xavi is currently in charge of Al-Sadd and is yet to reach an agreement with the Saudi club which would allow him to return to Barcelona.
Last week, he made no secret of his desire to manage Barcelona.
"My ideal is to coach Barca, that is my goal and my dream and I have never hidden it," he said.
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