Lionel Messi accused of having prevented Barcelona from signing Antoine Griezmann

Barcelona missed its highly publicized pursuit against Antoine Griezmann last summer.

The French superstar has chosen to stay with rivals La Liga Atletico Madrid after a major decision on his future – and Rivaldo believes that Lionel Messi could have had something to do with it.

The Brazilian icon, who played for Barcelona from 1997 to 2002, admits to having understood the choice of the attacker to refuse a camp change to Nou Camp.

He revealed his theory that "being in the shadow of Messi" could have been the key factor that prevented the winner of the World Cup from moving to the emblematic club of Catalonia.

"I'm not disappointed that Griezmann did not sign in Barcelona because every player has his own way of seeing things," Rivaldo told Marca.

"There are many great players in Barcelona and it is difficult to be in the shadow of Messi.

"(Griezmann is) a world champion that I like a lot as a player."

While Barcelona pursued the high-profile transfer goal last summer, it's Real Madrid, its rival, who is preparing for a big wave of summer spending.

They have been tied to a host of big names after a disappointing season – including former Barcelona star Neymar.

Rivaldo urged his Brazilian compatriot to seize the opportunity to settle at Bernabeau.

"Real Madrid need big players because this season, they did not play well," he added.

"They need someone who can change the situation.

"Everyone knows that Neymar is an excellent player and that he would triumph if he played for a club like Real Madrid."

While Real Madrid are out of the title race in La Liga, Messi and Griezmann will face off in a huge clash at the top of the table between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on Saturday night.