The Catalans had a challenging summer in the transfer market.
They snapped Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for around £135m.
Nelson Semedo and Paulino also cost the club in excess of £30m each.
But Messi desperately wanted more quality added to the squad and Ernesto Valverde failed to sign either Philippe Coutinho or Marco Verratti.
Barca also lost Neymar to Paris St-Germain for a world-record £199m fee.
Messi has a lucrative new contract on the table at the Nou Camp.
However, after weeks of upheaval at the club, he’s yet to pen an extension.
Spanish news outlet Diario Gol say Barca are ready to cough up for Griezmann in the New Year as Barca chiefs look to show Messi they mean business.
It’s hoped a bold statement of intent will convince Messi to remain at the La Liga giants.
The news could be a blow to Manchester United’s transfer plans.
Griezmann has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford and reports last week suggested Jose Mourinho is already planning a summer raid.
Atletico are currently under a transfer embargo.
But that ban will be lifted in January meaning they can formally draft in reinforcements.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has also confirmed Griezmann wants a move once this season is out of the way.
He told Sky Sports: “He is with a team which has played in Champions League finals and also won the league recently - more recently than Manchester United - so he is already at one of the top teams in Europe.
“He is playing with the fans and he will continue to do that with teasing messages but it is quite clear he will consider a move to Old Trafford next summer.
“This summer it's impossible but next summer, who knows?
“Quite clearly, he was determined to go to Manchester United and it's just the fact he didn't want to let Atletico Madrid down while they couldn't sign anyone that made him decide to stay.
“He had made his mind up to go to Old Trafford though, so we will see what happens as 12 months is a long time.”
Griezmann has played 112 games for Atletico since signing from Real Sociedad in 2014.
