Guardiola, who prefers to renew his deal on a year-by-year basis, said in the pre-match news conference on Saturday he needed more time to decide on his future.
"He knows what we think, and he'll make his decision when he is ready," Messi told Spanish television in a pitchside interview at the Nou Camp.
"We hope he stays, he is very important to us and to this club," he added.
Barcelona Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu said the Catalan club was not worried by Guardiola's failure to commit beyond the end of this season.
"He is an exceptional coach and he decides the timescales," Bartomeu told Spanish television. "We are at his disposition and when he wants he will speak to us.
"With him, there are no time limits. He is an exceptional person and we are counting on him."
