Luis Enrique wants Lionel Messi to stay

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says the thought of having a team without Lionel Messi is "not even something we contemplate".

The future of the Argentina forward as been the subject of much speculation recently, following reports he had fallen out with Enrique.

Messi has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City and leaders Chelsea, but Enrique does not want to see the four-time former world player of the year leave the Nou Camp.

“I don’t know what the future holds for us,” the 44-year-old told the Spanish media yesterday. “We all think Messi will be at Barca in the next few years and that is what all the cules (Barca fans) want. The thought of having a team without Messi is not even something we contemplate.”

Messi, who is Barca’s all-time top scorer in all official club competitions, is under contract with the Catalan giants until June 2018. He has been instrumental in helping Barca win 21 trophies, including six Primera Division titles and three Champions League crowns. Barca overcame champions Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Sunday to provide some much-needed cheer.

A number of players are said to be unhappy with Enrique’s tactical and coaching methods since he replaced Gerardo Martino in the summer.

But Enrique, whose side take on Elche in the second leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie tonight holding a 4-0 advantage from the first leg, insists his squad is united.

“We are running away from controversies,” he said.