Gerardo Martino: 'Lionel Messi could play anywhere'

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has insisted that Lionel Messi could play anywhere on the pitch.

The 26-year-old has been deployed in a deeper position since returning from a long-term injury in 2014, but he has still scored 18 times in all competitions this season.

"I've seen him play in all the positions in attack - one day he'll play in goal and be great there too," Martino told reporters at a press conference.

"If he's closer to the box, he'll pull defenders around and if he's deeper, he'll give passes for goals. That confuses our opponents. I really do not care that Messi isn't scoring every match. Leo always produces match-changing moments.

"He is capable of providing four assists in one game and on another day he could score a goal to eliminate a rival from a competition. He is an important player. I do not care if people are saying he has lost the scoring touch."

Messi spent two months on the sidelines towards the end of 2013 with a hamstring injury.