Lionel Messi calls on Barcelona to keep Dani Alves

Lionel Messi has called on Barcelona to retain the services of out-of-contract defender Dani Alves this summer.

Alves is currently in a stand-off with the Spanish champions and as it stands, will leave Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the month.

Messi, however, has branded the Brazilian "the best full-back in the world" and called on the club to extend his stay in Catalonia.

"[Dani Alves] is the best full-back in the world. It's very difficult to find one like him nowadays, with his desire," Messi told UEFA.com.

Alves set up both of Messi's goals in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao last weekend – a game that Barcelona won 3-1.