Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has insisted that Argentina teammate and close friend Lionel Messi is "comfortable and happy" at Barcelona amid speculation over his future.
The Catalan giants have endured a tumultuous season off the pitch, leading Messi to speak out at one point after director of football Eric Abidal suggested that the Barcelona players were behind the controversial sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde.
A number of other issues are thought to have damaged the relationship between the six-time Ballon d'Or winner and the club's board too, but Aguero is confident that he will stay with Barcelona "unless something catastrophic happens".
"Leo is a player who is already a symbol and legend of Barcelona, but things happen in football," Aguero told El Chiringuito TV.
"Many players have changed for Leo and he stayed at Barcelona. He loves the club, he identifies with Barcelona, he is comfortable and happy.
"No matter how many things happen, he will continue. Unless something catastrophic happens."
Messi has spent his entire career with Barcelona, scoring a club-record 627 goals in 718 games and helping them to 34 trophies including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
Barney Corkhill
