Andres Iniesta has insisted that Barcelona must keep Lionel Messi if they are to continue challenging for major honours.
The Argentine struggled for consistency in the first half of the season amid talk of a fall-out with head coach Luis Enrique.
Manchester City were said to be preparing a big-money move for the 27-year-old, but talk died down in January.
Messi has been in stunning form since the turn of the year, meanwhile, with the forward's latest exploits seeing him hit a hat-trick in Sunday's 5-0 win over Levante.
"I hope and wish that Leo can be with Barca for a long time, because he has been, is and will be fundamental to us competing for honours. That's my sole desire," Iniesta told FIFA's official website.
Messi has now struck 269 goals in 300 league games for Barca.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
