Barca cannot afford to lose Messi to any team, says Busquets

Sergio Busquets is convinced Lionel Messi will still be a Barcelona player next season and admits the club can't afford to lose him.

Busquets was quick to calm fears his team-mate could be set for a shock departure, but did admit the club couldn't afford to sanction his exit.

"The owner of his future is himself, he's not thinking about leaving and for us is very important that he stays," the midfielder said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"He said what everybody says in the football world, you don't know what will happen in the future, you don't know what can happen but, he also said that he doesn't want to leave the club.

 

"Leo is a common guy, he said the other day that he's just another part of the team, we know he makes the difference, he offers different things but he's just another player in the team.

 

"When there's a debate, everybody can see it in different way, the fans only know what they see in the media, not what really happens."

Discussing Ronaldo's success in winning a third Ballon d'Or on Monday, Busquets added: "For me, Lionel Messi is the best but, Cristiano is a fair winner."