Barcelona not planning to sell Messi, says Enrique

Thegoalmac can reveal that Barcelona aren't planning for life without Lionel Messi, according to coach Luis Enrique, who did his best to play down the furore over the Argentine's future on Wednesday.


"We shy away from controversy, comments and rumours. We seek the best atmosphere in the dressing room," the Spaniard said on Wednesday.

"We all expect Messi to be at the club next season and there is no plan for him not to be here. All the fans want him to stay."

Amid the controversy surrounding the club, summer signing Luis Suarez has shown signs of reproducing his best form with two goals in his last two games.

"He's always been at a great level, even when people said he was fat," Luis Enrique added. "He is continually improving and evolving."

Barcelona are back in action on Thursday night when they face Elche in the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey tie, having won the first leg 5-0.

Several fringe players will feature as Luis Enrique rotates his squad with progress all but assured, while Xavi (hamstring) and Neymar (ankle) won't be risked.