Mascherano: Messi doesn't want Barcelona exit

Lionel Messi is committed to Barcelona and isn't planning on leaving the club at the end of the season, according to Javier Mascherano.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner hinted to Argentine newspaper Ole earlier this week that he was considering the prospect of life away from the club he has spent his entire professional career.

Messi claimed he would stay at Barcelona forever if the decision was entirely his, but said football’s continuous cycle of change means it’s impossible for him to predict whether or not he will eventually move on.

Barca and Argentina team-mate Mascherano has now moved to calm fears over the 27-year-old’s long-term plans and says supporters should not be alarmed by his comments.

“Messi didn't say anything weird, he said what all football players are thinking,” the midfielder said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

"He is fine and wants to keep winning with Barca. As I know Leo, I think he's experiencing a great time, not only in football but also in his private life.”

Messi has endured an underwhelming 12 months, during which the Blaugrana surrendered their Primera Division crown to Atletico Madrid.

Under new boss Luis Enrique, the forward has also had to adapt to a deeper role as a playmaker, but has so far failed to reproduce his very best form on a consistent basis.

But Mascherano stressed that Messi is very much content with his role within the side and says reports of discontent with the club’s hierarchy are entirely the creation of the media.

"Can you be certain that Leo has problems with Barca? Where did you read it? I didn't see anything about it,” he added.

"I don't need to convince you, it is the truth. I have always heard from Leo a lot of thankfulness towards Barcelona. He’s one of the greatest players to have ever played the game and has always been professional.”

One bit of good news for the club has been the return to training of summer signing Thomas Vermaelen, who is yet to make his debut following a persistent hamstring complaint.

Barca currently have the best defensive record in La Liga, having conceded just five goals in 11 games, but Mascherano has backed the former Arsenal centre-back to make his mark.

“He's a great player, I played against him in England a lot of times and I think he will do very well for us.”