Messi is Not For Sale

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that Argentine forward Lionel Messi is not for sale at any price.

Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked with world record bids for the Camp Nou favourite in the summer, but Barca will not consider any offer.

Messi's performances this season have cemented his reputation as one of the world's finest players and Laporta feels such accolades are a testimony to the club's policy of nurturing young talent.



The 21-year-old, like Kaka at Milan, has repeatedly expressed contentment with his present employers and it would appear a parting of ways is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future.

"Messi is not for sale and that's it," said Laporta. "It's not a question of money. For me he's the best player in the world and he feels comfortable at Barcelona.

"For us, Messi reflects Barca in a perfect way that makes young players see how we develop talent.

"Leo Messi came to Barca when he was 12 years old. He has a natural talent but we created the player you know and we are very proud of this.

"I think Leo is very happy in our city and in our country and so is his family."

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Barcelona have reached an initial agreement to sign Keirrison from Palmeiras.

An outline agreement has apparently been reached, although Barcelona have yet to put forward a bid; with a price of €15m believed to be enough to seal his signature.

The 20-year-old forward has already said that he wants to be successful and would relish a move to the Camp Nou.

"I would really like to play alongside Lionel Messi," Sport quote Keirrison as stating. "He is the best player in the world. Since I was very young I have wanted to play with a great club and, although I have nothing against any others, I have always identified with Barcelona.

"I saw a lot of games when Romario and Ronaldo were there and that made me dream that one day I would play at Barcelona.