It is not my task to speculate about Messi's future, says coach Setien

According to a report, Messi has stopped contract negotiations with the Catalan giants amid reports of growing tensions within the club. His current deal runs till 2021.

Barcelona: Barcelona boss Quique Setien on Sunday opened-up about the speculations about talisman Lionel Messi's exit rumours from Barca.

"I am not going to speculate on this because I have not heard him say anything about it and it is not my task," Setien told reporters.

Lionel Messi

"I see him well, Leo. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into. That's what you, the press, are there for. I see him training well, and (nothing) more."

According to a Spanish outlet, Messi has stopped contract negotiations with the Catalan giants amid reports of growing tensions within the club. His current deal runs till 2021.

Earlier, putting his rivalry side, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane had said he would like to see Messi remain at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.

"I don't know what will happen but we hope not because he is in this league and we want the best in this league," Zidane had said after Real's 1-0 win over Getafe.

Barcelona find themselves four points behind Real Madrid in the LaLiga title race with just five matches to go this season.

Barcelona next take on Villarreal, who are currently placed at the 5th spot on the LaLiga table, in their bid to close the gap on leaders Real.