Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson has jokingly said he would prefer Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona to avoid strengthening Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Messi last month handed in a transfer request at Barcelona, setting into motion an ongoing saga regarding his future.
The Argentine forward's father and agent, Jorge Messi, is in Barcelona to hold talks with the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Messi, 33, has entered the final year of his deal at the Camp Nou and believes he has the right to leave for free this summer due to a stipulation in his contract. Barca, meanwhile, are adamant the clause is not valid and are demanding the €700 million buyout clause is met in order to facilitate a transfer.
Should Messi leave Barcelona, Manchester City - and a reunion with Pep Guardiola - are thought to be the frontrunners.
After Jurgen Klopp categorically ruled Liverpool out of signing Messi, Robertson, who came face to face with the Argentine during the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, made his thoughts clear on where he wants the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to be playing next season.
"I think Liverpool have ruled out that we could sign him so I don't want him anywhere near the Premier League and hopefully it stays that way," Robertson, 26, said.
"I've played against him twice and it's the hardest games I've ever played."
Unsurprisingly, Messi's teammate Antoine Griezmann also wants him to remain at the Camp Nou.
"We are trying to stay updated with the issue, but it is between him and the club," the French forward said.
"We only hope that he stays. I am trying to stay focused on the national team and prepare well for the next two games. We have heard a little of everything but we don't know anything else about all this affair."
