Tevez's future at Manchester United has been in doubt for several months as a permanent contract has not yet been agreed to replace the two-year loan deal which expires this summer.

On Saturday the 25-year-old appeared to wave goodbye to the United fans following the draw against Arsenal which secured a third consecutive Barclays Premier League title, but Messi is surprised the Red Devils have not snapped up the striker.

Messi told Setanta Sports: "I have no idea why Manchester are letting my countryman go while he is talented enough to be in every team in the world's starting line-up."

Messi also quashed rumours surrounding his own future, with newspapers suggesting he is wanted by Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid.

"As far as I am concerned I want to continue with Barca," he said.