The Brazilian missed three games with a calf injury recently, prompting speculation he was set for a move to Chelsea but Messi told Radio La Red he hopes Ronaldinho is going nowhere.

"He has done everything to make me feel comfortable and I'm truly thankful to him. I want him to stay at Barcelona," said Messi.

"He always says he doesn't want to quit. It would be good for both him and the squad."

Argentina star Messi has also been impressed by French striker Thierry Henry, who joined from Arsenal this summer.

"He is a very kind person," said Messi. "I really hadn't thought he would be like that.

"He is getting used to the team day by day. I hope he can be the league's top-scorer. It would be great because it would mean things are being done well."