Lionel Messi urged to remain at Barcelona by Pep Guardiola amid speculation of Chelsea or Manchester United move

The Argentina international has also been linked with Manchester City

Lionel Messi (GETTY IMAGES)

Lionel Messi has been urged to remain at Barcelona by his former manager Pep Guardiola.

Speculation around the Argentinian's future has been ongoing since it emerged that he fails to see eye-to-eye with his current coach, Luis Enrique.

The player himself has also fuelled talk when just hours after insisting reports over a possible move to Manchester City or Chelsea were all "lies" he told reporters that he couldn't be certain where he would be playing next season.

Barcelona will obviously be desperate to retain the four-time Ballon d'Or holder, despite suggestions they could command a fee in the region of £200m if he were sold. The Spanish club will therefore be delighted with reports that Guardiola has spoken with Messi and urged him to stay at the Nou Camp.

Goal.com claim that Guardiola has told Messi he should appreciate what he means to Barcelona and also recognise what the club has given him in return. It's also claimed he warned Messi that he would be unable to wield the same power that he currently does if he were to move to another club.

Pep Guardiola (Getty Images)

Guardiola is understood to be a believer in Enrique and thinks the current Barcelona manager has what it takes to enjoy success with the Catalan club.

As well as Manchester City and Chelsea, Messi has also been linked with Manchester United.