Barcelona's new signing Sergio Aguero has admitted that he will not put any pressure on Lionel Messi to stay with the Spanish giants, amid doubt over the talisman's future.
Aguero completed his move from Manchester City to Camp Nou at the end of May and was excited at the prospect of linking up with long-time friend Messi, whom he had played with before on international duty with Argentina.
Messi's contract with Barca is due to expire at the end of this month and he is yet to agree new terms with the club, amid interest from many top European clubs.
However, Aguero has said that he will not be influencing Messi's decision on his future: "It's up to him to sort it. I won't push Leo to stay. He is great.
"He will have to sort it with his agent. I'm very happy. It's a new challenge for me [on joining Barcelona]."
Joan Laporta and Ronald Koeman are desperate for Messi to stay after another high-scoring campaign, having netted 38 times in 47 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants.
Since making his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, Messi has scored an record 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club.
Sammy Wynne
