Javier Mascherano 'doesn't think' Lionel Messi will play in England

Javier Mascherano is of the opinion that his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has no desire to play in England before he hangs up his boots.

It has long been suggested that Messi will grace the Premier League before the end of his career, but Mascherano has hinted that his fellow Argentine will end his playing tenure at Barcelona.

"There are people who say Leo could not play against Stoke. Stoke City? That he cannot play in England? Leo can play anywhere, against anyone. How can anyone doubt that?" he told The Times.

"It's not because he is my friend. For me he is the best player I've seen in my life. I didn't see [Diego] Maradona, but of the ones I have seen Leo is definitely the best.

"The best player in the world can play anywhere because his talent and his quality are unbelievable, I don't think he wants to play in England, though."

Barcelona face Manchester City in the first leg of the last-16 stage of the Champions League on Tuesday.