Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi Exit Rumours Silenced by Xavi

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has sought to silence concerns that teammate Lionel Messi is seeking to leave the club, describing the record-breaking Argentine as "in his element" at the Camp Nou.

Earlier this week, Messi, 27, was quoted by Argentine newspaper Ole, per ESPN FC, as saying he was unsure where his future lies, leading to a major increase in speculation regarding his future.

Teammate Xavi, though, looked to downplay fans' fears regarding their idol's future, as reported by ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

"

Messi has always looked happy to me. We are used to him speaking rarely, and when he does it causes a debate.

He said something very normal. Leo is happy and content, is in his element [at Barca]. You just have to look at the games he is playing, and how he gets stuck in to help in defence.

"

It has been a week of Messi-dominated headlines in Spanish football, with the Argentine forward breaking both La Liga and Champions League all-time goalscoring records in the space of just a few days.

It is that incredible status within not only Barcelona but also the game as a whole that makes speculation he could depart the Camp Nou such a major story. Only Cristiano Ronaldo can truly rival him for column inches worldwide.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona in May, as reported at the time by Mail Online's Pete Jenson. However, despite that new long-term tie to the Camp Nou side, speculation as to his future has continued in earnest.

It must also be said that, as in this latest case, Messi has occasionally helped fan those flames in what is seen by some as a sign that his relationship with those in charge at Barcelona has cooled considerably.

Bleacher Report recently produced a feature on which player would emerge as the world's first £100 million footballer, and the Argentine's name was unsurprisingly mentioned:

As Xavi suggests, a Messi departure from Camp Nou would be a major shock in spite of his comments and the ongoing rumours. Barcelona are the only club he has represented. He is well paid there and adored by the club's support.

The ongoing muttering in the background would suggest that all is not quite right in the Messi-Barcelona relationship, but for those fractures to lead to his exit from the club at this stage would be one of the biggest shocks in football history.