Madrid, Jan 15 (IANS): Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has said that the thought of having a team without Lionel Messi is "not even something we contemplate".

The future of the Argentina forward has been the subject of much speculation recently, following reports that he had fallen out with Enrique, reported Xinhua.

Messi has been linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City and leaders Chelsea, but Enrique does not want to see the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner leave Camp Nou.

"I don't know what the future holds for us," the 44-year-old told Spanish media Wednesday.

"We all think that Messi will be at Barca in the next few years and that is what all the fans want. The thought of having a team without Messi is not even something we contemplate."

Messi, who is Barcelona's all-time top scorer in all official club competitions, is under contract with the Catalan giants until June 2018. He has been instrumental in helping Barcelona win 21 trophies, including six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions Leagues.