Messi appeals to Mascherano

24 June 2009 11:38
Lionel Messi has again urged Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano to consider a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward admits he would relish the opportunity to play alongside his fellow countryman at club level. Following speculation he could leave Anfield this summer, Mascherano has been highly touted for a move to Camp Nou. Admitting to being flattered by reported interest from the Spanish champions, as well as Real Madrid, the 25-year-old has dropped his biggest hint yet that he may switch to La Liga. Encouraging his compatriot to consider a move to Barca, Messi admits a possible deal is exciting for him and the club. "Of course I would like him to join," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "Who would not want to play with great players like Javier? I hope he can come here." Messi admitted that his main target next term is to add to Barca's flourishing trophy cabinet. He also spoke of his international ambition, saying: "There are two things I would wish for and the first is that Barcelona can win more trophies, the second is for Argentina to win the World Cup next year. "We (Barca) can dream about another treble, but it will be extremely difficult." Asked his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's impending £80million move to Real Madrid, he said: "If there is a club that sells and a club willing to buy then that is that. "I am not going to enter into the rights and wrongs because that is not my place, I just play. "It does seem like a big fee, but as I have said it is not really my place."

Source: SKY_Sports