The pair were reunited yesterday in Argentina as Ronaldinho took part in a charity match and Messi told reporters: "Nothing is going to happen. He is not going to leave Barcelona. I wait and hope that Ronaldinho continues playing with me for many years into the future."

Ronaldinho thanked Messi for his comments, but refused to talk about his personal situation and instead commented on Sunday's defeat to Real Madrid: "Getting beaten by Madrid was something very difficult to take. It's something that will be difficult to bounce back from."