LaLiga president Javier Tebas denies he wants to go to "war" with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

In the aftermath of Messi's transfer demand a fortnight ago, Tebas sided with Barca insisting the Argentine could not walk away from his contract - which carries a €700m buyout clause.

Messi has since announced he will be staying this new season and Tebas told Corriere della Sera: "Mine has not been a war against Messi.

“I would have done the same if it had been Pepito Pérez or any other player in our championship. As a League we had and we have a duty to defend legality and justice: contracts must always be respected, whether you are called Messi or Pepito Pérez.

"Personally I think it was not a battle with Messi and his environment.

“I have a special affection for Leo, I adore him, he is the history of our football these last 20 years: how can you go to war against him? I insist: I only wanted the contracts to be respected. What is evident is that in the case of Messi the matter has acquired enormous media dimensions.

"As much as his lawyers say otherwise, the contract is clear: a part was decontextualised and this led to error. In the end, what is important and what makes us happy is Messi's decision to avoid legal conflicts and to continue playing for the team of his life."

Tebas continued: "f he leaves in a year it will be a shame. If he will leave for sure? His contract allows it. What is clear is that from the 2014-15 season the criterion was set that the LaLiga brand is above players and clubs because it is the only way to make the sector profitable."