Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has dismissed suggestions Lionel Messi is looking to leave the club and played down talk of a rift between the Argentina superstar and coach Luis Enrique.
Speculation the pair have fallen out has increased following Luis Enrique's decision to leave Messi, and his fellow South Americans Neymar and Dani Alves, on the bench for Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad.
Messi then missed training the following day with the club and player reporting he was suffering from gastroenteritis.
Luis Enrique insisted earlier on Wednesday his relationship with Messi was identical to when he took over at the start of the season and Bartomeu feels the gossip should end there.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the club had brought forward their presidential elections to this summer, he said: "I can't come out every day to deny every rumour floating around the club.
"Lionel Messi has a contract, he's happy here and keen to win more titles. There's nothing to panic about in that regard.
"The dressing room is a sacred place. Many things can happen there but they stay there. Lionel Messi is the leader of our team. He is our best player and we are counting on his services."
Asked how he knew Messi was happy with life at Barca, he added: "You just need to watch him on the pitch, he is not the player of last season.
"Everyone in football knows Barca do not want to sell Messi. So there is no issue."
As for the speculation, he said: "The stories are written to create conflict when conflict does not exist. But these are questions you have to direct at Luis Enrique and Messi.
"These are matters that Luis Enrique has made clear are best kept within the squad. I am in contact with them and the message I am getting is they are working well and trying to win titles."
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