Ronald Koeman remains convinced that Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona and has refused to be drawn into a debate regarding the Argentine’s future.

A stunning transfer saga that saw a fuse lit over the summer appears set to rumble on throughout the 2020-21 campaign.

Having grown disillusioned with life at Camp Nou and the direction in which Barca were heading on and off the field, Messi aired his desire to move on during the last window.

His declaration stunned the sporting world and rocked those in Catalunya.

A six-time Ballon d’Or winner made it clear that he wished to take on a new challenge and intended to trigger an exit clause in his contract.

Barca moved quickly to block his path, with the 33-year-old informed that he would not be freed from his current deal.

Asked whether he sees the mercurial South American leaving Barca, Koeman told reporters:“No, and I won’t say any more about this.”

The Blaugrana boss was pressed on the matter again at a later stage, but sought to bring the grilling to a close by saying:“I won’t take any more questions on this.”