Jose Mourinho plays down Messi link

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions his side could lodge a record move for Lionel Messi in the future. The Argentina international has spent his entire career with his beloved Barcelona.

Recent speculation suggested the Mancunian duo of Manchester United and Manchester City could vie for Messi's signature amid the uncertainty over his future at Camp Nou.

While being questioned over the speculation, Mourinho insisted that his club will not be pursuing a move for the Ballon d'Or winner, and he hopes the Argentine remains at Barcelona for years to come.

"Messi every season is the same story, every season he is going to leave and he never leaves and honestly I hope he never leaves because he belongs to Barcelona," he told reporters.

Messi, who has netted 17 goals in 13 appearances this season, is currently holding out on a fresh contract at Barcelona amid tax fraud allegations.