LIONEL MESSI has reportedly asked Barcelona to make a U-turn over the future of close friend Luis Suarez.
Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport claim that the Argentine was unhappy with new Barca boss Ronald Koeman’s treatment of the striker.
Messi, 33, has undergone a dramatic turnaround on his own future as he is all set to stay at the Spanish giants for one more season.
The forward’s father Jorge, who is also his agent, jetted to Spain this week for face-to-face talks with the club bosses.
In that meeting, the Messi clan allegedly made it clear that they were unhappy with Barcelona’s treatment of Suarez.
The Uruguayan international is poised to depart the Nou Camp himself after he was deemed surplus to requirements.
And the ex-Liverpool forward may be on the verge of signing for Juventus, yet Messi is thought to be desperate for Suarez to stay in Spain.
The attacking duo are not just close on the pitch but are also neighbours.
Suarez and his wife Sofia Balbi were snapped outside the home of Messi as their respective futures remain unclear.
Together the duo have lifted four LaLiga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies and the 2015 Champions League.
SunSport previously reported that Barcelona have identified Lyon forward Moussa Dembele as Suarez’s replacement.
Messi meanwhile emanded to leave the club for free after he handed in his transfer request yet is now set to see out the final year of his contract.
He will then join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side next summer when his deal in Spain has expired.
