Lionel Messi has never requested his close friend, Sergio Agüero, join him on a transfer to Barcelona.

Regular speculation has suggested they could end up playing together at club level, at Barça or even at City.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told Radiogaceta that talk of Messi making such demands was untrue.

When asked: "How many times has Messi asked for the signing of 'El Kun'[Aguero]," Bartomeu laughed and replied: "No, he has never asked us. Aguero is a great player -- he has a contract with City, and we have a lot of respect for players with a contract. Messi does not ask for signings.

"It is not true that Messi asked for the head of the coach. Luis Enrique has one more year on his contract, and will be Barça coach next season."