Javier Mascherano has refused to rule out a return back to Argentina to see out his playing career after growing frustrated by his lack of regular playing time at Barcelona.

The former River Plate and Corinthians ace has been tipped to quit Camp Nou at the end of the campaign with the full blessing of the club's board.

Major League Soccer appeared to be the top pick for Mascherano, who has started eight of Barca's 18 games all competitions during the first three months of the current campaign.

Asked if a return to his homeland was potentially on the cards further down the line, however, the 33-year-old remained coy.

"The focus is to be happy and the decision I make will depend on how things are going," he told TyC Sports. "In Barcelona, it is obvious I am not playing at the frequency I played before. I'm still playing, I'm still competing.

"I'm in a team where every game I play is because I earn it in training, but it's clear there are many times you want to play more. I'm not saying that I have to play more, because the starters are two players of the highest level and there is not much more to do there. I'm always analysing the situation and I will see.

"In principle, I have not thought in the short term about returning to Argentina. I haven't had any proposals, but I will see. I am not going to say I will rule something out because things change and I don't want to be imprisoned by my words."

Mascherano is under contract until the end of next season with Barcelona, where he has spent the last seven years of his career.