Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has said that he "couldn't imagine" Lionel Messi at any other club than the Catalan outfit.

Following a difficult start to the 2014-15 season, Messi was strongly linked with a move away from Camp Nou, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City both credited with an interest.

However, Mathieu believes that "it would be impossible" for any other club to prise the 27-year-old from Barca.

"I couldn't imagine Leo at any other club than Barca and it would be impossible for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain to sign him," Mathieu told Radio Montecarlo.

Messi, who has netted 43 goals in 41 games this season, is widely expected to return to his native Argentina before hanging up his boots.