Sergio Ramos wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona.
Last week, the Barcelona captain stunned the club by formally requesting that he be let out of his contract, freeing him up to speak to other teams about a potential transfer.
It is the closest Messi has come in his 20-year association with the club to leaving, having arrived at 13-years-old.
Even though him leaving would ultimately significantly weaken Barcelona, thus improving Real Madrid's chances of domestic success, Ramos admits that he wants the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to stay put, but did say he had earned his right to make the choice himself.
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"It's something that we're not focused on but the player has earned the right to be able to decide on his future," the Madrid captain said ahead of Spain's Nations League match against Germany.
"Having said that, for the Spanish game and for Barca and for the rest of us, we'd like him to stay as we always want the best around."
Ramos is heading into the last year of his current Madrid deal, and turning attention to his own future, he said he isn't overly concerned about the talks which are yet to begin.
"It's something that we have yet to address but something that neither I or those at the club are anxious about," he replied when asked about his future.
"I've spent years with Real Madrid and never really contemplated leaving and am confident that we'll reach a mutually suitable arrangement. My focus is now on preparing for a solid season ahead."
For Messi, the clubs currently leading the race for his signature are Manchester City and Inter.
His father, Jorge Messi, will meet Barcelona directors this week to discuss a dignified parting of ways for his son and the Blaugrana.
Lionel Messi 
Sergio Ramos 
Barcelona 
Real Madrid 
Man City 
