GOAL

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano says team-mate Lionel Messi is much more than just a goalscorer.

The Argentina international has nothing but praise for the prolific attacker, while he has downplayed suggestions Luis Enrique could leave the club

The 27-year-old has thus far played a key role in Catalans' remarkable 2014-15 campaign, netting 54 times in as many games in all competitions to put the Catalans two wins away from a treble.

Mascherano has stressed that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner is not all about scoring goals, though, arguing that his fellow Argentine is as creative as he is prolific.

"Pretty much everything has already been said about Messi," the versatile centre-half told ESPN.

"What's happened to him happens to all players. You mature as you get older. Messi has developed into a complete player. He is not only a goalscorer, but he can also drop into midfield to create chances and control the game.

"He continues to surprise us day after day with his ability to overcome anything.

"Under Pep Guardiola, Messi was the main goalscorer, because Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets were the creators then. With the presence of Neymar and Luis Suarez, Messi can get involved a bit more in midfield and that gives us all a boost."