Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi's recovery is proceeding as expected but offered no update on when the Barcelona forward is expected to return to action.

Maradona would cost €40m at today's prices, having scored 119 times, won the Primera Division top scorer awards on three occasions and lifted the Youth World Cup in 1979.

Barcelona star Neymar must focus on more than just the attacking aspects of football if he is to be considered among the greats, says Brazilian legend Pele.

Even a superstar like Messi of Barcelona needs to evolve to stay ahead of the curve especially when he faces stiff competition from Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

Roberto Carlos, the former Brazil left-back, has no doubts in placing his compatriot Neymar above both his Barcelona team-mate Messi and the Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded angrily to reports suggesting Lionel Messi will leave the club, insisting that the reports are "embarrassing".

Brazil coach Dunga has welcomed the return of captain Neymar ahead of what he has labelled a ‘war’ with Argentina next month.

Substitute Ivan Rakitic scored twice to earn Barcelona a 2-0 victory over BATE on Tuesday and move the European champions three points clear at the top of Group E.

Sergio Busquets has hailed Barcelona teammate Neymar for his sizzling form on the pitch, but says the loss of Lionel Messi to injury is still being felt within the Blaugrana team.

Barcelona star Neymar has insisted that he will sign a new contract at Camp Nou amid interest from Manchester United.

Barcelona striker Neymar’s father confirmed that Manchester United had tried to lure the star to the Premier League, but the offer was dismissed.

Pressure on Neymar and Suarez grow with each match as Barcelona look to regain momentum and head the La Liga without Messi in their ranks.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he still dreams of finishing his career at Real Madrid and can see himself playing until he is 40.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez says he feels "responsibility" to try and compensate for the loss of Lionel Messi during his injury layoff.

Brazilian football legend Pele has named Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of the last decade, as he also paid tribute to Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar believes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and himself were always going to be a success for Barcelona.

Ivan Rakitic has labelled Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar "football magicians".

Second-half goals from Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez saw Chile to a 2-0 win over Brazil in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

A court in Brazil has frozen £33.1 million worth of Neymar's assets following allegations of tax evasion.

Barcelona were beaten for the first time in La Liga this season as Celta romped to a stunning 4-1 victory at Balaidos on Wednesday.