Casillas: Real Madrid don't want Messi

Despite suggestions that the Argentine is unhappy, the Blancos captain does not think a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is possible and refuted that Barcelona are in crisis

Real Madrid would not want to sign Lionel Messi even if the Barcelona star became available, according to Iker Casillas.

The relationship between three-time Fifa Ballon d'Or winner and head coach Luis Enrique is believed to have become untenable, with Chelsea reportedly waiting in the wings to trigger his €250 million release clause should they believe he wants to leave.

Madrid skipper Casillas, meanwhile, does not believe a move for the Argentine attacker - who scored in Barca's 5-0 thrashing of Elche on Thursday - would come from his side.

"No," the goalkeeper responded bluntly when asked if Madrid should sign Messi. "With the squad we have right now we're doing very well and we are achieving great things."

Casillas also defended Barcelona from many of their critics, who have suggested the club are in turmoil following the sacking of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, the continuing rumours surrounding Messi and performances on the pitch not living up to expectations.

"I do not think that Barca are in crisis," he said. "I don't think so. Honestly from what I have seen and how it is right now, people are speaking more about things other than them.

"In La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, I don't think they are in crisis. They are a few points behind in the league, they haven't been eliminated in the cup or the Champions League yet.

"They are alive in all three competitions and Real Madrid do not have a wide margin at the top of La Liga. It is tight."

Real Madrid are back in La Liga action on Saturday when they will be hoping to return to winning ways after their 22-match winning streak was ended last weekend with defeat at Valencia, which was followed by Atletico Madrid defeating them 2-0 in the Copa del Rey in Wednesday's last-16 first leg.