Barcelona star Lionel Messi has urged his club not to let Ronaldinho leave, insisting he still has much to offer the Catalans.

After a disappointing, injury-hit season, Ronaldinho has been told by Barca that he is not part of their plans as they target wholesale changes after two trophy-less campaigns.

"Personally I would love it if Ronnie continued with us," Messi told Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo. "I have always said that he is one of the best footballers in the world and I believe that he can still do many things at Barcelona."

The pair played against each other on Saturday as each captained a team of international stars in a match to promote an anti-racism campaign.

Ronaldinho enjoyed a stellar return, pitching in with two goals and two assists as the game finished 7-7, and Messi believes his team-mate is back to his world-beating best.

"It's been a long time since I saw Ronaldinho and it was a great joy for me," he said. "It's always a pleasure to share good moments with him.

"He seemed well to me, recovered from the injury that prevented him from playing the last games for Barcelona.

"He showed that he continues to do things with the ball that are out of this world."