Javier Mascherano says there is still "a lot of love left" in the relationship between Lionel Messi and Barcelona.
Messi's current deal expires in 2018 and a lot of debate has been generated about his future as he negotiates a contract extension which is expected to see him commit to Barca until 2022.
Comments from directors Oscar Grau and Pere Gratacos earlier this month, coupled with the continued interest from Manchester City, did lead to some doubts about Messi's plans, but Mascherano doesn't expect the love story to come to an end any time soon.
"The marriage between Barca and Messi has been beneficial for both parties," he told reporters after his side's win over Real Sociedad on Thursday. "There's a lot of love left in that marriage."
Messi scored one, created two and produced another all-round sparkling performance in that Copa del Rey victory against La Real.
Sporting director Robert Fernandez said earlier this week that the Argentine, who is 30 later this year, is only getting better with age.
And Mascherano agrees, pointing out that not only does Messi score plenty of goals, but he's also the player that starts the majority of Barcelona's moves, too.
"Leo is a player who begins in the middle [of the pitch] but has the ability to end up in the area, he's unique in that respect," he added. "He can start things in one half and finish them in the other."
Mascherano began Barca's win over Real Sociedad in the injured Sergio Busquets' position, although he was taken off after 66 minutes and replaced by Ivan Rakitic.
There were concerns he had been withdrawn because of an injury, but he downplayed those fears, saying it was just a minor knock and he will be fine for Sunday's league game at Real Betis.