Messi's father plays down son's 'Barca exit' comments

Lionel Messi (R) is challenged by Portugal's Joao Moutinho during their international friendly soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England November 18, 2014. REUTERS/Phil Noble

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's father Jorge has sought to play down comments his son made this week which suggested the four-times World Player of the Year could consider leaving Barcelona.

Lionel Messi said in an interview published in Ole newspaper on Tuesday if it was up to him he would stay at the club he joined as a 13-year-old for his entire career.