Lionel Messi would be "delighted" if his Argentine World Cup teammate Gonzalo Higuain joined him at Barcelona.

"I have spoken to "Pipa" (Higuain). Obviously, it would delight me if this happened," said Messi of the Napoli striker who has been strongly linked with a move to the Nou Camp to provide desperately-needed muscle up front.

"He is one of the world's best strikers and it would be great for us."

Higuain has played down any suggestions that a move was imminent following reports in Spain that a deal had been agreed.

"I'm not looking after it. My mind is on the World Cup," Higuain said.