De Jong says the Argentina international is still the best player in the world and has called on him to remain in La Liga.
Messi’s contract at Camp Nou will be coming to an end this summer and he will be free to negotiate and join any club of his choice.
Messi tried to force a move out of Catalonia before the beginning of the just ended 2020/2021 season after Barcelona ended the 2019-2020 season poorly.
A reported move to either Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan could not materialize as the club board were reluctant to sanction the sale of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I have the feeling he’s happy in Barcelona,” De Jong, who is currently on international duties told NU, when he was asked about how Messi feels in Catalonia.
“I really hope he stays, because he helps us. He’s still the best player by far.”
Pressed on whether he has discussed Messi’s future with him, De Jong added “Saying that he should stay? No, not directly. But we talk about a lot of things.
“It’s special to play with him. When I was 12 years old, he was already the best in the world.
“If the positions are the same and I can choose between playing Messi or someone else, I always choose Messi. It would be foolish not to. He’s the best ever.”
