Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has said that if Neymar joins Real Madrid, it would be a major blow to Barcelona.

Messi, who won the Champions League and two of his La Liga titles with Neymar alongside him at Barca, said he had spoken to the Brazilian star about rumours linking him with a return to Spain.

Declaring it a disaster for Barcelona, the Argentine told TyC Sports, “It would be terrible because of all that Ney means to Barcelona, if he ends up at Real Madrid it would be a major blow to us. And on a footballing level, Madrid would be much stronger than they already are.”

Neymar left Barcelona last August, becoming the world’s most expensive player in a transfer that upset many Barcelona fans.

When asked if he had told the Brazilian not even to think about going to Madrid, Messi said, “He knows what I think, I’ve already told him!”

Several reports have hinted at Neymar might be leaving the French capital and move to Madrid. Furthermore another report claimed that the deal has already been done and it is only a matter of time that Spanish giant announce the signing of Neymar.

The Brazilian star has refused to talk about the speculation and said he is concentrating on recovering from a foot injury in time for next month’s World Cup.