Messi wants Fabregas and Mascherano to keep Barcelona on top

London, July 9 (ANI): Barcelona star striker Leo Messi has urged his club's top brass to get Cesc Fabregas and Javier Mascherano to retain their European crown.

Messi, who scored against Manchester United in the Champions League Final, believes Barcelona must draft in even more quality if they want to keep their position at the summit of club football.

"I hope Mascherano can come and we can form a solid partnership. His qualities are always appreciated. The same goes for Fabregas. A good footballer like him who can contribute is always welcome," The Mirror quoted Messi, as saying.

Messi believes that in order to fend off a revamped Real Madrid, who have recruited Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Barca have to confirm the widely-held belief that Mascherano will be their holding midfielder next year or that Fabregas will bring another attacking option.

"We were spectacular last season and we hope this time we will be able to do the same or at least a little of what we achieved. We were surprised by what we did last season but if players such as those mentioned in the press arrive at the club to strengthen the team it would be even better. It's important to be stronger," he said.

Barcelona clinched a brilliant league, cup and Champions League "Treble" with victory in Rome and has been linked with both Fabregas and Mascherano since the end of the season.

Nou Camp chief Pep Guardiola and the club's technical secretary Txiki Begiristain are interested in both players, but are believed to be able to afford only one of them. (ANI)