Javier Pastore in awe of Lionel Messi but not thinking of summer move to Barcelona or Real Madrid

Palermo playmaker Javier Pastore is not surprised by Lionel Messi’s sensational form for Barcelona as the rest of the world gasps in awe at his brilliance after putting Real Madrid to the sword in the Champions League.

Messi, Pastore’s team-mate with Argentina, scored his 51st and 52nd goals in all competitions this season as his double strike at the Bernabeu condemned Madrid to defeat in the semi-final first-leg.

“Everyone knows Messi. He has played many games like the one he played in yesterday,” Pastore told the press.

“I hope he can continue to play many games at this level for many years because it’s a pleasure for everyone watching him play.”

Barcelona, alongside Real Madrid, continue to be linked with a summer move for the 21-year-old.

But the player hopes to stay at Palermo, at least for a while longer, after club president Maurizio Zamparini said it would take £53 million to buy him.

“I have said it before and I say it again, I am not thinking about where to go,” he added.

“I prefer to stay and we myself and Zamparini said I want to stay.”

Palermo take on Parma on Sunday.