The Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuaín admits it would be a pleasure to play alongside his fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi at Barcelona amid continued speculation the Catalan giants are looking to take him to the Camp Nou. Higuaín only joined Italian side Napoli from Real Madrid 12 months ago but Barça are reportedly keen to take the 26-year-old back to Spain as they look to rebuild under new coach Luis Enrique.

Napoli released a statement on Sunday dismissing those reports as “totally groundless”, but comments from Higuaín since have once again fuelled speculation about a possible switch. When asked if he would enjoy linking up with his Argentina captain Messi at Barcelona, Higuaín told the Spanish news agency Efe: “Of course. I enjoy playing alongside him for the national team. Obviously it would be an enormous pleasure, but for now I’m focused on the World Cup. I’m flattered by the interest from Barça. Any player would be.”

Higuaín was speaking in the mixed zone after Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday night. Higuaín scored 107 league goals in six seasons at Real Madrid before joining Napoli last summer on a five-year contract, with the Serie A side reportedly paying €40m (£34.5m) for the prolific frontman.