Tevez is poised to leave United this summer after being regarded as a backup striker for most of the season by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Nonetheless, Barcelona wizard Messi believes that Carlitos deserves a better role at Old Trafford.

"I have no idea why Manchester are letting my countryman go while he is talented enough to be in every team in the world's starting line-up," Messi said in The Times.

Messi will have to clash with his country mate next week though, as United lock horns with Barca in the Champions League final.

Tevez scored five Premiership goals for United this term, including two superb strikes last week against Manchester City and Wigan.

The 25-year-old said that if he was to leave United, he would rather stay in the Premier League for the sake of his family.