Sergio Aguero has said he would "love" Lionel Messi to join him at Manchester City but acknowledged that it would be difficult for his compatriot to leave Barcelona.
Messi has yet to sign a new contract at the Camp Nou despite reportedly agreeing terms on a three-year extension in the summer.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano has said he would "open the doors" to Messi if he ever decided to leave, but manager Pep Guardiola believes he will finish his career at Barca.
Aguero told TyC Sports: "Let's be honest, money is not an issue here. But Leo, just like other players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, are symbols of their clubs and it's difficult to leave not just to City but to other clubs that also have the money.
"I would love to [see Messi join] -- who wouldn't love to have Leo in his team? -- but he's a symbol of his club and I think it would be rather difficult."
Aguero spoke to Messi after his hat trick for Argentina secured qualification for the World Cup.
The City striker missed the game as he continues his recovery from a fractured rib suffered in a car crash in Amsterdam.
"I watched the game with my mother," he said. "I was very nervous but I screamed for joy. I'm delighted.
"I spoke to Leo and congratulated him. We are a group and we speak a lot, we all wish the best to everyone. I thanked him for what he is doing for the World Cup."
Aguero returned to training with City on Wednesday and could potentially be back for the Premier League clash with Stoke City on Saturday.
"I don't know yet. I trained alone without the ball," he said. "On Thursday I will train with the group and see if I'm comfortable.
"It depends how I feel, it's not the same training as playing a football game. I want to be certain and not have pain. I don't want to play and then have a knock that keeps me out for another week."
Meanwhile, Aguero dismissed reports that he is set to join AC Milan, with City said to be chasing Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.
"I'm not quite sure who they've done the deal with, perhaps my double," he added. "I know nothing. I saw the news and read that and I was surprised."