Barcelona: Man City make a bold claim about Lionel Messi
By Kian Long
Lionel Messi has been a Barcelona man since the very start of his career…
It’s the 16 November 2003, a 16-year-old Lionel Messi is preparing to come on for the last fifteen minutes against Jose Mourinho’s Porto side in the Champions League. The youngster has made several good contributions in his short cameo and just like that, a star is born.
Now, cast your minds forward to the present and almost two decades later, Messi has won everything there is at club and personal level. The Argentine will be the first to admit that he owes most of his illustrious career to the trust which Barcelona instilled in him at a young age. And as a repayment, Messi has stuck by his club’s side.
There has always been talk of the Argentine moving away from Barcelona, but no move has ever materialised. This only adds to the romance story of Messi’s career and many are calling for him to retire at Camp Nou with Barcelona.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, the Premier League champions Manchester City fancy their chances of acquiring Messi’s world-class services. The report claims that the Citizens see themselves as Messi’s first choice should he leave on a free transfer this summer.
While efforts are obviously being made by the Barcelona hierarchy to tie the Argentine down to a longer contract, he is free to discuss a free transfer with other clubs in the meantime.
Obviously, Messi had a fruitful time of things under Pep Guardiola when he was manager of Barcelona but it is going to take more than that to persuade Messi to leave Barcelona. He loves the club and the club love him in return, so much so that Messi is known to call the shots at times behind the scenes.
Manchester City can dream but as long as the fans know this is just a dream and not to get their hopes up. I’m not ruling out Messi joining City because anything can happen in football but one thing I will say is, I cannot see this happening personally.
Next. Barcelona make their summer intentions clear with Arsenal star. dark
Do you think Lionel Messi will ever leave Barcelona?