Lionel Messi disagreed with Pep Guardiola over Premier League transfer after leaving Barcelona in 2020 as biography sheds light on talks
Lionel Messi allegedly pushed for a move to Manchester City in 2020, but his former Barcelona manager felt it might be too challenging. That's according to Catalan sports journalist Marti Perarnau, who made the claim in his biography on Guardiola titled 'God Save Pep.'
Perarnau claimed that Messi contacted his former Barca boss about a potential reunion at the Etihad. The duo worked together at Camp Nou amid the Argentine icon's ascension to the top of world football.
Messi, 37, is said to have met Guardiola at the latter's home in Barcelona, and the two spoke about the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's idea. He'd just left the Catalans after they couldn't afford to offer him a new contract.
Guardiola suggested that a move to City might be too challenging for Messi, but the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner disagreed. He was 33 then and eventually joined PSG, where he endured a somewhat tumultuous spell at the Parc des Princes.
Lionel Messi shined under Guardiola at Barca during the Spanish tactician's four-year reign at Camp Nou. He registered 211 goals and 94 assists in 219 games during their time together.
City was amid its stranglehold on English football when Messi seemingly desired to join the Citizens. Under Guardiola, City has won 16 major trophies, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023.
"As a Barcelona fan" - Guardiola wanted Lionel Messi to finish his career at Camp Nou
Guardiola discussed Lionel Messi's future when speculation grew over the iconic forward leaving Barcelona in November 2020. The Spaniard spoke from the perspective of a Blaugrana fan (via Sky Sports):
"I want him to finish his career there. That is what I want. As a Barcelona fan, I would like for Leo to finish there."
Many envisioned Messi would retire at Camp Nou because of his close bond with the Catalans and his length of time at the club. He joined the La Liga giants' La Masia academy in July 2000 from Argentinian outfit Newell Old Boys.
However, Barca ran into financial issues, leading to Messi's departure in 2021. He was in floods of tears at his farewell ceremony before leaving for PSG and has since said that he didn't want to leave:
"My departure to Paris was not something I wanted, I did not want to leave Barcelona, and it became difficult."
Messi is now at MLS side Inter Miami after joining David Beckham's co-owned franchise last summer. He's rolling back the years in the United States, but one has to wonder what he could have achieved with Guardiola at City.