Messi the mod? Man City release new third kit with striking paisley print

The potential signing of Lionel Messi may not be the only flamboyant new arrival at Manchester City next season after the club released their new third kit.

The Puma design contains a striking paisley print which is said to have been inspired by Manchester's rich musical heritage and fashion culture.

The bespoke paisley pattern features details of the club's crest and will definitely be worn by current club stars Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne in the 2020/21 season.

But the duo could be joined in wearing the new kit by the 33-year-old Argentine Messi, with Sportsmail revealing that he will play for Pep Guardiola's side if his contract standoff with Barcelona can be resolved.

The other features of the third kit include an all over bespoke paisley pattern printed tone on tone within the whisper white jersey.

The kit is then completed with navy blue shorts and whisper white socks, and echoes echoes the traditional blue home and black away strips that have already been released.

The new kit is now available and pictures released for the launch have shown the likes of Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko rocking the new strip, while Jess Park also modelled the kit that will also be worn by the women's team and youth sides.

Many City fans also used the unveiling of the third kit to drum up excitement about the signing of Messi.

One fan wrote: 'Messi gonna look great in it,' while another stated: 'So this the one we winning the Champions League in? Nice'.

Some others also liked the appearance of the kit, with one Twitter user writing: 'Is it a light pink or white? It looks slightly pink to me? I quite like it, it's growing on me.'

However, there was also more negative reaction, with one person saying: 'Paisley...seriously?,' while others mocked its design as a 'toilet paper kit' and as inspired by WhatsApp's default wallpaper.

Others also were unhappy with the design, stating: ' Ah, so they saw Manchester United go for the kids pyjamas approach and wanted to do the same?', while another added: 'Not bad as pyjamas'.