Leo Messi's desire to leave Barcelona last summer received global attention and his most likely destination if he had got his way was Manchester City, yet it appears as though Pep Guardiola's team will not be pursuing the Argentine star next year.
With his contract set to expire next summer and clearly disgruntled at the current state of the club, a reunion with his former Barcelona coach seemed likely, even after he decided to stay another season.
Yet Sky Sports report that Manchester City will not go for Messi in the summer of 2021 due to his high wages and age.
Messi turns 34 next year and despite clearly not losing his ability, the Cityzens are put off by the financial package required to land a player coming to the end of his career.
"I have it on good authority from someone close to the situation that Manchester City are not going to bid for Lionel Messi," Hunter told Sky Sports News.
"Based on the information I have, as of today, that door is closed.
"They have two reasons for this: age and finances. Talking about age, he is heading into the twilight years of his career and you'll be bringing on board a Messi that is different to what we've seen for the last 17 years with Barcelona.
"Even he himself has said that he is getting closer to the dreaded r-word of retirement more so than anyone cares to admit.
"That goes hand-in-hand with finances because even though he would be able to join for free, his wages are astronomically high - he is earning about 100m euros per year. That would be a huge financial burden for any club to take on, especially given the fact that we are in the middle of a global pandemic."
Fabceiku
369
Now that city is not going for him , I pray and I hope that Chelsea will not go for him also .. Messi Is too old and he will slow any team down .. Messi pls don’t come to Chelsea , go to city , psg or stay were you are ..
Wiklnpsuz
354
if this is true then it’s total nonsense from the entire city management team , What they need now is a team leader , a game changer , someone who can instill fear in the opponents, someone who can take the team to another level and finally to attract top class players , and Messi has all these How old is zlatan ( 39 ) yet he is the main reason why Milan are doing well , how old is fernandinho ( 35) yet without him you can see weakness in city esp in big games , how old is Cristiano (~35) yet he is a big figure in juv. The list goes on , so I see no reason why city can’t sign him for free mind you the revenue he will bring in the team financially is something else , No deal is free from risk yet some are worth taking « food for thought «
D10S_LM10
280
Messi is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi.. One bad season and people forgot everything he has done for this club..
JamesWalker
181
Man City fans to their board:- Don't you dare joke with us or else!!! 😏
LeticiaBakhos
84
Messi will stay in his home at Barca and he will retire there.... Barca will go back the best team in la Liga but they just need time
sayimrt
22
Now that city is not going for him , I pray and I hope that Chelsea will not go for him also .. Messi Is too old and he will slow any team down .. Messi pls don’t come to Chelsea , go to city , psg or stay were you are ..
lol I think you forgot to take ur drugs.
crazzy4
18
Now that city is not going for him , I pray and I hope that Chelsea will not go for him also .. Messi Is too old and he will slow any team down .. Messi pls don’t come to Chelsea , go to city , psg or stay were you are ..
pass me the weed...
SaadAkhtarKhan
8
Now that city is not going for him , I pray and I hope that Chelsea will not go for him also .. Messi Is too old and he will slow any team down .. Messi pls don’t come to Chelsea , go to city , psg or stay were you are ..
bruh😂😂😂😂no one has has literally heard a single news of Messi being linked to Chelsea