Manchester United in position to sign Lionel Messi but Argentina captain wants City: Report

Lionel Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, having helped them scale unprecedented heights, and established the La Liga side as one of the elite football clubs in the world. However, with Messi now having informed Barcelona of his desire to leave, it looks like Argentine star’s time in Catalunya is approaching an end.

Messi’s decision has thrown Barcelona into chaos on and off the field after a disastrous trophyless season that saw two managers sacked and the club humiliated in the Champions League by Bayern Munich.

According to reports in the Spanish media, Messi’s contract runs until June 2021 and is said to have a clause in his deal that allowed him to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

Messi’s decision has put a host of Europe’s elite clubs like Manchester City, PSG, Inter Milan and Manchester United on high alert. However, it remains to be seen how the entire Messi transfer saga unfolds and which club signs the 6-time Ballon d’Or winner from Barcelona.

If reports are to be believed, Messi could be heading towards a reunion with Pep Guardiola if the Argentina stalwart is to opt for the Premier League. It would be the fantasy transfer made real. Messi has made contact with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and is open to a move to the Etihad, according to The Athletic.

Notably, Messi rose to prominence and became the world’s best player under Guardiola’s guidance when the pair teamed up in Barcelona between 2008 and 2012.

Manchester City are also ready to spend big in an effort to wrestle back the Premier League title and continue their quest for a Champions League title.

Messi, who has already won six Ballon d’Or trophies as the best player in the world and remains an elite playmaker, could help Guardiola aim for the eluded Champions League trophy at Etihad.

But, City is not the only club targeting Messi as their neighbors Manchester United are in a position to sign wantaway Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, according to Deportes Cuatro. Messi wants to sensationally leave embattled LaLiga giants Barca and United are reportedly one of the clubs capable of signing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.