Andy Robertson says he doesn’t want Lionel Messi ‘anywhere near’ Premier League

Andy Robertson doesn’t want Lionel Messi “anywhere near the Premier League” amid speculation he will quit Barcelona.

The Argentine told the Catalan club he wanted out following almost two decades on their books.

Manchester City have been the side most heavily linked with his signature given their financial might.

It would also allow Messi the chance to team up with Pep Guardiola once again following their historic four years together at Barcelona.

That would give Premier League fans the chance to watch Messi on a weekly basis, but after Liverpool ruled themselves out of the running for his services Robertson hopes he doesn’t come to England.

He joked: “I think Liverpool have ruled out that we could sign him so I don’t want him anywhere near the Premier League and hopefully it stays that way.

“I’ve played against him twice and it’s the hardest games I’ve ever played.”

The first of those two games was a 3-0 reverse for the Reds in the Nou Camp which saw Messi score twice.

The latter was a memorable Anfield night in which Liverpool overturned the three-goal deficit to make the Champions League Final with a 4-0 win.

Messi was still a constant menace in the clash on Merseyside but wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet once again.

Discussions continue between the 33-year-old and Barcelona as they look to convince him to stay.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu has said he will set aside if it means the forward stays with the pair having their issues.

Reports in Argentina now claim Messi is now “90 per cent” likely to stay with the Spanish club.

The player’s father, Jorge, is taking a lead role in negotiations with earlier disputes over whether Messi was able to leave for free or if his release clause had to be honoured.