The unthinkable couldn’t actually happen, could it?We’re talking about Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona.A clause in his contract means the Argentine can leave at the end of the season for free if he so wishes.And following his very public spat with sporting director Eric Abidal earlier this week, reports are suggesting that Messi could actually trigger that special clause this summer.Imagine snapping up Messi on a free transfer in a few months' time.

Of course, only a few clubs in the world could afford his wages.

But Manchester City are one of them and they believe they have a chance to sign the six-time Ballon d’Or winner if he does decide to leave Camp Nou.

And since the argument between Abidal and Messi, many outlets are reporting that Barca are hopeful that they are leading the race - if there is a race that is.

Now, it’s common for football clubs to have a ‘Media watch’ segment on their official website, rounding up the previous day’s headlines concerning their club.

But when City did their media round-up on Thursday morning, it raised eyebrows. That’s because it was all about them possibly signing Messi.

Not only have they tweeted it out on their official account but there’s an entire article on their website entertaining the thought of them signing Messi.

It starts: “Could the dream transfer of Lionel Messi to City finally be a possibility?”

It then looks at numerous reports that suggest City could sign the GOAT.

Pete Jenson in the Daily Mail writes: "The very public row between the two men has left Barcelona sweating on Messi’s commitment beyond the summer and City have always been the club most likely to sign him should he ever move to England.”

Luis Mazariegos from Barca Blaugranes says: "Manchester City feel that if Messi did leave Barcelona, they’d be first in the queue to get him.”

While ESPN’s Rob Dawson adds: "Manchester City are monitoring Lionel Messi's public fall-out with Barcelona and believe they would be in the running if the Argentina star decides to leave Camp Nou.”

It’s certainly an interesting idea for City to decide to tweet and write about rumours linking them with Messi but it’s one that didn’t go down well with fans.

The club must know how likely it is that they could sign Messi so it’s baffling why they’d tease fans by reporting these rumours.