The prospect of Lionel Messi coming to the Premier League is a tantalising one.For so long, we’ve all wondered whether the Argentinian could do it on a cold, wet Tuesday night on English shores.We could be about to find out the answer, if Messi can secure his exit from Barcelona.The 33-year-old is currently locked in a dispute with his club over his contract; Messi believes he has activated a clause in his deal that allows him to leave this summer, Barcelona say otherwise.
Man City linksNobody really has any idea just yet where the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will be playing his football in 2020/21.But if it’s not at Barcelona, then there’s a very good chance it will be in the Premier League.Messi has been linked with a move to Manchester City, where he would be reunited with Pep Guardiola.It was even reported by the Daily Record this week that Messi has agreed a five-year contract with the Etihad Stadium club.
Premier League defenders are scared
Many aren’t ready to put Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate until he does it in another league.
If he can get out of Barcelona’s clutches, then he’ll have his chance to do just that.
And Premier League defenders are already fearful about the thought of Messi playing in England’s top flight.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Wolves’ Conor Coady were both quizzed about the possibility of facing Messi while away on international duty, and neither player was enthused by the idea.
Robertson has already played against Messi, overcoming the Argentinian in the Champions League in 2018/19, but he doesn’t really fancy doing it again.
When asked about Messi potentially signing for City, the Liverpool left-back said, per Sky Sports: “I hope it doesn’t happen. From a completely selfish point of view I hope it doesn’t happen. Hopefully he stays at Barça.
“I think Liverpool have ruled out that we are going to sign him so I don’t want him anywhere near the Premier League and hopefully it stays that way.
“If he comes to the Premier League we’ll deal with it. I’ve played against him twice and it’s the hardest games I’ve ever played. You need to stay on watch against him at all times.”
Meanwhile, Coady admitted he would panic before coming up against the Argentinian star.
“I'll be honest with you, I'd probably have a lot of panic before the game, trying to get my head around playing him," Coady said, per AS.
“You can watch all the videos in the world to try and prepare for playing someone like him and you'd struggle.”
Just the thought of defending against Messi strikes fear into players. He really is on another level.