Manchester City is an unlikely destination for Lionel Messi after the expiry of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain next summer, with a move to Inter Miami currently looking more likely than a move to Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Argentina forward is currently on international duty in Qatar for Lionel Scaloni’s La Albiceleste World Cup squad.
Man City transfer news – Lionel Messi
According to reports in Spain at the end of October, Man City have always been interested in adding Messi to their squad, to form a dream attack alongside Norway striker Erling Haaland.
The same report suggests that Guardiola, who worked with the forward during their time together at FC Barcelona, would be a key component in attempting to bring the South American to the Etihad Stadium next summer.
However, respected Argentine journalist Veronica Bruna also claimed in October that the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner would be re-joining Barcelona on 1st July 2023, at the end of his contract at the Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, Jones believes that a move to Man City is unlikely at the moment, with Inter Milan and other clubs “we should probably be considering” also interested.
What has Jones said about Messi and Man City?
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Man City have played this down a few times before. I'm told the Premier League still looks unlikely even with his future uncertain at PSG.
“At the moment it’s being reported that he's going to Miami. There's confidence on that side of things in the MLS and there is indeed a big proposal on the table for that to happen.
“I'm told that these things still need to be ironed out, so I’d say Man City is unlikely. Inter Miami is more likely, but still, there are clubs in between that we should probably be considering.”
Will Messi sign for Man City?
Manchester City are likely to be one of the only clubs capable of affording Messi’s £670k-per-week salary (via Salary Sport) and would therefore probably be the Argentine’s most likely destination if he was to move to a Premier League club.
The Citizens' chances of signing the footballing legend may have been given a boost, with Sky Sports News revealing that the four-time Champions League winner is more likely to resist a move to Inter Miami to remain in Europe at the end of his PSG deal.
The report says that the one-time Copa America winner is expected to remain in Europe until at least 2024, and City fans will be hoping that Messi chooses to link up with Guardiola once again in a bid to recreate their former glories once achieved at the Nou Camp before he calls time on his playing career.