Lionel Messi Was 'More Charmed' By Prospect of Joining 'Historic' Manchester United Than Rivals Man City
By Max Cooper
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is believed to have previously been 'more charmed' by the prospect of joining a club with the history of Manchester United, as he now edges closer to a move to their city rivals.
The Argentinian superstar has become disenchanted with the goings-on behind the scenes at Camp Nou, and he has requested to leave the Catalan giants, with Manchester City lying in wait to snap up the football icon.
The Etihad stadium appears to be the most likely destination for the 33-year-old, but a source close to the player and his family has told The Athletic that Messi had previously always favoured a move to rivals Man Utd.
The Barça star would often talk about “historic English clubs such as Manchester United” when discussing his future, while conversations with ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas tempted the world-beater to a life in London.
The source also went on to express their surprise at Messi's desire to reunite with former boss Pep Guardiola, who had suffered a 'broken' relationship with a number of Blaugrana stars by the time his stint as Barça coach came to an end.
“I always had the feeling he wanted an experience abroad,” they explained.
“Even more of a surprise than City is that he would go back to working with Pep. The relationship after so many intense seasons at Barcelona with Guardiola was not the best with the players.
“This was not Leo in particular. Leo and Pep did not have direct problems but the last season was not the best and the relationship between players and manager became very tired. Go and look at the players Guardiola has signed at Bayern and Man City.
"You won’t find many he coached at Barça. The relationship between Guardiola and the players was broken by the end. However, time heals. Messi is not stupid.
"He knows his best moment was with Guardiola on the bench, so maybe he thinks he needs this guy to get the best of him.”
With Messi's future at Barcelona seemingly over, the legendary forward may be ready to make his own history at Man City with former coach Guardiola by his side.