City is one of the few clubs right now who will be able to afford Messi’s 700 million euros buy out clause – and his hefty wages.
Moreover, Messi has voiced his opinion about Pep Guardiola – admitting that he was the best boss Messi has played for.
“Guardiola is the best of all,” he said. “Luis Enrique is a very close [second].
“I was fortunate to live many different stages of my life, but I think the Guardiola era was one of my best moments.”
He added: “I was called up the day before the game, was made to go to Guardiola’s office at the Ciutat Esportiva, and I was told he had been watching Madrid’s games a lot, as he did with every opponent.
“He had been talking with (Barca assistant boss) Tito Vilanova and they had thought about me playing as a false nine. He was going to put Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry on the outside, and I was going to play as the false centre-forward.
“I wasn’t going to stay there, but rather come out and join up with the central midfield. The idea was that Madrid’s centre-backs would follow me out, and the two fast wingers that we had would go around the back.
“In fact, one of Henry’s goals was like that. It was a surprise for us and for Madrid. I remember that we had a lot of possession, and we always had an extra man in the middle of the park.
Messi further has even reportedly called Guardiola and held talks with him.
See More: Manchester City Players Salaries 2020: Weekly Wages Highest-Paid 2019/20