If the rumors that Lionel Messi could be leaving Barcelona in 2021 are true, several scenarios could play out for the Argentine superstar. Still in top form, Messi would easily attract the interest of top clubs in Europe, but one possibility emerging is a transfer to the Premier League to reunite with Pep Guardiola.
The two saw a successful run when Guardiola was in charge at Camp Nou from 2008-12, and playing for the Catalan coach in his final playing years could prove tempting for Messi. It would be a welcome change for the 33-year-old, who according to reports has grown tired of the internal strife pulling down Barcelona.
Messi leaving the Spanish giants by the end of next season could see him working with Guardiola again, according to Barcelona legend Rivaldo.
"Reuniting with Pep Guardiola at City will be tempting for him, as the two of them formed a great coach and player partnership at Barca," The Sun reported the Brazilian as saying.
Rivaldo said that Messi's age would not be an issue, as at 34 the Argentine would still be in a class of his own and would actually be playing at his peak in England – should a pairing with Man City occur.
Rivaldo likewise noted that Messi and Guardiola collaborating anew would not necessarily take place in the Premier League. Rivaldo pointed to the recent talks of Messi possibly joining up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, with Guardiola as their new manager.
Rivaldo said having both Messi and Ronaldo in Turin would be a wise move for the Italian giants.
However, the Catalon club is unlikely to just let Messi walk away. According to Cesar Luis Menotti, former coach of the club, a resolution of the issue should be coming soon.
Menotti said Messi's reported issue with some Barcelona officials is not about the money. He added that the Messi he knew is more focused on how he will perform on the pitch and win games for his club. It remains the same for the Barca skipper, the former coach added.
According to Talk Sport, Menotti said: "Messi is more representative of Barcelona's history than [president Josep Maria Bartomeu] ... It doesn't even cross my mind that they won't fix it."
Also, the legendary Argentine manager explained that his younger compatriot is still at his peak and has several great years ahead of him, which he added is a fact not lost on Barcelona.
