Lionel Messi disrupted the football world when the word went out that he is leaving Barcelona. Elite clubs in Europe have started lining up for the chance to sign one of the most celebrated names in the game, and reports said the Argentine superstar has already set his sight on Premier League club Manchester City.
The swirling buzz from Spain indicated that Messi's departure from Camp Nou is next to fait accompli, as far as the Barca captain is concerned. The 33-year-old informed his club on Tuesday that he is leaving and there is no changing of his mind.
An apparent proof of his resolve is that Messi had already picked where he is playing next. According to Bleacher Report, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner plans to bring his game next season to the Etihad Stadium. The report cited the information shared by Spanish journalist Marcelo Bechler.
It was claimed too that before he made his final decision, the Argentine reached out to City boss Pep Guardiola and the player's possible transfer out of La Liga was among the things discussed. If true, this signified that Messi weighed in carefully on his decision to leave Barcelona and plotted out his destination before alerting the Catalan giants.
The choice of City is not strange at all. Guardiola and Messi worked for a stretch of six years in Barcelona beginning in 2008, and it was a period that saw the latter realizing his great potentials. The partnership produced numerous titles and wins, the most notable of which are the Ballon trophies and the Champions League titles that Messi scored under the guidance of Guardiola.
The forward had a disappointing season with Barcelona and knew that time is not his side. In joining up with City and Guardiola as his new coach, it would seem that Messi is looking to secure more honors in the few years left to his football.
However, the plan to bolt out of Barcelona and play in England next season will not be easy. Camp Nou has already stated that Messi will stay with the club. The captain is counting on a clause on his contract that allows him to walk away every end of the season is ready for activation this summer. Barca said that the clause has already expired.
So an exit for Messi will only mean the payment of his transfer fee, set by the Spanish giants at a jaw-dropping £630 million.
It is a high price to pay even for a club like City that is flushed with cash. But it is undeniable that Guardiola's side has the "pulling power" to make the deal happen - to give Messi the chance to continue with his excellent football in the Premier League, Goal reported.
"It would be difficult for City to turn their back on one of the greatest players of his generation and, for some, the best player ever," added the report.
Reports suggested that there City roster members that could interest Barcelona to talk about business, and this should be a good start for the English side's move on Messi. Then the two clubs can talk about the money questions.
