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Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by obembet(f): 5:20pm On Feb 23, 2021
Talk of Lionel Messi's future will ramp up in the coming months as he approaches the end of his Barcelona contract, but does a move to Man City make sense? The Pitch to Post Review show panel discuss.

Spokespeople for both Man City and Messi have confirmed to Sky Sports News no offers have been made by City to the player, neither last summer nor since, contrary to reports in a British newspaper on Friday a £430m contract offer was to be made.

Messi's spokesperson has also reiterated the Argentina forward will choose whether to leave or stay at the end of the season, having announced his intention to do so in an interview in December.

Messi has resettled at the Nou Camp this season since demanding to be released from his contract last summer, when Pep Guardiola and City were considered the frontrunners to sign him.

Having entered into the last six months of his current deal, Messi is keen to find out the result of next month's presidential election and what the winner will offer to him both in financial and sporting incentives, before making a call on the next step in his career.

Jasper Taylor was joined by skysports.com's Ben Grounds and Nick Wright to discuss whether the move makes sense, or whether the money could be better spent elsewhere...

Messi can prolong career like the best

"There are many things to consider and I think the first is that Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world at 33, there is little or no evidence that he is on the decline. Elite players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are prolonging their careers at the moment, and Messi has everything around him to keep going. He has everything in his power to sustain his output for a long time.

"Another thing to remember is that Manchester City's owners have near-limitless wealth, so they are capable of doing this deal. Is it good business? I would hate to be the guy arguing against signing Lionel Messi because he would make them better, of course he would.

"There is also the status-factor, which would be appealing to the owners. They already have the best manager in the world, so having the best player in the world I am sure is something they would be keen on.

"Messi played some of his best football for Barcelona under Guardiola, they have a pre-existing relationship and an understanding, and I am sure he will have a good idea of how he would intend to use him.

"I think all the ingredients are there for it to make sense: obviously the financials are eye-watering. It is an enormous amount of money. But this is Messi we are talking about. I hope it happens, because it would just be incredible to see him in the Premier League.

"The owners want to turn City into the biggest club in the world, to win Champions Leagues and make it the most marketable club in the world. Signing the best player in the world, as well as having Guardiola as manager, that's exactly the sort of thing they are aiming for. If they can find a way to finance the deal, let's do it, let's go for it. I hope it happens."

To hear more, download the Sky Sports Pitch to Post Review podcast on your provider

Haaland or Mbappe a better use of money?

"You have got this Manchester City juggernaut that has clicked back into gear since late November. There was talk even last season about whether that was it for Pep - could he rebuild City again?

"We have seen how Phil Foden has kicked on, and they signed Ferran Torres - and their signings are pointing more towards long-term thinking. This Messi deal would be a little bit different, but it's an opportunity. He's coming to the end of his Barcelona contract, has that relationship with Pep Guardiola.

"Even if he is turning 34 in June, this is Lionel Messi. He's different. He will be at the top of his game for at least a couple years to come.

"Yes, it is a bit of a vanity project, but the owners have always wanted that marquee signing to back up their credibility. That's what it would be.

"But there are two other key players out there I think would be a better use of their money - Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. I would rather see City go for them.

"Would Messi help Foden? I would be keen to see whether it disrupts him or improves him. If he did come in, I would be intrigued to see where he fits in. Does he play down the middle as a replacement for Sergio Aguero? What impact will that have on Gabriel Jesus?

"You do also wonder whether the intensity levels, the energy we see in the Premier League, will have an impact. That's what all players say when they move from Spain to England - that the physicality and intensity is higher."

Where could Messi fit in? Everywhere!

"It would be dangerous to second-guess Pep Guardiola's thinking, anyone with a Fantasy Football team can testify. Against Arsenal they were so fluid in the final third, with two or three players popping up in different positions, particularly in that false nine position at different times.

"I think Guardiola would see Messi as someone who gives him options; he used him famously as a false nine at Barcelona, he could use him from the flanks, he could play as a No 10, and could even play even deeper than that. He is still scoring at an extraordinary rate, but he has got more and more creative in recent years, with 21 assists in La Liga last season. Messi has had to drop further back as Barcelona's midfield becomes less influential.

"Pep could basically do what he likes with him - there are so many areas he could play and fit in. It's just a thrilling prospect.

"There is a question mark as to whether Messi would contribute defensively, if he is walking around the pitch, but he tends to be conserving energy and walking around when his team are in possession rather than out of it. I think he is more than capable of getting involved in the defensive side of the game.

"I think there are a lot of reasons this makes sense to City and Guardiola in a playing sense."

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/12226403/lionel-messi-do-man-city-really-need-barcelona-star-pitch-to-post-review-podcast

3 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Freestainworld(m): 5:29pm On Feb 23, 2021
It will be good to see him play in England.

16 Likes 1 Share

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by LMS1(m): 5:30pm On Feb 23, 2021
Dear Man City Pls Do Not Put All Your Egg In One Basin.
This Messi That You Are Hyping Anyhow What If After Signing Him At 35 Years He Start Devoloping Cancer Or Knee Defraction Or Chicken Pox Or Eye Problem Or Psyco Issues Or Covid-19 Or Even Typhoid ?
Is That Not Gonna Be Your Downfall ? grin

19 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Liposure: 5:41pm On Feb 23, 2021
messi'd be a great addition to mancity. We welcome him with open arms

18 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by LMS1(m): 5:53pm On Feb 23, 2021
No! Lets Sell Some Of Our Northen States, Then Raise Money And Buy This Messi Into Our Super Eagles.
So Atleast He Can Take Us To Next World Cup In Qatar.
We Are Tired Of Not Reaching Semi-final.
But Wait O, Who Is Going To Buy Borno State Sef
Smh

34 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by obembet(f): 6:21pm On Feb 23, 2021
Liposure:
messi'd be great addition to mancity. We welcome him with open arms

To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy

Lalasticlala

3 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by obembet(f): 6:21pm On Feb 23, 2021
Liposure:
messi'd be great addition to mancity. We welcome him with open arms

To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy.

Lalasticlala

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Amotolongbo(f): 6:31pm On Feb 23, 2021
LMS1:
No! Lets Sell Some Of Our Northen States, Then Raise Money And Buy This Messi Into Our Super Eagles.
So Atleast He Can Take Us To Next World Cup In Qatar.
We Are Tired Of Not Reaching Semi-final.
But Wait O, Who Is Going To Buy Borno State Sef
Smh
LMS1:
Dear Man City Pls Do Not Put All Your Egg In One Basin.
This Messi That You Are Hyping Anyhow What If After Signing Him At 35 Years He Start Devoloping Cancer Or Knee Defraction Or Chicken Pox Or Eye Problem Or Psyco Issues Or Covid-19 Or Even Typhoid ?
Is That Not Gonna Be Your Downfall ? grin
these posts are funny sad angry sad angry

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by ThierryJay: 7:14pm On Feb 23, 2021
obembet:


To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy.

Lalasticlala

Why not? They'd have the best quality player in the world to cement their already good quality. The article explains it very well, not from the biased angle of Messi haters.

14 Likes 1 Share

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Nobody: 7:35pm On Feb 23, 2021
I said it here:

He is going to come the EPL thinking that it is anything like what obtains over in Spain. But then, at some point, he is definitely going to realise that the EPL, on its own, is a different beast entirely. Untamable.

To be honest, considering his age and other factors, I do not see him doing any sort of magic in the Premier League.

The only advantage that can come out of such a transaction is purely of the financial kind. City will definitely make loads of bucks from signing that guy for sure. Think about all the branding, sponsorships and merchandising that could possibly follow a player of that calibre to the Etihad to start with. They won't even have to stress themselves.

But on the field of play... sorry, I don't see him doing anything special cos the factors in the EPL will curb quite a number of his excesses.

Just my stray thoughts.

22 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Nobody: 7:41pm On Feb 23, 2021
obembet:


To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy

Lalasticlala

City has great players for sure. But they will never go as far as winning the CL.

That feat alone takes something extra. It isn't just about lining up an array of stars.

4 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Numerouno94(m): 7:44pm On Feb 23, 2021
obembet:


To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy

Lalasticlala

They hv all d quality players to win the champions league trophy, yet dey hv not done so for years now under Pep. Messi might jux b dat genius nd added experience dey need to achieve dat.

10 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Liposure: 7:54pm On Feb 23, 2021
obembet:


To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy.

Lalasticlala
if you say so

2 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by paulolee(m): 11:09pm On Feb 23, 2021
messi is welcomed to EPL and I would love it if he chooses the EPL over PSG bcoz I want to see him play English football..
I dnt see any club stopping city with messi in the EPL and they would have a big chance playing in the UCL with messi because leo have won it 4 times and the pkayers needs his experience and dts the gamble juve did with cr7..
but city would b different bcox pep knew messi and understand how best to use him, leo can play all wings and it would be nice having double playmakers in leo and de bryne...

9 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by paulolee(m): 11:13pm On Feb 23, 2021
obembet:


To be honest Messi coming to City is not a good idea!!! City have all the quality players to win champions league trophy

Lalasticlala
all which quality?? a city of last two seasins with a sharp de bryne, a hot sterling and also a sharp aguero struggled and were knocked ouy by Liverpool n totenham and u say they have all the quality?
am not saying messi us d missing link bt city or PSG with messi have a big Chance n are strong favorite when facing big guns in UCL...
u cnt compare a city vs Juve without messi with a city dt have messi against juve with cr7, dt match go burn na..

14 Likes 1 Share

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Anneka101(f): 5:23am On Feb 24, 2021
He is old and should take a step!


Messi should have left long time ago and give opportunity to young stars so they take his place.

2 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by MorataFC: 5:23am On Feb 24, 2021
Ok
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by ipobarethieves: 5:24am On Feb 24, 2021
sad The lik Billy goat is messed up already.He should go to PSG or EYIMBA lipsrsealed embarassed undecided
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Cti28(m): 5:26am On Feb 24, 2021
E
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Juanmike(m): 5:26am On Feb 24, 2021
Obviously not, He is finished,now a penalty merchant.

4 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by kuonbe(m): 5:28am On Feb 24, 2021
Obembet. them don do am for you
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by MorataFC: 5:28am On Feb 24, 2021
Numerouno94:


They hv all d quality players to win the champions league trophy, yet dey hv not done so for years now under Pep. Messi might jux b dat genius nd added experience dey need to achieve dat.
yeah

1 Like

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by GeneralPula: 5:28am On Feb 24, 2021
I doubt if Messi would ever leave Barca..

4 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by eedimo(m): 5:30am On Feb 24, 2021
Hmmmmm....
If Messi moves to Man city, Liverpool don loss one fan to city be that.

16 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Dyonne: 5:31am On Feb 24, 2021
It will be interesting to watch how the last lights of the greatest of all time will fade out.

A great era is ending soon and we may never witness another like him.

7 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by wpadmin: 5:31am On Feb 24, 2021
Okay
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Dyonne: 5:32am On Feb 24, 2021
GeneralPula:
I doubt if Messi would ever leave Barca..

Barca should leave Messi

3 Likes

Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by Neimar: 5:33am On Feb 24, 2021
Rest
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by phenomental40(m): 5:33am On Feb 24, 2021
messi wey dey fear to play for another league
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by thaoriginator: 5:33am On Feb 24, 2021


Me bloodclaat!


Messi is overrated! He should be sacked!!
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by BlessedNuel: 5:39am On Feb 24, 2021
Life is full of choices
Re: Lionel Messi: Does Man City Really Need The Barcelona Star? by BigDick70inch(m): 5:40am On Feb 24, 2021
Does man city need Lionel Messi
NO!!!!NOT ATALL...

2 Likes

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