Manchester City not interested in signing Lionel Messi

Manchester City are not interested in pursuing a deal for Lionel Messi, despite the news he will definitely not be re-signing for Barcelona.

The Argentina international is currently a free agent after his deal with the La Liga giants expired while away at the Copa America, though there was almost an acceptance that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner could eventually pen fresh terms at the club he's represented for over 20 years.

Lionel Messi won't be joining City | Gustavo Pagano/Getty Images

However, Barcelona rocked the footballing world on Thursday night when they announced that, despite all parties reaching an agreement over a new contract, the club's financial crisis meant they were unable to commit to the deal and Messi has officially now left.

Naturally attention has now turned to where the 34-year-old will be playing his football next season, though one club who have immediately ruled themselves out of the running are Manchester City.

The Times report that Pep Guardiola is not tempted by the prospect of a reunion with Messi after the pair's time together at Barça, claiming the Argentina international is not in their future plans.

With Guardiola seemingly ruling out a move for Messi almost immediately, Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain are now firm favourites to sign him.

Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer was linked with a move to Parc des Princes 12 months ago when he announced his desire to leave the Blaugrana following the sale of Luis Suarez, but despite remaining in Camp Nou for the 2020/21 season it seems Les Parisiens may finally be about to get their man.

Pep Guardiola won't be looking to sign Messi | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Should a move to France materialise, Messi would be afforded the chance to link up with former teammate Neymar after the pair spent four years together in Spain.

PSG have made some shrewd moves in the market this summer having secured the free signings of Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the free signing of Messi would undoubtedly be the best of the lot.



Source : 90min