{"id":297896,"date":"2023-11-29T16:24:59","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T16:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=297896"},"modified":"2023-11-29T16:24:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T16:24:59","slug":"lionel-messi-pleaded-with-guardiola-to-sign-him-at-man-city-over-whatsapp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/soccer\/lionel-messi-pleaded-with-guardiola-to-sign-him-at-man-city-over-whatsapp\/","title":{"rendered":"Lionel Messi ‘pleaded with Guardiola to sign him at Man City’ over WhatsApp"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Lionel Messi pleaded with Pep Guardiola to sign him for Manchester City in the summer of 2020, according to leaked messages published in a book documenting Guardiola\u2019s time in charge of the Premier League club. An exchange allegedly shows Messi opening up on a split with the Barcelona board and asking if he can move to Manchester.<\/p>\n

Messi was enduring a tough season with Barca, who were beginning to feel the strain of financial issues. At the time, the Argentine still had a year remaining on his contract but the La Liga giants were protected by a \u00a3649million (\u20ac750m) release clause.<\/p>\n

Barca were humiliated in the Champions League, which had been rescheduled as a knockout event in Lisbon in August due to the pandemic. Messi and co. fell to a 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich and endured an underwhelming domestic campaign, finishing five points behind champions Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

Guardiola was reportedly returning from Lisbon, where City had also suffered a dismal European defeat against Lyon, when he received a message from striker Sergio Aguero. \u201cWatch out, two things can happen. Leo asked me how long he has Pep contract with City,\u201d Aguero\u2019s message is claimed to have read.<\/p>\n

According to journalist Mart\u00ed Perarnau in his book God Save Pep<\/em>, Guardiola then received a message from Messi. The legendary forward had, it is claimed, \u201cmade the decision\u201d and asked the Spaniard if they could reunite at City.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Haaland called out as Michael Owen claims Prem stars aren’t ‘good footballers'[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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The book suggests that Guardiola invited Messi to his Barcelona home the next day. The forward made clear his desire to \u201cbreak\u201d from the Spanish giants and conveyed his desire to play under former Barca boss Guardiola again.<\/p>\n

Amusingly, Guardiola is alleged to have replied: \u201cIt rains a lot in Manchester.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is claimed that Guardiola told City that he was willing to extend his contract if they completed the signing of Messi. Although some extracts of the conversation appear to suggest that he was sceptical about the potential transfer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Manchester we train very hard\u2026\u201d Guardiola said. To which Messi responded: \u201cI will train hard, I’m not worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Guardiola insisted: \u201cAnd I continued making long tactical talks. Maybe you’ll get bored\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n