This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
Manchester City are weighing up a potential transfer for Lionel Messi, who is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona following the club's dire season under Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.
Barcelona's 8-2 hammering in the Champions League in August 2020 marked their first trophyless campaign since 2008, leading to the sacking of Setien and his replacement by Ronald Koeman.
As a result, the future of many Barcelona stars, including Messi, is up in the air under the new management. The 33-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal and met with Koeman last week to discuss his future.
Messi has expressed his desire to win the Champions League again and promised Barcelona fans he would bring the trophy back to Camp Nou two years ago. However, if the club cannot match his ambitions, he is willing to leave, with Paris Saint-Germain among the interested parties.
Manchester City, who have been linked with a move for Messi in the past, are reportedly exploring the possibility of a transfer, with the club's management considering how feasible it would be to table a bid without breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
Barcelona's official stance is that Messi is not available, and he is protected by a €700million release clause. However, certain members of the board are believed to be willing to part ways with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner if he pushes for a transfer away and if the funds are reinvested into the team.
