Lionel Messi To Manchester City? Pep Guardiola Wants Argentina Star In EPL To Revive Fortunes : Report

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Manchester City are in a tough spot, having suffered nine defeats, two draws, and just one win in their last 12 matches.

Pep Guardiola's side was performing well until their EFL Cup Round of 16 match against Tottenham, where their momentum suddenly collapsed.

The Man City manager seems to have devised a backup strategy to cover for Rodri's injury. However, it appears that he is not in search of a defensive midfielder, as he seems satisfied with Ilkay Gundogan occupying that position. As reported by Tuttosport, Guardiola is reportedly targeting Argentine sensation Lionel Messi for a move during the winter transfer window.

Guardiola and Messi go back a long time during their dominating years in Barcelona. In 2020, he was strongly linked to a move to City but things didn't materalise as per plans.

It has been reported that Pep is interested in signing Messi on a six-month loan deal to help steer his team back on course as the second half of the season approaches. The 37-year-old, who is currently with Inter Miami is reportedly set to make the move with the approval of co-owner David Beckham, who won't stand in the way. Since joining Miami in July 2023, Messi has featured in 39 games, scoring 34 goals, providing 18 assists and winning two major trophies as well.

Guardiola is going through his biggest lean patch in his 16-year-old senior professional managerial career. A team full of stars is struggling big-time to found their mojo back and if Messi decides to come, he would have a huge task in hand. At the age of 37 and at the fag end of his career, he would have to prove once again in Europe, in the world's most competitive league. During his peak days, Messi bagged 27 goals in 36 games against the top 6 of the Premier League. But we have to see, whether he can emulate it again or not if he moves to England.