Messi Rejects CBS Sports Appearance Due To Liverpool Legend, Recalling Past 'Donkey' Comment

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Lionel Messi declined an invitation for a guest appearance on CBS Sports' Champions League coverage due to his aversion to sharing the screen with Jamie Carragher.

Host Kate Abdo revealed that despite Carragher praising Messi as the greatest player ever, the Argentine refused any show featuring the Liverpool legend. Messi's decision was attributed to a prior incident where Carragher criticized Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain, prompting Messi to reportedly call Carragher a 'donkey' in a private message.

An official invitation was extended to Messi by CBS Sports via Inter Miami, but Messi's condition not to appear alongside Carragher became a dealbreaker. Carragher humorously acknowledged Messi's refusal as a "claim to fame" and questioned the audience's preference between Messi's presence and his own analysis.

Messi's impact on Inter Miami and US football would have heightened CBS' interest in featuring him on the show, considering his role in leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Leagues Cup triumph and the finals of the US Open Cup.

In a revelation from Marti Perarnau's book "God Save Pep," it was disclosed that in the summer of 2020, there were discussions about Messi potentially joining Manchester City. A WhatsApp message from Sergio Aguero to Pep Guardiola indicated Messi's interest in the City project, leading to a secret meeting at Guardiola's Barcelona residence.

During the meeting, Guardiola highlighted the demanding training nature in Manchester and the city's notorious wet weather. Despite these concerns, Messi was determined to leave Barcelona.

However, legal and financial constraints, including Messi's colossal €700 million release clause and the timing of his request, rendered the move to Manchester City impossible. Subsequently, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. After two years in Paris, the football legend is currently playing for Inter Miami in the United States.

Messi's refusal to appear on CBS Sports' show is linked to his reluctance to share the screen with Jamie Carragher. Additionally, past criticism from Carragher regarding Messi's career choices played a role in this decision.

The narrative also touches upon Messi's potential move to Manchester City in 2020, which was ultimately hindered by legal and financial obstacles, leading him to join Paris Saint-Germain before making his way to Inter Miami.