Guardiola's father gives Messi-Man City transfer verdict

The father of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has rated hopes of Messi arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s father, Valenti, has poured cold water on rumors linking Lionel Messi to Manchester City.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer and he is yet to decide his future, having previously handed in a transfer request to the club last year.

Should Messi leave Camp Nou, a reunion with former Blaugrana boss Guardiola at City is perhaps his most likely move. However, Valenti doubts it will happen due to his son’s past ties with Barcelona.

“There’s no club in the world that wouldn’t want to have Messi,” he told journalist Emiliano Nunia.

“I saw him play at 12 or 13 years old and I was amazed. He was extraordinary at that level. There are very few players like Messi, and I’m sure that Pep wouldn’t dislike having him at City.

“Pep has always seen Messi as the best, but he’s at Barcelona. Josep has never wanted to hurt the club by taking the player.”

In fact, Guardiola himself has stated frequently he hopes Messi finishes his career at Barcelona.

The City manager even claimed at the end of last month that the Argentine ‘will not find a better home than at Barca’.