Despite holding him in very high regard, Pep Guardiola opposed a transfer from Lionel Messi to Manchester City.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola rejected the possibility of signing Lionel Messi two years ago. This is what journalist Marti Perarnau says, who has just published his new book, “God Save Pep”.
How Guardiola rejected Messi
Messi contacted his friend Sergio Aguero to find out how long Guardiola would stay at City. It was in 2020 in the middle of the Covid period, and during which Barça needed to replenish its coffers. La Pulga surprised everyone at the time by announcing its desire to take on a new challenge.
Messi and Guardiola then agreed to meet in Barcelona. The Catalan coach, however, expressed his doubts about a new collaboration. According to what is revealed by the journalist, he then told the Argentinian: “Leo, we’ve gotten old. Maybe we can’t tolerate each other anymore.”
Messi ultimately stayed at Barcelona for one more season, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer and winning the Copa del Rey. Due to the salary rules in force in La Liga, FC Barcelona could not keep him. He therefore left for Paris Saint-Germain, where he stayed for two years. This year, he began a new chapter in his career, also giving up on high-level football.
