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Lionel Messi was brutally pied by Pep Guardiola when reportedly discussing a shock move to Manchester City.
Playing under Guardiola at Barcelona, Messi scored an outrageous 221 goals in 219 games - developing into the best player in the world.
And back in 2020, it looked as though the two could be reunited. After the Champions League humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich, Messi had a year remaining on his contract but believed he was effectively a free agent - arguing that his exit clause was lengthened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reports at the time said that Messi had contacted Guardiola to declare his interest in joining City.
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And a new book titled, "God Save Pep" written by Marti Perarnau, a journalist with access to the City boss, details just how close the transfer was.
It's claimed that Messi contacted his longtime friend Sergio Aguero to enquire just how long Guardiola would be staying at the Etihad Stadium for.
He then got in touch with the Catalana and the two arranged to meet up at Messi's house in Barcelona.
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Messi was of course well aware of Guardiola's coaching methods but the ex Bayern Munich coach is said to have shed light on how things have changed a bit.
He stated: "In Manchester we train very hard and I make long tactical talks. Maybe you’ll get bored."
The Argentine wasn't fazed though, replying: "I will train hard, I’m not worried. I will put up with everything you do."
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However, Guardiola was not convinced and issued a savage putdown to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The book claims he told him: "Leo, we have grown older. Maybe we can’t stand each other anymore."
Messi ended up staying put for another season with Barca and was the top scorer in La Liga.
He lifted the Copa del Rey but La Liga salary rules meant the Blaugrana could not afford to keep him and so he left for Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons before embarking on a new chapter with Inter Miami.
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Manchester City
Josh Lawless