During a 2020 conversation captured in a new book, Lionel Messi attempted to persuade Pep Guardiola that he could withstand the intensity of playing for Manchester City.

“God Save Pep” by Marti Perarnau claims that Messi tried to figure out his future move while feeling unsatisfied in Spain by getting in touch with Guardiola, his former Barcelona manager, through Sergio Aguero. The forward had publicly criticized his longstanding team around this time. He begged one of his favorite bosses about the possibility of a reunion, presumably thinking that Manchester City was the perfect location.

According to the book, Guardiola warned Messi at a meeting at his Barcelona house that Manchester City training might be too difficult for him at this point in his career. Messi vehemently refuted that. That made him 33 years old.

Messi reportedly told Guardiola, “I’m not worried; I’ll train hard.” “I will put up with everything you do.” Messi spent the rest of the 2020–21 campaign at Barcelona. He knew going into that campaign that it might be his last with the squad, though, because of remarks he made in public criticizing then-club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the impending financial difficulties the organization was facing.

Rumors regarding Manchester City’s potential move to acquire the renowned Argentina star persisted throughout the summer following Atletico Madrid’s upset victory over Messi in the Spanish top division. The victory came courtesy of a Luis Suarez-led team. Manchester City allowed Paris Saint-Germain to finish their spectacular attempt to sign Messi and bring him to the French capital, even though it was believed that Messi spoke with Guardiola.

The Athletic has previously reported that Manchester City gave more priority to signing Harry Kane and Jack Grealish following the summer 2021 European Championships than they did to Messi. Grealish was acquired, but they were unable to convince Kane to leave Tottenham.

Messi played for PSG for two seasons, winning the league twice but losing out on the Champions League. By the end of his term, many Parc des Princes supporters had turned against him. In the latter months of the 2022–2023 season, they made fun of him and Neymar, which both players have claimed made for a challenging atmosphere.

With his PSG contract expiring over the summer, Messi decided to go to Inter Miami instead of Manchester City, which never seemed to be a realistic option. Instead, Saudi Arabia—the home of former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo—was the major rival for his signature. Messi has shown signs of happiness in his new surroundings right away, leading the American team to their first-ever trophy.

“Thank you to everyone in Miami for this warm welcome. This love since coming here,” Messi remarked during his Inter Miami introduction. “I am confident that my coworkers and I will work tirelessly to complete this project, and I am thrilled to have selected this city and this project. I’m sure we’re going to enjoy ourselves immensely and encounter some really pleasant things. I’m grateful for this day.