Messi offered himself to Guardiola and City during Barcelona impasse

The contact between the world champion and the Spanish coach has been revealed by journalist Marti Perarnau in his book "God save Pep." In it, the journalist describes the seven years Guardiola has been at the helm of The Citizens. 

He has previously written about the Spaniard's time at Bayern Munich (Herr Pep) and Barcelona (Pep Guardiola: Metamorphosis).

Following the memorable humiliation by Bayern Munich in the Champions League (2-8), Messi was convinced of his departure from Barcelona. A day later, a meeting took place between the coach and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in Spain. Messi talked about the disagreements he had with president Josep Bartomeu. 'It rains a lot in Manchester,' Guardiola replied. After a lengthy conversation, it was decided not to pursue a collaboration in England.

Messi eventually left Barcelona a year later to join Paris Saint-Germain. After two seasons in Paris, a return to the Catalans seemed like an option. However, the reunion did not materialize, and the Argentine moved to the United States, where he is now under contract with Inter Miami.