‘Honestly it makes a lot of sense’, ‘Add him to the plans’ – Fans reacts to Man City’s stance as Barcelona confirm shock Lionel Messi departure

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club will NOT be joining the race to sign Lionel Messi.

Barcelona have confirmed in a club statement that Lionel Messi will no longer be linked to the club.

The announcement comes after multiple reports that the two sides hit a stumbling block on contract talks that were expected to result in the club legend returning for this season and beyond. 

Talks between the Argentine superstar and Barça have been ongoing for some time, though as of yet the two parties have been unable to reach a compromise.

Barcelona’s hands are tied by the financial restrictions handed down by La Liga. The Catalan giants have been unable to register new signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia or Emerson as they first need to trim their wage bill.

Barcelona has finally announced that due to economic issues, Messi will not return to the club.

“Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations),” the club said in a statement.

“Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue linked to FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled.

“Barca would like to thank with all its heart the player’s contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”

Europe’s super clubs are expected to start circling in the coming days. Could we finally see a reunion between Messi and Pep Guardiola at the Etihad?

Whether City will make another attempt to sign Messi this summer remains to be seen, with the club set to announce the £100m signing of Jack Grealish imminently and still pursuing Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Blues’ club’s Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada has since told the Manchester Evening news that the club would be able to afford a move for Messi.

But According to journalist Pol Ballús, Man City will NOT be joining the race to sign Lionel Messi as the player is NOT in their plans.

The journalist, who is most renowned for his work with RAC1 and SPORT in Spain, while also featuring on The Times in the UK, does not believe that City will be in the running.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters, who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts and opinions.

PAIN

— ⚡️🇧🇼 (@Priceless_Silva) August 5, 2021

just put him in the plans then 😭😭

— ¹⁰ (@SxrgioSZN) August 5, 2021

Oh yeah? Add him to the plans then mf

— Ryan (@bernardooooV3) August 5, 2021

Honestly it makes a lot of sense. Get Kane

— Olly (@MCFCHag) August 5, 2021

Messi on a free or Kane for £150M, really?

— Macauley Williams (@bigmacwills) August 5, 2021