Messi's secret chat with Guardiola
- Lionel Messi contacted Pep Guardiola for escaping his Barcelona nightmare.
- The talks between Messi and Guardiola were revealed from the summer of 2020.
- The Argentine superstar sought refuge at Manchester City with Guardiola's assistance.
In the summer of 2020, Lionel Messi engaged in extensive discussions with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola regarding a potential transfer. The six-hour conversation highlighted Messi's desire to reunite with Guardiola, whom he regards as the greatest managerial mind in football history. Despite the allure of joining City and competing in the Premier League, Messi ultimately remained at Barcelona, where he faced significant challenges in the following year. During their conversation, Guardiola playfully reminded Messi about the notorious Manchester weather, to which Messi confidently replied that he could handle any challenges thrown his way. The dialogue reflected Messi's eagerness to embark on a new chapter in his career, expressing a strong desire to achieve greatness once again. The two shared a warm farewell, leaving the meeting with a sense of optimism about a possible transfer. However, Messi's situation took a dramatic turn as Barcelona's financial struggles forced him out of the club in 2021. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain, a move he later described as one of the most difficult periods of his career. The emotional toll of leaving Barcelona was evident, as Messi shed tears over the circumstances that led to his departure. In the aftermath, Guardiola continued to lead Manchester City to success, winning his third Premier League title the following season, while Messi's journey in Paris has been marked by challenges and reflections on his past decisions.