On October 13th, AS carried a report that claimed Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak admitted asking Pep Guardiola to convince Barcelona star Lionel Messi to join him at the Etihad.
It also had a comment from the Premier League club’s chief that suggested the English outfit were ready to offer the La Liga star three times more than what he is currently earning at Camp Nou.
However, City were quick to play down the suggestion that they tried and failed in their efforts to bring the Argentine international to England.
That has not stopped the rumours of Messi being linked with a move to City on various social media platforms and the Blaugrana spokesman, Josep Vives, was asked about the recent reports.
“From Barcelona, we are unaware of this rumour. But what is more important is that Leo is here. If this rumour were to be true, much merit there is to give it to Messi. That is proof that he wants his people, his city and his club. Not moving for anything,” Vives was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper AS.
Messi’s contract with the Catalan club runs down in 2021 and he last signed an extension in November 2017.
When asked if there would be any new offer to be handed to the South American player, Vives said: “Neither the club nor this spokesperson has any offer of renewal.” 
“The last was already quite elaborate and I believe it is a comfortable framework for all parties. Messi is comfortable with his position.”
