Lionel Messi Reveals the One Condition for Joining Manchester City Amid Rodri Injury Crisis

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has made a surprising statement about the possibility of joining Manchester City in January, amid the club’s ongoing struggles following Rodri’s injury. Although many fans have long hoped for a reunion between Messi and Pep Guardiola, this new development suggests that a move to City could happen—but only if one key condition is met.

Guardiola and Messi share a long history, having formed an iconic partnership at Barcelona, where they dominated European football and set numerous records. Under Guardiola’s guidance, Messi excelled in the “false nine” role, scoring a record 91 goals in 2012 alone. Together, they achieved remarkable success, winning multiple domestic and European titles.

Although their time at Barcelona was highly successful, a reunion between the two always seemed unlikely, especially after Messi’s departure in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. However, recent reports indicate that the pair nearly reunited at Manchester City in 2020. Author Martí Perarnau reveals that there were discussions between Messi and Guardiola about a possible move to City, but the transfer never materialized.

Perarnau describes conversations where Guardiola emphasized the hard work and intense training at Manchester City, to which Messi responded, “Doesn’t bother me. I’m ready for hard work.” Guardiola also mentioned the long tactical meetings typical of his management style, and Messi replied, “I’ll cope, I can handle anything you throw at me.” Despite their mutual interest, Messi stayed at Barcelona for one more season before moving to PSG.

Now playing for Inter Miami, a reunion with Guardiola has seemed increasingly unlikely. However, with Manchester City currently struggling due to several injuries, including Rodri’s, speculation about Messi’s potential move to the Premier League has resurfaced.

In a surprising twist, Messi has revealed the only condition under which he would consider joining Manchester City: Guardiola must play a central role in how he is utilized. Messi explained that while he isn’t actively seeking a return to Europe, he would consider a move to City if Guardiola approached him with a clear tactical plan that aligns with his style and fits the club’s long-term vision. Messi’s emphasis on a tactical fit and his relationship with Guardiola underscores how much he values their connection.

Given City’s recent struggles with key injuries, this statement has sparked renewed speculation about Messi potentially joining in January. While no official talks have occurred, Messi’s conditions suggest that a reunion with Guardiola is still a possibility, but it hinges on the tactical setup and role City could offer him.

Messi’s commitment to his playing style and his strong bond with Guardiola could be key to any future transfer discussions. While it’s still unclear whether Messi will return to European football, his openness to such a move under the rightcircumstances adds an intriguing twist to his career’s ongoing story.

For now, Manchester City fans can only dream of a reunion between Messi and Guardiola. As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether this possibility becomes a reality or if Messi will continue his journey with Inter Miami in the U.S.