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

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentina international, has shared a shocking revelation regarding a potential move to Manchester City in January, amid the ongoing crisis at the club following Rodri’s injury. While many fans have longed for a reunion between Messi and Pep Guardiola, this new development suggests that a return to City may be on the cards — but only under one specific condition.

Guardiola and Messi’s relationship goes back to their iconic partnership at Barcelona, where they dominated European football and set countless records. Under Guardiola’s tactical genius, Messi thrived in the “false nine” role, a position that saw the Argentine forward score a record-breaking 91 goals in 2012 alone. The duo formed one of the most successful player-manager combinations in football history, winning numerous domestic and European titles together.

Despite their illustrious time at Barcelona, a reunion between Guardiola and Messi always seemed improbable, especially after Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. However, recent reports suggest that the pair almost reunited at Manchester City back in 2020. According to author Martí Perarnau, there were discussions between Messi and Guardiola regarding a potential move to City, but the transfer never materialized.

Perarnau recounts conversations where Guardiola stressed the hard work and rigorous training regimen at Manchester City, to which Messi confidently replied, “Doesn’t bother me. I’m ready for hard work.” Guardiola also mentioned the long and intense tactical meetings that are a hallmark of his management style, to which Messi responded, “I’ll cope, I can handle anything you throw at me.” Despite their mutual interest and the positive conversations, Messi stayed at Barcelona for another season before ultimately signing with PSG.

Now playing for Inter Miami, it has seemed increasingly unlikely that Messi would ever play under Guardiola again. However, amid the injury crisis at Manchester City, particularly with Rodri sidelined, there is renewed speculation about Messi’s potential move to the Premier League.

In an unexpected twist, Messi has revealed the sole condition under which he would consider a move to Manchester City: Guardiola’s tactical influence must be at the forefront. Messi has stated that while he is not actively pursuing a return to Europe, if Guardiola were to reach out with a clear plan for utilizing him in a way that suits his style and fits City’s long-term vision, he would be open to considering the offer. Messi’s focus on tactical fit and Guardiola’s strategic approach highlights how much he values his connection with his former manager.

Given City’s struggles in recent weeks, with several key players sidelined due to injuries, including Rodri, this revelation has sparked fresh speculation about the possibility of Messi joining the Premier League side in January. While no official talks have taken place, the conditions outlined by Messi suggest that a reunion with Guardiola is not entirely out of the question — but it would depend on the tactical setup and the role City could offer him.

Messi’s commitment to his playing style and his relationship with Guardiola may be the key factors in any potential transfer discussions. While it remains unclear whether Messi will return to European football, his openness to the possibility, particularly under the right conditions, adds an intriguing new layer to the ongoing saga of his career.

For now, Manchester City fans can only dream of a potential reunion between Messi and Guardiola. With the January transfer window fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether this possibility materializes or whether Messi will continue to make his mark in the United States with Inter Miami.