Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, has reportedly made a groundbreaking decision to join Manchester City, where he plans to retire after a storied career.
The Argentine icon has accepted a lucrative three-year contract with the Premier League giants, marking his return to European football.
With the move, Messi reunites with his former mentor Pep Guardiola, aiming to end his illustrious career in a league that has grown into one of the most competitive in the world.
After leaving Barcelona in 2021 and enjoying stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, Messi’s next chapter is set to bring his unmatched skill and experience back to the highest levels of European football. Manchester City’s proposal, believed to include a record-breaking £500,000-per-week salary, proves the club’s ambition to further solidify its dominance domestically and in the UEFA Champions League. For Messi, the return to work under Guardiola offers a familiar environment that propelled him to unimaginable heights during their time at Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola, who guided Barcelona to two Champions League titles and multiple La Liga triumphs with Messi leading the charge, is said to have been instrumental in convincing the forward to make this move. Their reunion is more than just nostalgia; it’s a calculated effort to ensure Manchester City remains at the pinnacle of football. Guardiola reportedly sees Messi as the missing piece to ensure sustained dominance, both in England and on the European stage.
Messi’s decision to retire at Manchester City marks the culmination of a career that has spanned nearly two decades. Having won seven Ballon d’Or trophies, four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, and countless domestic and international honors, Messi’s legacy is already unparalleled. Adding success in the Premier League and possibly another Champions League title under Guardiola would serve as the perfect ending to his illustrious story.