Lionel Messi’s legendary career will always be synonymous with Barcelona. Arguably the greatest player to have ever played the game, Messi’s dominance has ensured the most successful period in Barcelona’s history.
His career at Barcelona has been something right out of a fairy tale. Starting with the youth teams as teenager, Messi’s prodigious talent was there for everyone to see as he quickly climbed the ranks and broke into the first team.
After Ronaldinho’s departure, Messi was given the number 10 shirt and was anointed the talisman of the side. Pep Guardiola’s arrival signaled the most successful era for the club, as his brilliant team conquered Spain and then Europe.
While Xavi, Puyol, Valdes and Iniesta were the pillars of the side, it was Messi who took the team to another level all together. The little Argentine weaved his magic as Barcelona played a brand of football that had rarely been seen by anyone before.
After Guardiola’s departure, the Barcelona team threatened to derail as the likes of Puyol and Valdes left the club, while Xavi and Iniesta also slowed down. In spite of having Neymar and Luis Suarez in the side, it was left to Messi to once again inspire the Barcelona team to another treble in Luis Enrique’s first season as Barca manager.
But according to a new documentary, ‘Jocs Fiscals’, Messi wanted to leave Barcelona last year and join Guardiola at Manchester City. Apparently, Messi’s father and agent, Jorge had informed the Manchester City board that Messi was ready to quit the Nou Camp.
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After a traumatic summer last year, where in Messi was charged with tax fraud charges, the Argentine felt trapped and wanted a fresh start. He also announced his retirement from the national team after Argentine lost to Chile in Copa America finals.
Messi, who had missed in the penalty shootout, wanted to get away from everything and start a new lease of life under the manager who helped him become the best player in the world.
But the Barcelona board refused to sell Messi, and told him that he will not be allowed to leave the club in no uncertain terms, which eventually put an end to Messi’s dream to going to England.
