Reports have revealed a surprising story about Manchester City nearly making an “accidental” official bid to sign Lionel Messi, the Argentine legend who now plays for Inter Miami, back when he was still a young and rising star.
Manchester City have been linked to Messi many times in the past. The club came close to signing him in 2020 when he wanted to leave Barcelona, but the deal never happened, and Lionel joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 instead.
The story of Lionel Messi and Manchester City
Back in 2008, Manchester City were under new ownership after the Abu Dhabi United Group took over. At the time, the team were struggling in the middle of the Premier League table. The new manager, Mark Hughes, brought in players like Shaun Wright-Phillips, Vincent Kompany, and Pablo Zabaleta, along with others.
City wanted to make a big signing to mark their new era. Big names like Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Dimitar Berbatov, and Fernando Torres were mentioned as targets.
However, time was running out before the transfer window closed. According to Garry Cook, the club’s former CEO, a misunderstanding during a conversation almost led to City making a £70 million bid for Messi.
Cook explained to the “Sportbible” website: “The atmosphere was tense. Bayroj Pimpongsant, the owner’s assistant, was on the phone with Paul Aldridge, our chief operating officer. Paul spoke in a London accent, and there was a misunderstanding. Somehow, Messi’s name came up by mistake, and we were ready to make an official bid for £70 million because of that.”
City quickly realised the mistake and did not make the bid. Instead, they signed Robinho for £32.5 million in the final hours of the transfer window.
What if Messi had joined City?
The idea of Messi joining Manchester City in 2008 sparks plenty of questions. What if the club had actually gone ahead and signed him? It could have been one of the biggest moments in football history, considering Messi’s legendary achievements and his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
