‘Hopefully He Stays In Spain For Me’-Robertson Against Messi Move To Man City

Messi has been linked with a reunion with former manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City after expressing an interest in severing ties with Barcelona.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already ruled out the possibility of bringing the six-time Ballon d’Or to Anfield.

Messi has so far failed to turn up for Barcelona’s pre-season training but his agent and father, Jorge, revealed on Thursday the Argentina captain could remain in Catalonia and leave for free at the end of the season.

"From a completely selfish point of view I hope it doesn't happen, hopefully he stays at Barca," the Scotland left-back said when asked about the possibility of Messi playing in the English top flight.

"He's one of, if not the best player to ever play the game so for him to go to one of your nearest rivals is probably never a good sign. He's a fantastic player, I've no doubt if he came to the Premier League he'd bring the exact same quality, the same passion and everything he brings at Barca.

"I think Liverpool have ruled out that we are going to sign him, so for me I don't want him anywhere near the Premier League and hopefully it stays that way, but we'll wait and see what happens with that.

"Obviously you can see the uncertainty at Barca, I think everyone can see that, and hopefully they get it resolved. If he comes to the Prem we'll deal with it, it'll be great for the lads to play against him. I've played against him twice and it's the hardest games I've ever played, so you need to stay on watch against him at all times, he can pop up out of nowhere.

"He's a fantastic player, probably the best to ever play the game but hopefully he stays in Spain for me."