Pablo Zabaleta Convinced Messi Will Join Manchester City Next Summer

Pablo Zabaleta believes Manchester City will be Lionel Messi’s next destination.

Barcelona have been unable to convince Messi into staying as he plays out the final season of his contract.

After a very tense summer, the forward is tipped to leave and his compatriot, Zabaleta believes it will be to City. He said, “Manchester City is the best place for Messi.

“It’s sad to see him in his current situation. I never thought he’d go into his last year of contract at Barcelona. The team aren’t playing well and it seems as though they’re not enjoying their football. We’ll see what happens with Messi at the end of the season.”

Barcelona are eighth in the La Liga table with Messi far from his usual best. But City are not in a better off position either. After Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion, Pep Guardiola’s men sit sixth in the table with 20 points collected out of 12 games.

“He has a close friend in Sergio [Aguero] at City and he has worked with Pep before at Barcelona,” Zabaleta added. “They know each other and some of the other people on the board know him as well. If Messi decides to leave Barcelona and play in a different country, then of course City are a club he could join.”