Despite a relatively subdued season destined to end trophyless, Messi has still scored 41 goals for Barcelona but is believed to be stalling over an extension to his current contract.
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Messi scored against City in the Champions League twice this season
Messi's deal with Barça expires in 2018, and the four-time Ballon d'Or winner - who turns 27 next month - has been lined up to become the world's most expensive player by Premier League champions-elect City, say the Express.
Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, chief executive and director of football at City, know Messi from their Barcelona days and have reportedly pencilled in Pep Guardiola to take over the club in 2016, when his deal with Bayern Munich expires.
The financial fair play restrictions could, however, curb City's spending in the transfer market.
Messi in England
(01 of09)
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Stamford Bridge, 2006 (credit:Getty Images)
(02 of09)
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Stamford Bridge, 2006 (credit:Getty Images)
(03 of09)
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Anfield, 2007 (credit:Getty Images)
(04 of09)
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Old Trafford, 2008 (credit:Getty Images)
(05 of09)
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Stamford Bridge, 2009 (credit:Getty Images)
(06 of09)
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Emirates Stadium, 2010 (credit:Getty Images)
(07 of09)
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Emirates Stadium, 2011 (credit:Getty Images)
(08 of09)
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Stamford Bridge, 2012 (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-EUR-C1-MAN CITY-BARCELONA(09 of09)
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Manchester City's Argentinian defender Martin Demichelis (R) fouls Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi to give away a penalty during a UEFA Champions League Last 16, first leg football match between Manchester City and Barcelona at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England on February 18, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)