Manchester City signing Lionel Messi this summer is still a possibility according to some reports, although Pep Guardiola's side would surely have to shell out record-breaking wages in order to bring him to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.

According to The Sun, Manchester City could sign the legendary attacker this summer if they are willing to pay him £500,000 per week after tax, as he is open to spending a year away from Barcelona.

The Argentine's contract at Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of the current season, which means City are free to approach him on a pre-contract deal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, they would have to pay the 33-year-old an extraordinary wage packet, surely the highest ever paid to a Manchester City player, if they were to convince him to make the move to the Etihad.

Considering that City's top earner Kevin De Bruyne reportedly earns £350,000 per week, it would surely be a record-breaking deal for the Citizens if they were to pay him that sort of money next term - the club set an English record in 2019/20 with the country's highest-ever wage bill, which amounted to £351m for the season.

However, considering Messi's legendary status and exceptional performances this term, it might just be worth it.

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Despite Barcelona's woes in La Liga and the Champions League, the experienced forward has contributed 38 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, arguably solidifying his status as the greatest footballer to ever play the game.

His performances in La Liga have earned him a remarkable 8.52 average rating from WhoScored, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in the Spanish top flight this season, so there is very little doubt that he would be a success in Guardiola's side at the Etihad.

The Spanish manager is certainly a big fan of Messi as, during his time at Barcelona, the magician contributed 211 goals and 93 assists in just 219 appearances, whilst the manager also labelled the Argentine the best player of all time back in 2015.

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The "incomparable" forward, in the words of the late Johan Cruyff, would certainly be an unbelievable addition at the Etihad; and given the success he would likely bring, Txiki should definitely consider paying Messi whatever he wants if it means he will be wearing a Manchester City shirt next season.

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