Messi’s father admits ‘difficult’ staying at Barcelona; denies Man City talks

Jorge Messi – father and agent of Lionel Messi – has said it will be difficult for his son to stay at Barcelona.

But Messi Snr denied he has held conversations with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola about a potential move to the Etihad.

The 62-year-old agent told El Chiringuito: “A future at Barcelona? It is difficult. It would be difficult to stay.”

Pushed on City’s interest in the 33-year-old, Jorge responded: “I haven’t talked with Pep. There is nothing yet with City.”

BOMBAZO del padre de MESSI:

“Leo lo tiene DIFÍCIL PARA QUEDARSE en el BARÇA”.

IMAGEN #JUGONESpic.twitter.com/TpZ7If5t1D
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) September 2, 2020

PSG and Inter Milan have also been linked with Messi this week.

The Argentina international failed to attend Barca’s preseason testing on Sunday, a sign that he is serious about the transfer request sent via burofax last week.