Rivaldo sends a message to Lionel Messi over Manchester City transfer

Barcelona legend Rivaldo believes Manchester City would be a ‘very solid’ choice for Lionel Messi should he choose to leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Messi was eager to depart last summer season however was satisfied to remain for an additional 12 months after a contract dispute with the club’s hierarchy.

Nonetheless, the La Liga giants are heading for a last-16 Champions League exit at the hands of PSG after a thumping 4-1 defeat within the first leg on the Camp Nou.

City, by contrast, are 2-0 up against Borussia Monchengladbach and are favorites to win the tournament for the first time in the club’s history.

And Rivaldo believes Messi would make City the strongest force in Europe for the foreseeable future if he decided to move to the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola has probably the greatest squads in Europe and Manchester City are in incredible form right now after 19 consecutive wins, jumping to a 10-point lead in the league and taking a solid step forward in Europe this week,’ Rivaldo told Betfair.

‘City is a very rich club and that allows them to sign the best players in the world. For that reason, they would be a very solid destination for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona.

‘Actually, with Messi, they’d be the favorite to win any competition.

City were favorites for Messi’s signature last summer but Paris Saint-Germain launched a charm offensive earlier this season and are currently leading the race for the Argentina captain.