Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “doesn’t really need” Lionel Messi and should be prioritising further defensive additions over putting a reunion with a Barcelona superstar in place, says Emile Mpenza.
A move to the Etihad Stadium for a six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be mooted.
City were considered to be leading the chase for a much sought-after signature once Messi aired a desire to leave Camp Nou over the summer.
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Exit doors were soon shut off in Catalunya, but a mercurial Argentine is only tied to a contract through to 2021.