I hope Messi joins Man Utd, not Man City – Mata

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 May 2021 21:43 BST
• 2 min read

Juan Mata says that if Lionel Messi were to move to Manchester, he hopes it is to join Man Utd and not rivals Man City.

Messi’s future at Camp Nou is shrouded in doubt after a tumultuous year in which he attempted to leave Barcelona this summer before reluctantly agreeing to remain for another year.

However, with the Argentine’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and with the Barca legend showing no signs of wishing to extend his stay, a Bosman transfer is looking increasingly possible.

Along with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter, Manchester City have been the most heavily linked club to the 33-year-old Messi – especially due to the presence of former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

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However, Mata says that not only is Messi a player he massively adores but that if the Argentine leaves Catalunya he hopes he comes to Old Trafford and not the Etihad.

“If he comes to Manchester, I hope it’s to my club – not the other,” the Spaniard told Laureus.com.

“I have a soft spot for Messi, he is a guy that every time I see him play football makes my life better.

“Of course all the players can have better seasons than him, but he’s the one that I like the most, and I will give him the trophy for the best player every year, because of what he’s done in his career.”