Lewis Hamilton praises Lionel Messi after Laureus Award win
Lionel Messi has joked Barcelona could sign all of Manchester City’s squad if their two-year Champions League ban stands. The Blues were punished with a suspension from Europe’s premier competition and hit with a £25million (€30m) fine for allegedly breaking Uefa’s financial rules and regulations.
City have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to have the ban overturned.
However, if the Blues are condemned to a guilty verdict it could have dramatic consequences.
The rest of the world is following the case with added interest as it could set a dangerous precedent for the remaining clubs who heavily invest in their squads.
It may also lead to a number of high-profile exits at the Etihad Stadium.
When asked if Barcelona could swoop for Messi’s fellow countryman Sergio Aguero, the playmaker joked: “What do you want? Sign them all? (laughs)”
Lionel Messi has joked Barcelona could sign the entire Man City squad (Image: GETTY)
Raheem Sterling is one of a handful of players who have committed their future to City regardless of their Champions League fate.
But there are some stars, like Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, who may have their heads turned.
“It is surprising because nobody thought that such a thing could happen, so powerful,” Messi told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
“Paris paid a fine or I don't know how it went. If in the end the City does not play the Champions League for what it is, with the players, the club and the money it spends it will be weird.
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