"Reuniting with Pep Guardiola at City will be tempting for Messi"

Barcelona legend Rivaldo says playing under Pep Guardiola in the Premier League would be a "tempting" offer for Lionel Messi. 

Cadena Ser reported this week that Messi is considering leaving Barça when his deal expires in 2021, leading to another wave of rumours about the forward's future. 

Manchester City have tried to sign him before and have been linked with a move again, with Guardiola their ace card. 

Rivaldo, a Betfair ambassador, said: "With just one more year left on his contract the rumours about Messi leaving could be true, but as I have always said, I believe he can end his career at Barcelona. Anyway, if he leaves I can’t imagine him playing at another European club.

"If he is considering leaving the club, then something mustn’t be good in the Barcelona dressing room and perhaps he is tired with all the constant problems that have surrounded the club in the last few months.

"Despite his age, Messi could play in the Premier League with ease

"When Messi’s contract ends he will be 34, but with his class I think he could still easily play in Premier League. It will be sad to see him leaving Barcelona once his contract ends eventually, but I still hope that he can stay for now. Despite his connection to the club, he has the right to move if he wants and reuniting with Pep Guardiola at City will be tempting for him, as the two of them formed a great coach and player partnership at Barca.

"Perhaps Barcelona could also try to convince him to stay by signing a coach he likes, similar to Guardiola, to change his mind. There are rumours about Flamengo’s coach Jorge Jesus joining, he has a good approach to football, and who knows, that could be a boost for Messi to stay."