MESSI IS THE GOAL

legal row with the club. But despite the resignation of the Barca board last month, Messi’s rocky relationship with the Spanish giants remains strained.

Messi, 33, can leave the Nou Camp on a free next summer but Barca’s debts of £ 450m could persuade them to sell the £ 1m- a- week superstar in January.

Messi has remained close friends with ex- Barcelona boss Guardiola, who believes a reunion with the South American would enable City to finally win the Champions League.

Guardiola, 49, admits his desire to keep winning trophies at City burns brighter than ever and he said:

“Since I arrived we have achieved a great deal together, scored goals, won games and trophies, and we are all proud of that success.

“Having that kind of support is the best thing any manager can have. I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well and I am humbled by the confidence the club has shown in me to continue for two more years after this season.

“I saw many times in the bad moments how the people here support me. Of course, Ferran ( Soriano) and Txiki ( Begiristain), but especially Khaldoon, our chairman, was the main reason I decided to continue.

“We had long talks this week together, we put both sides to continue or not and, in the end, we decided that the best for all of us is to continue, because still we have the feeling there is unfinished business.

“The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am excited about helping City do that.”

City chairman

Al- Mubarak said: “It is testament to the qualities of the man that Pep’s passion and intelligent approach are now woven into the very fabric of the football we play and our culture as a club.

“That impact has been central to our success and it’s why I’m delighted that he shares our view that there is so much more to be achieved both on and off the field.”