Lionel Messi's father has played down any links between his son and Manchester City as he arrived in Barcelona for talks to resolve the forward's contract dispute.
Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave and believes he has activated a clause allowing him to leave the club for free. However, Barcelona insist the clause had expired and Messi is still their player.
A week of speculation and missed training sessions from Messi has now resulted in his father and agent, Jorge, arrive in Barcelona for talks with club president Josep Bartomeu to try and resolve the disagreement.
According to Deportes Cuatro, Jorge Messi said it would be difficult for his son to remain at Barcelona, but he 'doesn't know' about a move to City.
They report that Messi Sr was asked if his son would remain at Barcelona, to which he replied: "I don't know."
The report then asked if City was a good option, and whether he spoke to Pep Guardiola. Reports have suggested Guardiola advised Messi to remain at Barcelona before handing in his transfer request. "I don't know, there is nothing," Messi Sr replied. "I didn't talk to Pep."
Just leave them messi