Rivaldo: Manchester City are still interested in Messi

Lionel Messi

is spending the last months of his current contract at Camp Nou. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with a host of elite European clubs that are interested in signing him as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

are among the suitors for the 33-year-old, but there have been recent reports claiming the Premier League club have dropped their interest in Messi.

Rivaldo

believes the Citizens are still interested in signing Messi but says

’s potential move to Barcelona might persuade the Argentinian to stay at the La Liga club.

He told

:

"The press is reporting that City have given up on signing Messi for next season, but I always have my doubts about these types of stories.

"Generally, when a club dismisses speculation about a transfer target it actually means the opposite, with the club remaining interested and just making a strategical bluff.

"I'm pleased to see Messi looking more relaxed on the pitch again and getting back to playing his best football.”

Messi has enjoyed great form in the current season. The Argentinian has scored 23 goals and provided 10 assists in his 26 league matches for the Blaugrana.

"If he doesn't agree a new deal with Barca then he can negotiate with other clubs while he continues to do his best on the pitch and avoid making an official announcement about his future before the end of season."

Asked about Aguero’s potential transfer to Camp Nou, Rivaldo responded:

"Signing Aguero on a free transfer could be a coup for Barcelona. He has a good relationship with Lionel Messi and, with Barca missing Luis Suárez this season, Aguero would probably go straight into the starting 11. His arrival could also new club president Joan Laporta persuade Messi to stay at the club.

"Apparently, Ronald Koeman disagrees with a potential move to sign Aguero because he is more focused on renewing Barca's squad by signing younger players it's his priority. But this would be a great opportunity to reinforce the attack without spending too much money.”

Rivaldo warns Koeman about his future at Barcelona as he enters the final year of his contract with the Catalans.

"Koeman should remember he only has one year left on his contract, so if he doesn't win titles between now and the end of next season, it's probably he won't have time to complete his project.

"Memphis Depay and possibly Erling Haaland are said to be in conversations with the club. But those players will cost big fees, so Koeman should carefully weigh up the options before rejecting them, especially when we are talking about a player of Kun Aguero's quality.

"Haaland is a huge talent with a bright future ahead of him, but his signing will mean a massive investment from the club and I'm not sure if Barcelona have that amount available at the moment since they are going through some financial problems."

Barcelona will play against

in their next La Liga match on Monday.

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