In a shocking revelation, Andre Cury, a prominent football agent representing Barcelona’s new signee Vitor Roque, recently disclosed a significant offer made to the Catalan club by Manchester City in 2020.

According to Cury, Barcelona was presented with a colossal bid of €200 million for their talismanic player, Lionel Messi, one year prior to his eventual departure.

Despite the immense sum, Barcelona declined the offer, only to witness Messi leaving for free the following year.

This article delves into the details surrounding this intriguing offer and the circumstances that led to Messi’s departure from the Camp Nou.

The Burofax and Messi’s Unhappiness

In the summer of 2020, Lionel Messi sent the infamous burofax to Barcelona, expressing his desire to leave the club.

This pivotal moment signaled his discontent with the club’s management under then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona’s performance on the pitch was also faltering, adding to Messi’s dissatisfaction. Frustrated by the situation, he sought an exit from the club he had faithfully served for so many years.

Manchester City’s Opportune Offer

During this period of uncertainty, Manchester City seized the opportunity and made an extraordinary offer of up to €200 million to secure Lionel Messi’s services.

The English club recognized Messi’s potential availability and wanted to capitalize on the situation.

Andre Cury revealed that the offer was made with full knowledge that Messi had one more year left on his contract with Barcelona, implying City’s eagerness to have him join their ranks.

Barcelona’s Decision and Messi’s Continuation

Despite the mouth-watering offer, Barcelona made the bold decision to reject Manchester City’s bid.

The Catalan giants were determined to keep their star player and believed that Messi would fulfill his contractual obligations, even amid speculation about his future.

The rejection of the offer showcased the club’s loyalty and commitment to their legendary player.

Messi’s Departure and Move to PSG

The 2020-2021 season turned out to be Lionel Messi’s last with Barcelona. Despite the club’s efforts to retain him, they were unable to renew his contract due to financial constraints and other complexities.

As a result, Messi eventually bid farewell to the Camp Nou after an illustrious career spanning over two decades.

Following his departure from Barcelona, Lionel Messi embarked on a new journey with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The Argentine superstar spent two successful seasons with the French club, adding to his list of impressive accomplishments.

During his time with PSG, there were rumors of a potential return to Barcelona, which fans hoped would materialize when his contract with PSG expired.

A New Chapter in Major League Soccer

Despite the speculation, Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona did not materialize as expected. Instead, he surprised the football world by joining Major League Soccer (MLS) and signing with Inter Miami, a club based in the United States.

The move to the MLS opens a new chapter in Messi’s career, showcasing his desire to explore different challenges and opportunities in his footballing journey.

The revelation of Manchester City’s €200 million offer for Lionel Messi in 2020 adds a fascinating twist to the story of his eventual departure from Barcelona.

Despite the financial incentive, the Catalan club chose to retain their star player, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty.

However, circumstances changed, leading to Messi’s eventual departure and his subsequent move to PSG before finally finding a new home in the MLS with Inter Miami.

As the footballing world continues to marvel at the talents of the “GOAT,” Lionel Messi’s legacy remains etched in the annals of football history.