Messi's Premier League Move Blocked by Guardiola
The warning from Guardiola about the physicality of the Premier League and the challenges of playing against teams like Burnley on a Monday night was a significant factor in Messi's decision, and highlights the importance of considering the unique demands of the league when making transfer decisions.
Lionel Messi's potential move to the Premier League was discouraged by Pep Guardiola, who warned the Argentine star about the physicality of the league, particularly against teams like Burnley, during a 6-hour conversation in 2020.
Guardiola jokingly told Messi that if he joined Manchester City, he would have to face Burnley on a Monday night, where the team would "bang, bang, bang" the ball, causing Messi to imagine his face turning up at Turf Moor, a stadium with a capacity of 21,944, amidst rain and wind. The conversation was so amusing that it left Steve Bruce "crying" with laughter.
According to Burnley manager Sean Dyche, Guardiola's warning was a significant factor in Messi's decision not to join Manchester City. Guardiola told Messi that the English weather, particularly the rain, was a reason to avoid the Premier League, and the challenge of playing against physical teams like Burnley on a Monday night was not something he thought Messi was ready for.
The conversation between Guardiola and Messi highlights the challenges that foreign players can face when adapting to the Premier League, and the importance of considering the unique demands of the league when making transfer decisions. Despite the humor in their conversation, Guardiola's warning ultimately played a role in shaping Messi's decision about his future.