Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi asked to be allowed to join Manchester City last season, it has been revealed.

The Argentinian was keen to join Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, says El Mundo Deportivo, at the height of his row with local tax authorities.

Led by president Josep Maria Bartomeu and vice-president Jordi Mestre, who flew to Miami in a bid to find a solution with Messi's father Jorge, the Catalan club attempted to reassure the player.

Despite Messi's initial wish to leave, Barcelona stood firm, pointing to the €250m release clause and nothing less, even if City would have willingly put up a record-breaking €150m offer.

It wasn't until after a heart-to-heart with Luis Suarez that Messi ultimately chose to stay.