Premier League big spenders Manchester City may have been linked with an audacious swoop for Lionel Messi but close friend and Argentina teammate, Sergio Agüero doesn’t think that it will come to fruition. Perhaps a move to England is not on the cards but Agüero joked that he would love Messi to join him back at Independiente when he returns in 2019.

With Barcelona’s former chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain already ensconced at The Etihad, rumours growing that Pep Guardiola could take over as manager at the end of the season and Messi frustrated over his ongoing tax issues in Spain, the rumours of a potential move away from the Camp Nou have never been greater.

Messi has never suggested that he will leave Barcelona after enjoying a career with more success than most players could dream of and Agüero feels that any exit is highly unlikely.

“It’s very difficult for Leo to leave Barcelona, because he’s played there since he was very young and it’s not easy for him to think about another team,” Agüero  told Goal.

“So no… hopefully he can be here at City obviously, but of course it’s always the player’s decision and I think he’s very comfortable and very calm in Barcelona.”

The two have been close friends since rising through the Argentina youth ranks and still room together when away on international duty with La Albiceleste and given Messi’s status as the best player on the planet, Agüero would still love to have him in Manchester.

“If he wants to come here, let him come! He’s the best in the world, he can handle the Chinese league too. Because he’s the best in the world there’s always pressure in any country. If you’re the best player in the world you can be the best anywhere.”

Having won seven La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and potentially a fifth Ballon d’Or when it is announced in January, Messi has already established himself as possibly the greatest player of all time. The 28-year-old has little to prove, certainly from a move to Manchester City, and so it was often thought that any potential move away from Barcelona would come at the end of his career with possibly a final swansong back in Rosario for Newell’s Old Boys.

This route back to Argentina for a final season or two is a common one and Sergio Agüero has already promised a return to Independiente when his current deal at Manchester City expires in 2019. Much like Carlos Tevez’s switch to Boca Juniors in August, Agüero would still be in something near his prime with the intention of giving a little back to his childhood club.

Agüero joked that perhaps Messi might join him, if not at City, then at Independiente in a few years. “If he wants, first come here (Manchester City) and then to Independiente. Hopefully we both retire at Independiente.”