Ariedo Braida: 'Only Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain can afford Lionel Messi'

Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida has claimed that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the only two clubs in world football that can afford Lionel Messi.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner's future has come under question in recent months following rumours of a bust-up with head coach Luis Enrique.

Braida says that he cannot see the Argentina international ever leaving Camp Nou, but, if he does, it will be for City or PSG.

"I think it's almost impossible for him to leave Barcelona," talkSPORT quotes Braida as saying.

"But with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City having so much money that could happen. Sometimes these strange things happen. He is a phenomenon, an extraterrestrial comparable to [Diego] Maradona and Pele."

Messi scored his 32nd hat-trick for Barca in a 6-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.