Manchester City believe they can sign Lionel Messi?

Manchester City reportedly believe that they could complete a deal for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, following a row between the Argentine and Barca sporting director Eric Abidal.

Messi called out Abidal for his criticism of Barcelona players, and rumours are now circulating that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner might consider a move away from Camp Nou.

According to The Mirror, City are in close contact with Messi's father and believe that this could be their last chance to sign the 32-year-old.

The forward has been at Barcelona since 2001, making 712 appearances for the first team and scoring 622 goals.

The report adds that while City will look into making a deal happen this summer, any move remains unlikely.

Messi's Barca side were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey on Thursday following a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.