Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled the European Cup holders out of the race to sign Lionel Messi during this summer's transfer window.
Messi has informed Barcelona that he wants to leave in the current market, and a number of clubs, including Manchester City, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea, have been credited with an interest in the Argentina international.
Bayern were also thought to be potential suitors, but Rummenigge has conceded that the German giants cannot afford to sign the 33-year-old.
"We can't pay a player of that size. It is not part of our policy and philosophy. Honestly, hearing that Messi could leave Barcelona makes me a little sad. Leo has written the history of that club and in my opinion he should end his career with the Blaugrana," Rummenigge told Tuttosport.
"There are internal and private aspects there that I don't know about and that is why I will not interfere."
Messi, whose contract at Camp Nou is due to expire next summer, ended the 2019-20 campaign with 31 goals and 26 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.
Matt Law
