Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly dropped his hot chase for Lionel Messi, Mundo Deportivo reports.
Reports indicate that City are willing to abandon the idea of signing Messi from Barcelona this summer.
The former Premier League champions is said to have developed cold feet towards bringing Messi to the Etihad after Barca made it clear that the Argentine will not leave as a free agent.
Another report claim that City believe the transfer is not financially viable.
LaLiga have also issued a statement, making it clear that any potential buyer must pay Messi’s €700 million release clause.
Guardiola has reportedly told the six-time Ballon d’Or winner that it would be best for him to stay at the Camp Nou, where he has been playing football since he was 13 years old.
City does not want to attract further attention from football authorities, having already been forced to pay a €10 million fine this year for breaching UEFA rules.
