'The Mirror': Barca assume Messi will join City in 2021

Lionel Messi changed the game with his letter to Barca. In it, he told the club that he wanted to leave. Premier League side Manchester City were ready to welcome him with open arms.

In the end, Messi gave up. He explained that he didn't want to enter legal proceedings against the club and Barca refused to give in.

But the number 10 will still be a free agent next summer. And given his result with the Barca board, everything points towards him leaving the Camp Nou in 2021.

'The Mirror' claim that Barcelona themselves believe that he will leave. His destination is set to be Manchester City.

Barca manager Ronald Koeman is delighted with him and wants him to stay, but according to the British paper, he should be preparing his team for life after Messi next season.

Guardiola will be key in Messi's arrival at City. They were together at Barca and the Argentian would love to reunite with his former coach.

However, Pep's contract also expires in 2021. Whether he will sign an extension remains to be seen, but it would certainly help bring Messi to the Etihad.