Man City ‘bid for Lionel Messi when he was 21’ but ended up completing transfer for £32.5m star instead, ex-boss reveals

MANCHESTER CITY bid for a 21-year-old Lionel Messi, according to former manager Mark Hughes.

The Welshman had been in charge when the Abu Dhabi United Group completed their takeover in August 2008.

AFPMark Hughes has revealed Manchester City tried to sign a 21-year-old Lionel Messi[/caption] AFPCity bid for Messi after the Abu Dhabi United Group’s takeover in August 2008[/caption]

A busy end to the transfer window followed as City pulled off the shock signing of Robinho...