Lionel Messi move to Manchester City 'difficult', says Sergio Aguero

Messi, 28, have often been linked with a move to City, particularly after the club employed Barcelona's former chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, while it remains to be seen if Pep Guardiola, who managed Messi at the Camp Nou, will take over at the Etihad Stadium.

"Hopefully he can be here at City obviously but, of course, it's always the player's decision", he continued, before admitting that the chances of a switch were slim.

Aguero told Goal: "If Messi wants to come here, let him come".

The pair are global team-mates for Argentina and with Messi's tax affairs still under scrutiny from Spanish authorities, there has been a growing feeling he may one day end up in the Premier League. "It's very hard for Leo to leave Barcelona because he's played there since he was young".

"It's not easy for him to think about another team".

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says the best of Sergio Aguero is yet to come and is confident he will flourish in the New Year.

"He's the best player in the world - he can handle the Chinese league too!"

Balague also said City were attempting to lure Messi to Manchester and Aguero has now had his say on a potential move for his compatriot.

Aguero thinks the four-time Ballon d'Or victor is the best in the world and could transfer his quality to any league.

"There will always be pressure in any country", he continued.