Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed suggestions of securing Barcelona striker Lionel Messi and said that they are 'just rumours'
The contract talks between Messi, who has reportedly been struggling for form since returning from injury, and the club are thought to be on hold, dismissing suggestions that City were looking to offer him a place at Etihad, the report added.
According to Metro.co.uk, Pellegrini laughed at the possibility of securing the world's greatest player and dismissed the talk as 'just rumours'.
City's right back Pabla Zabaleta, who was captain of Argentina under-20 side when Messi was brought in and inspired them to win the youth World Cup in Holland, reportedly revealed about his friendship with Messi before the Champions League second-round tie between City and Barca last month, the report added.
