Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rejected the chance to sign Lionel Messi two years ago.

That's according to journalist Marti Perarnau, who has just released his new book, 'God Save Pep'.

Messi contacted his good friend Sergio Aguero to inquire how long Guardiola would stay with City. Messi and Guardiola then agreed to meet in Barcelona.

Guardiola, however, expressed his doubts about a reunion. According to the book, he said to Messi: "Leo, we have gotten older. Maybe we can't tolerate each other anymore."

Messi ultimately stayed with Barcelona for another season as top scorer in La Liga and won the Copa del Rey. Due to salary rules in La Liga, Barcelona could not keep him, so he left for Paris Saint-Germain and this year started a new chapter at Inter Miami after two seasons.