Lionel Messi speaks on UEFA ban, says Man City are in trouble: Report

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reacted to Manchester City’s recent Champions League ban. He claimed that y have been ‘screwed.’ Messi was recently linked with a switch to defending Premier League champions who were banned from UEFA Club competitions for violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations for next two seasons.

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Man City ban: Lionel Messi surprised by UEFA verdict

Lionel Messi was quizzed by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo recently on Man City’s ban. six-time Ballon d’Or winner exclaimed that it was surprising to kw about City’s ban because such stringent actions are taken rarely. He also spoke on a similar situation involving Ligue 1 Champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

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Man City ban: Lionel Messi speaks on mass exit of City players

Lionel Messi stated that PSG got away with similar allegations by paying a hefty fine. However, if City are t allowed to participate in Champions League, n it would be weird, asserted Argentine. Messi also opened up on rumours of a mass exit if ban is t overturned.

Man City ban: Lionel Messi dresses City's concerns

Lionel Messi asserted that many players would be looking to secure an exit from club because two seasons without Champions League football would be quite weird. Bernardo Silva has alrey revealed his intention to return to his old club Benfica.

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Lionel Messi Barcagate: Argentine speaks on issue

Lionel Messi also spoke on Barcagate, a term used to describe alleged attempts by President Josep Bartomeu to demonise senior squ players including Messi and Gerard Pique. Messi claimed that he would wait for furr clarification before commenting on matter.

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Why are Man City banned from UEFA competitions?

Man City were banned by UEFA for breaching FFP rules. Man City have claimed that y will appeal against decision of UEFA in Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), with hope of decision being overturned. On or hand, Premier League are also planning to take stringent action against Pep Guardiola’s side, with a point-deduction punishment likely on cards.

Man City would, however, be allowed to play in Champions League this season. Pep Guardiola's side have been tied against Spanish giants Real Mrid in Round of 16 of Champions League. first leg will be played at Mrid on February 26 (February 27 according to IST), followed by return leg on March 17 (March 18 according to IST) in Manchester.