Lionel Messi

Manchester City will be in a position to sign Lionel Messi if the opportunity presents itself next season, the Premier League club's chief operating officer said.

City were the frontrunners to land Messi's services after the 33-year-old Argentine handed Barcelona an official notice in August of his desire to terminate his contract.

Lionel Messi could be convinced to stay at Barcelona beyond this season, despite interest from Manchester City, according to his former teammate Luis Suarez.

The Barca captain tried to force his way out of the club in the close season but agreed to stay until his contract ends in June 2021.

Argentina forward Messi, 33, revealed his frustrations with the club's board and a lack of planning but said he would give his all this season.

Argentina got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the perfect start on Thursday when Lionel Messi's early penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a lackluster match in Buenos Aires.

The Argentine FA piped fan noise around the empty Bombonera stadium and the chants of "Messi! Messi!" were vindicated as early as the 12th minute when he put Argentina ahead from the spot after Lucas Ocampos was fouled inside the penalty area.