Zabaleta believes Man City is the best club for Messi.

Zabaleta is convinced Manchester City is "the best place" for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Pablo Zabaleta has urged Lionel Messi, who is in the final year of his current contract, to sign for Manchester City next summer.

The Argentina international continues to be linked with a move away from Barca, with Ligue 1 side PSG and Premier League club Man City reportedly monitoring Messi’s situation at the Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old, who spent nine years at the Etihad, told Malaysian outlet Stadium Astro, as reported by The Sun: "It is sad to see Messi in that situation. I never thought he would be in a final year of his contract at Barcelona.

"The team is not playing well and it seems that he is not enjoying his football. We will see what happens with Messi at the end of the season.

"He has a close friend in Sergio [Aguero] at Man City and has worked with Pep at Barcelona before, so they know each other. Some of the people on the board also know Messi.

"If Messi decides that he wants to leave Barcelona, that he wants to go and play in a different league, in a different country, of course Man City would be one of them.

Pablo Zabaleta spent 9 trophy-laden years at the Etihad [GETTY]

"Every player would like to have an experience in the Premier League. The Premier League is the best in the world and maybe he wants to go and enjoy a few years there.

"Man City would be the best place for him because he knows people there. I would like to see Messi, if he decides to move on to another club, in England as it is a lovely place to play football."

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