Brazilian legend Rivaldo believes that Manchester City would be the favourites for any competition should they sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer this season.
Messi is in the final year of his contract at Barcelona and may look to leave the club in the summer.
He infamously handed in a transfer request last summer but refused to take the club to court over a clause that would allow him to move on a free transfer.
City have been linked with a move this summer, reuniting Messi with Pep Guardiola, who brought him into prominence at the Nou Camp.
And Rivaldo believes that City would be the favourites for any competition should Messi arrived at the Etihad.
"Pep Guardiola has one of the best squads in Europe and Manchester City are in incredible form right now after 20 consecutive wins, jumping to a 13-point lead in the league and taking a solid step forward in Europe this week," he told Betfair.
"City are a very rich club and that allows them to sign the best players in the world. For that reason, they would be a very solid destination for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona.
"Mix the great moment of form they're going through with the fact that Guardiola has already coached Messi with huge success, and it's clear that the English club would become even stronger with the Argentinian star on their ranks.
"In fact, with Messi, they would be the favourite to win any competition."
The club denied suggestions earlier this month that City were set to offer Messi an eight-year deal which would see the winger play at the Etihad before moving to New York City FC in the MLS, stating that they have not offered the Argentinian a new deal or even opened talks.
City have the resources to afford Messi's wages, and reuniting him with Pep is likely to be a tempting transfer.
The club is also aware of Messi's apparent unhappiness, should they want to take advantage of the situation.
