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Attack
Should Lionel Messi move to the Etihad, it could potentially open up a world of possibilities for the Cityzens' attack. They already have a host of talented world-beaters among their ranks, and with the addition of the six-time Ballon d'Or-winner to their side, it would undisputedly elevate their status to make it the most terrifying attack in football. It is also important to note that Messi could be set to join a club that managed to tally over 100 goals twice in the last three years.
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Given both the quality and quantity available to Guardiola in the final third, here are three ways in which City's stellar attack could look on paper with Messi.
Alternative #1: Traditional Trident
During Guardiola's tenure as Man City coach, former Barcelona coach has shown an affinity towards the traditional 4-3-3 set up for his side. In fact, in the 2019/20 campaign, the former champions began 27 out of the 38 matches in a 4-3-3, with either two traditional wide men and a striker or someone like Raheem Sterling playing through the middle and Gabriel Jesus out wide.
Going by their past record, should City line up in a 4-3-3 with Messi, the 33-year-old could slot in seamlessly on the right-hand side of the attack and cut in onto his left — much like he has for the last few years. His goalscoring prowess has never been in question, and with a free role on the right, he could undoubtedly run the show for City.
Sterling could retain his role on the left, providing width when necessary and drifting infield when Cancelo holds the width while City attack. Sergio Aguero, Messi's long-time acquaintance, would be expected to play down the middle of the attack. The Sterling-Aguero-Messi trident could give City a familiar way of attacking, albeit with the world's best player on their side.
Alternative #2: Throwback False Nine
Messi's time under Guardiola is one of the most fabled spells in football history not only due to the accolades amassed, but also the tactical brilliance on display. At the start of his career and his Ballon d'Or reign, Messi was deployed as a 'false' nine, essentially playing through the middle but not exactly as a traditional centre-forward.
The Argentine dropped in between the lines of the opposition defence and midfield, wreaking havoc by either surging forward or bringing the wide players into play. With the likes of new signing Ferran Torres, Riyad Mahrez, and Sterling among their ranks, City have an arsenal of choices for players to flank Messi should he be played as a false nine.
While there have been many false nines in Europe, Messi is, perhaps, the greatest false nine in modern times — and he could be reuniting with the mastermind who dominated the world with this system. The Sterling-Messi-Mahrez/Torres front three could be a devastating proposition for any defence to deal with, as City could thrive with the vision and sheer calibre of a player such as the Barcelona legend on their side.
Alternative #3: Wildcard Set-up
Back in July 2020, Manchester City were handed the misfortune of presenting the guard of honour to champions Liverpool as they lost the title by 18 points. However, after the presentation, City turned up the afterburners to smash the Reds with one of the most exhilarating performances in the Premier League's recent past.
Kevin De Bruyne, City's creator-in-chief, showed his tactical versatility by playing an unorthodox wide role between the lines and helped his side demolish the newly-crowned champions.
The critical role here was played by their midfield as Guardiola — who has often been criticised for his tendency to play a lone pivot in crunch games — opted for a double pivot that did the trick. Rodri and Gundogan held down the fort while City's front four of the Belgian, Sterling, Jesus, and Foden ran riot over arguably the best side in the world.
Should Messi arrive, Guardiola can opt to play this system which incorporates two of Rodri, Fernandinho, and Gundogan as the pivots to facilitate a fluid front four of Messi, De Bruyne, Sterling, and Aguero.
De Bruyne could play the role he did in that famous 4-0 win over Liverpool with Sterling on the opposite side, providing width in the final third. The Argentine duo could be deployed centrally, with the Barcelona man playing off the City legend as a second striker and can also drop deeper when needed.
Their understanding on the pitch, and the fact that Messi has been longing to share the club stage with his friend Aguero, could help them thrive playing as the two central players in this setup.
The De Bruyne-Aguero-Messi-Sterling quartet, in theory, have enough quality to dismantle any side in world football, let alone the Premier League.
Ultimately, regardless of how they line up, the addition of a player such as Lionel Messi to a side as rampant as City could only mean terrible news for rival clubs. However, as a neutral, the possibility of witnessing 'champagne football' at the Etihad is higher than ever — and they can now play their brand of beautiful football with one of the greatest players of all time.
Also read: 4 Times Lionel Messi reportedly asked Barcelona to sign a player
