Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential arrival in the Premier League, naming Manchester City as the ideal destination for the Argentine maestro.

Speaking to ESPN Argentina, Owen emphasized Messi’s compatibility with City’s style of play and his history with manager Pep Guardiola, under whom Messi achieved unprecedented success at Barcelona.

With Manchester City enduring a rough patch—securing just one win in their last 12 matches—Guardiola is reportedly keen on a six-month loan deal for Messi, according to Tuttosport. The idea of Messi stepping into City’s setup has fans buzzing, especially given the duo’s historic treble-winning partnership at Camp Nou.

Owen remarked, “One player that’s not been in the Premier League? Yeah, Messi. He’s suitable for anybody. It must be Manchester City. I mean, with Pep—Pep knows him, they’re a passing team. It has to be Manchester City, yeah.”

The timing of the speculation is intriguing. City’s recent 1–2 loss to Aston Villa has raised concerns about their ability to contend for the title this season. A player of Messi’s caliber could not only reignite their campaign but also provide a significant morale boost to a struggling squad.

Opinion: Would Messi Thrive in the Premier League?

Lionel Messi in the Premier League is a tantalizing prospect. At 37, Messi’s ability to adapt to one of the most physically demanding leagues is a question mark, but his footballing intelligence, vision, and technical prowess make him a threat in any system.

Manchester City, with their possession-based approach, appears to be the perfect stage for Messi to showcase his enduring brilliance. Under Guardiola’s tactical guidance, the World Cup winner could seamlessly slot into a creative role, dictating play and linking up with City’s already dynamic attack.

However, the challenges are just as significant. The pace and physicality of English football, coupled with City’s current struggles, mean that Messi’s presence alone wouldn’t guarantee instant success. But as Owen aptly put it, Messi is “suitable for anybody,” and his arrival would undoubtedly elevate the Premier League’s global appeal.

Conclusion: A Move That Could Define an Era

If Manchester City does secure Lionel Messi, it could be a defining moment for both club and player. For City, it would be a statement of intent amid their recent slump. For Messi, it would offer a new challenge in the twilight of his illustrious career.

While the rumors remain speculative, the thought of Messi gracing Premier League stadiums has already captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Whether this dream move materializes or not, the mere possibility is enough to remind us of the magnetic pull Messi still holds in the footballing world.