Messi can help Man City take the next step by winning the Champions League

Messi is said to be determined to leave Barcelona and Kompany hopes that the Argentine joins his former club.

The Belgian says he respects Leo's decision to leave the Catalans.

"It’d be incredible for the club to have a player like Leo Messi. He could help Manchester City take the next step by winning the Champions League," the Citizens' former captain Vincent Kompany has told The Sun.

"If Messi decided to leave Barcelona then I can only respect his decision. I hope Messi joins City."

According to recent reports, Barca's captain is firm in his decision to leave the club and sees Man City as his preferred destination.

Meanwhile, it's said that Josep Maria Bartomeu doesn't want to sell the 33-year-old and has even refused to meet with him to discuss Messi's possible departure.