The 33-year-old is keen to line up again with Neymar, after informing the LaLiga side he wants to leave this summer.
Messi has his heart set on a reunion with Pep Guardiola in England and also wants Neymar to join him at the Etihad.
The two players have spoken since Messi made it clear he wanted to leave Barca and the Argentine is trying to persuade Neymar to also leave Paris Saint-Germain.
It remains to be seen if City would have the budget to fund both transfers.
Also, it is not also certain if Guardiola would be keen on signing the Brazilian.