Man City Accidentally Put In Bid For Lionel Messi Literally Because Of The Telephone Game
According to former Manchester City chief executive, Gary Cook, the offer was made in 2008 while the club was in the process of being purchased by Sheikh Mansour. Cook copped to the mistake in the directly-named book "The Manchester City Years."
"(An executive) made a comment like: 'It's all getting messy,'" Cook explained. "Via the telephones and other communication lines, this somehow translated into: 'Get Messi.'
"An offer was made for Lionel Messi of about 30 million pounds. Needless to say, it was rejected."
Just imagine if the negotiations had gotten testy.
Latest
The Three Biggest 2026 NBA All-Star Starter Snubs
Tue Jan 20 2026
Why John Harbaugh Is Exactly What the New York Giants Needed
Tue Jan 20 2026
Why the Detroit Lions’ Drew Petzing Hire Makes No Sense
Tue Jan 20 2026
Latest Betting
- Sunday January 18th College Basketball Betting Picks, Predictions
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots NFL Playoffs Betting Picks, Predictions
- NFL Divisional Round 2026 Best Bets, Picks, Predictions
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos Divisional Round Betting Picks
- Top NBA Betting Picks Tonight: Clippers-Raptors, Wolves-Rockets, Wizards-Kings
- Thursday Jan. 16 NHL Betting Picks: Lightning vs. Blues, Panthers vs. Hurricanes
- Thursday NBA Betting Picks: Three Best Bets Before a Big Sports Weekend

