‘Agent’ Emi Martinez plotting audacious Aston Villa approach for Lionel Messi amid PSG expiry

Emiliano Martinez has suggested he could reduce his wages to help Aston Villa complete a sensational transfer move for seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. The Villans goalkeeper, who was named the world’s best by FIFA in February, has made a bold call to bring his Argentina teammate to Villa Park.

Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain is coming to an end as his contract expires in June and he has been at the centre of some off-field controversy. Heading to Saudi Arabia recently to allegedly discuss a potential transfer to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East, Messi was caught and banned by PSG.

Despite this, the 35-year-old remains one of the planet’s greatest and he is the only player in Europe’s top five leagues to contribute more than 20 goals and 20 assists in all competitions this term. These startling figures include netting 15 and setting up 16 for his teammates in 30 Ligue 1 matches throughout 2022/23.

And Martinez is now hoping Villa could lure Messi to the Premier League. Asked by ESPN about whether an audacious deal could be completed, Martinez said: “If they are whistling Messi, I would bring him here... at Villa. Hey, man, we’ll drink mate, we eat asados every week. I will cut my salary, we’ll do our best,” Martinez joked.

Unai Emery’s side may be on the brink of qualifying for the Europa Conference League but even that would be a huge move down for Messi. It would take more than promises of mate, asados and a giant pay packet to attract the ‘GOAT’ to Villa Park, but not for want of trying from Martinez.