Revealed: Lionel Messi intrigued by Manchester City star – asking Sergio Aguero questions

Lionel Messi was among the players in Catalonia intrigued by the early development and talents of Manchester City’s Phil Foden, a new report has revealed this week.

The Stockport-born playmaker has overseen a meteoric rise in the Manchester City first-team squad after first emerging on the scene back in 2017, with many in the game largely crediting Pep Guardiola for his management of the youngster’s rise and game-time.

Phil Foden’s talent was evident from a very early age, however his patience when it came to first-team opportunities deserves credit whilst many were demanding Manchester City sanctioned a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium.

But it was not just names close to home that were intrigued by Foden’s abilities and growth at City, with a new report detailing that some of the most iconic names in world football and specifically at Barcelona were keeping a close eye on the player.

That is according to the information of James Ducker writing for The Telegraph, who reports that Pep Guardiola’s presence at Manchester City has ‘always ensured a degree of fascination’ over in Catalonia at events unfolding under the legendary coach at the Etihad Stadium.

Such was the level of intrigue that it is further revealed that in the past, the likes of Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are thought to have idly asked close friend and compatriot Sergio Aguero what “that kid (Phil) Foden” is like.

Phil Foden has started the ongoing season in inspired form, after a somewhat difficult Treble-winning campaign that saw his consistency hindered by fitness problems.

Under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City so far this season, Foden has operated across the frontline for the reigning Premier League champions, but also established himself as a strong attacking midfield presence in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.

Across Foden’s 15 appearances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, the 23-year-old has registered an impressive total of five goals and four assists, starring in high-profile victories over the likes of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.