Willy Caballero Comments on Potential of Lionel Messi Joining Manchester City

Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero believes his club would have no difficulty in signing Barcelona's Lionel Messi if the 28-year-old ever decided to part with the Catalan giants—because of City's financial might and his friendship with Sergio Aguero.  

In an exclusive with Goal.com's Sam Lee and Diego Morini, he said the following:

"

That subject is talked about a lot and it's inevitable not to think or speak about it. And then when you think that Kun [Aguero] is at the club and he's such a good friend of Messi... 

But until he's signed or not it's nothing more than a rumour. But yes, I understand that it's possible, because this club has massive economic power. The expensive players that the club has at the moment shows that it can deal with high prices. 

Because of that it seems that they can try to sign Messi if he decides to leave Barcelona. No doubt that City can get Messi, but everything depends on what Leo wants to do.

I'm already grateful to the club I'm playing for, but imagine that! It wouldn't just be another star in a team full of stars, it would be the best in the world in your team. 

"

The Argentinian has been in typically imperious form in 2015, having accrued 51 goals and 25 assists in 57 appearances for club and country, per ESPN FC.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Per football journalist Rafael Hernandez, Messi equalled yet another impressive record this year and has enjoyed a simply staggering level of success at Barcelona:

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez eloquently gave his take on the 28-year-old back in March:

City are indeed one of the few clubs in world football capable of affording Messi if he should ever leave Barcelona, and there is perhaps more speculation now than ever before, owing to Barca's reported worrying financial situation, per Pete Jenson of the MailOnline.

Coupled with speculation that former Blaugrana boss Pep Guardiola could possibly be taking over at the Etihad Stadium, it's far from unthinkable that City could be Messi's next destination.

However, as expensive as Messi is to have around, Barca would probably sacrifice any of their other top stars—including Luis Suarez or Neymar—in order to keep their greatest player at the club.

Further, unless their financial situation gets dramatically worse, there's little reason for Messi to leave the club at which he is a bona fide legend, worshipped by fans and enjoys a phenomenal working relationship with his team-mates—Suarez and Neymar, in particular.

It wouldn't be a surprise for him to move to City if he left the Camp Nou, but ultimately, he's not likely to leave at all.