Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is ignoring stories that the club could attempt to sign Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old scored a hat-trick against Sevilla last weekend to become the all-time leading goalscorer in La Liga history.
But Pellegrini said: "The rumours are only rumours.
"What he did was exceptional and there are few players that can reach his level. The record he has got reflects how important he is for Barcelona."
Messi's international team-mate Martin Demichelis, the City defender, also downplayed reports linking the club with the Barcelona forward.
"I am happy for his record. For me it is not a surprise any more, what he is doing.
"I don't think I should give an opinion about the rumours before such an important game."
