Emiliano Martinez has genius plan to bring Lionel Messi to Aston Villa that involves 'cutting his salary'

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says the club will do "everything possible" to bring Lionel Messi to Villa Park during a recent tongue in cheek interview.

Messi, who played a crucial part in Argentina's historic World Cup triumph in Qatar last year alongside goalkeeper Martinez, is currently assessing his options ahead of the summer transfer window.

It appears he will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season, with a number of clubs reportedly interested, including Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.

In fact, it was reported earlier this month that Messi's move to Saudi Arabia, believed to be worth a staggering £522 million, is a 'done deal' after months of speculation.

Messi, however, remains a PSG player for the time being, although international teammate Emiliano Martinez is trying his best to persuade the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to join the ranks at Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has even concocted a plan that involves mouth-watering asados, traditional barbecues and little flags.

“If they are whistling Messi, I would bring him here to Villa,” he told ESPN.

“Hey, man, we’ll drink, we will eat an asado every week. I will make roasts for him every weekend. I ask people to make little flags for him and he has a good time. I will cut my salary, we do everything possible.”

Will beef steaks and sausages cooked in the traditional Argentine way lure Messi to Birmingham this summer? Probably not, but you can't fault Martinez for his efforts.

"SI LO SILBAN, YO LO TRAERÍA AL VILLA..." Dibu Martínez bromeó sobre TODO lo que haría para que Leo Messi juegue en los Villanos la #PREMIERxESPN. pic.twitter.com/iGi8ENwHrE

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) May 23, 2023

Martinez recently suggested he is trying to bring his Argentinian friends to Villa Park.

Speaking to Ian Wright about his time with the Premier League side, he said: "It’s massive, the club. I’m proud to play for Aston Villa, I’m really proud. I love it here, I’m trying to bring my Argentinian friends to Villa! I just feel at home."

To be fair, Messi is a huge fan of Martinez. Back in 2021 he called the former Arsenal shot-stopper "one of the best in the world" after impressing against Uruguay.

"Dibu [Emiliano] Martinez is fundamental." Messi said, speaking to TNT Sports. "When they come to him, he always responds. He established himself in goal and we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world."

READ MORE:

• Footage shows the role Emiliano Martinez played in Lionel Messi's record setting free-kick vs Panama

Thoughts on Martinez's latest interview? Well, you've got to give him props for trying.