Fans Convinced Lionel Messi Deal Is Happening After Sergio Aguero Removes '10' From Instagram Handle

Manchester City fans are convinced Lionel Messi is on his way after Sergio Aguero removed the number '10' from his Instagram handle.

The former Atletico Madrid striker was previously '@KunAguero10' on the social media site but has dropped the two digits - with plenty of supporters seeing a link between the change and the club's pursuit of his compatriot and Argentina teammate.

It's likely purely coincidental but City fans won't let it halt their excitement and who can blame them?

A 23-year old Aguero took the No.16 shirt upon his arrival at City in 2011 but switched to the No.10 in 2015 following the departure of Edin Dzeko to AS Roma.

Messi is highly synonymous with the iconic shirt number, having inherited it from Ronaldinho and wore it with distinction at Barcelona.

Given their long-time friendship that stretches back to their days in the Argentina youth sides, you'd assume Aguero wouldn't be too opposed to letting Messi have the number if City can thrash out the biggest deal in football history.

In another interesting bit of Instagram activity, Pep Guardiola's assistant, Manuel Estiarte shared a picture of a young Messi smiling with an elderly woman that appears to be a relative of his.

Estiarte, a huge Barcelona fan, posted it with the caption: "Sentiment" before it was then quickly deleted from his feed on Wednesday.

City have been instilled as red-hot favourites for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner after he told Barcelona he wishes to leave - referring to the clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free at the end of every season.

Barca, who broke their silence on the situation yesterday, have pointed out that the clause expired on June 10 and his release clause is set at €700 million .

But Messi's representatives argue that it ought to have been extended to August due to the season being lengthened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Hirst from The Times is reporting that City have been working for over a week on the mega transfer and the club believe they have the capacity to pull off the deal even with a transfer fee involved.

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Topics: Manchester City, Football News, FC Barcelona, Sergio Aguero, Football, Lionel Messi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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