Lionel Messi in English Premier League? Andy Murray is all for it!

Lionel Messi may be synonymous with FC Barcelona in world football, but it looks like their two-decade-long association could come to an end after the club confirmed on Tuesday that its superstar captain wants to part ways.

As expected, the rumour mills have been rife ever since the news broke out, with fans and experts alike speculating over where Messi might move. Many feel the Premier League is the Argentine's next best place.

And two-time Olympic champion Andy Murray is certainly ready to see his fellow Olympic gold-medallist grace English football.

“I’d like to see him play in England to be honest. I don’t really care who he plays for,” Murray, an Arsenal fan, said on the sidelines of the Cincinnati Masters. “I’m not thinking he will be joining Arsenal though,” chuckled Murray.

“I have watched him live when I lived in Barcelona. Of course, he was much younger then. But it would be great for the Premier League and maybe I can watch him live in a few more games here.”

Messi leaving Barca for Manchester City?

Several reports have linked Messi to four-time Premier League champions Manchester City.

Manchester City are currently managed by former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who truly unleashed Messi’s potential. Moreover, Barcelona’s former Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, now serves in the same role in the blue half of Manchester.

“If he does move, I think Manchester City would be the perfect place for him,” former Indian football team captain Renedy Singh told the Olympic Channel.

“Guardiola knows him very well and he will build the team around Messi just like he did at Barcelona with players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.”

Adapting to the pace and physicality of a foreign league may take some time and the Premier League is considered one of the most physical leagues, certainly more so than La Liga. Does that mean Messi may be less effective in England than Spain?

“Messi is the best footballer the world has ever seen and he has all the right techniques to succeed anywhere, let alone English football,” Renedy gushed.

“Look at David Silva and Sergio Aguero. Everyone had the same doubts about them when they moved to England, but they have been excellent for a decade now. So, I think Messi can fit in seamlessly.”

Can Messi do it on a cold, wet night at Stoke?

It is a question oft-asked by English football fans. It is a popular reference, in jest of course, to facing a tough opponent on a bleak, mid-winter evening.

Andy Murray though has no doubts the Argentine superstar would be more than equal to the elements.

“Can Messi do it on a cold Wednesday at Stoke? Of course he would, he is the best player in the world!” hailed Murray. “I’d like Messi to show a few people that he indeed can do it.”

Renedy Singh echoed those sentiments.

“I think Messi will excel against the teams in the top-half because he can easily go with the fast-paced game they play,” Renedy felt.

“And against teams like Stoke, who mostly play long balls, I’m sure he can figure out a way to succeed. That’s just what Messi is all about.”