“The Disrespect”: Martinez Blasted for Saying He Wants Messi to Join Aston Villa

• Emiliano Martinez has sent Lionel Messi a cheeky invite to Aston Villa and the EPL
• Messi is rumoured to be on the verge of an exit from Parc des Princes this summer
• His future remains uncertain but Barcelona are keen on reuniting with the superstar

Football fans all said the same thing after learning of Emiliano Martinez's apparent intentions of convincing Lionel Messi to join Aston Villa.

Martinez cheekily declared he would attempt to lure Messi to Villa Park, and said he is willing to slash his wages if it means having his international teammate sign up.

Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is running down and as it stands, he will become a free agent when the season comes to a close.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been linked with various moves, including a return to Barcelona, a club he left in 2021 after many successful years.

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The Major League Soccer and the Middle East are also plausible destinations for Messi, but his fellow countryman, Martinez wants to take his chances in trying to convince Messi to join Aston Villa.

The Villans have had an impressive resurgence under Unai Emery since the Spaniard took charge of the club in November 2022, currently sitting seventh on the log with a genuine shot at qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

While speaking to ESPN, Martinez - who was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup glory in 2022 - said, as quoted by GOAL:

"If Leo is whistled, I would bring him to Aston Villa. I will bait him with tea, 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 for Messi if necessary."

Fans claim Martinez disrespected Messi

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Despite his immense love for Messi, Martinez's sentiments did not sit well with football fans, who slammed the goalie for apparently wanting to 'downgrade' his international skipper.

@longlosttwin said:

"Never thought I'd see Emi Martinez disrespecting Messi."

@Mentoinana added:

"Instead of thinking on how you'll upgrade and join Messi in Barcelona next year, you're thinking of dragging Messi down to Aston villa?"

@Bassreflex92506 said:

"Messi to aston villa is the biggest joke ever. Dude would only dare to go to city, and he would score 10 goals per season. He cannot perform outside of barcelona, I believe entire world knows that after two disastrous seasons in psg"

While @epicvibes12 claimed:

"Man think aston villa can pay Messi fee even Barca got broke."

Villa’s ambitious summer transfer moves

Because of their high chances of qualifying for European competition, Villa are reportedly willing to break the bank in expenditure in the summer transfer window.

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The West Midlands club is interested in Real Madrid duo of Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos, two stars who could be available in the summer, as per Football Espana.

Arteta: City midfielder on wishlist

Sports Brief has also reported on Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta’s desire to bring Ilkay Gundogan to the club from new EPL champions, Manchester City.

The 33-year-old German is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June, and is yet to reach an agreement amid reports he will be moving away.

West Ham United's Declan Rice and Chelsea star, Mason Mount are the other candidates Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing to the midfield.