Manchester City wanted to sign Lionel Messi this summer

City would have gone as far as paying Messi's buy out clause from Barcelona of £200million.
With the addition of crowd funding with sponsors the deal had been a matter of negotiation for months with City's hierarchy and several agents.
But Messi recently signed a new contract with Barca worth £16.3million a year.
City could afford the money given their oil rich Arab owners and other partners.
But the Argentine, who is the central figure of the World Cup final, is satisfied with how he has been looked after by Barca.
Even given the massive amount Messi has been paid he showed a sense of loyalty.
City were willing to outbid Barca, but the impact of FIFA's Financial Fair Play regulations de-railed their bid.

Source:DailyMail