The 33-year-old thought he could activate the release clause in his contract in order to leave the club on a free transfer, but the Blaugrana successfully blocked his departure with the help of La Liga.
Messi shocked the football world when he handed in a formal transfer request at Barca following their 8-2 humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League quarter-finals.
Zabaleta would like to see his fellow countryman make his way to Manchester should his struggles at Barca continue, but insists he does not know for sure what the next chapter of his old team-mate's career will hold.
The former Argentina international would like to see his fellow countryman join Pep Guardiola's ranks in the Premier League
Pablo Zabaleta has revealed he hopes Lionel Messi joins Manchester City if he leaves Camp Nou, and that seeing the Barcelona star arrive at the Etihad Stadium would make him "very happy".
He eventually announced his decision to see out the final year of his deal in Catalunya during an exclusive interview with Goal, but also confessed that he no longer feels Barca are capable of competing at the very highest level.
However, the Dutchman has been unable to inspire the diminutive forward so far, and questions are being asked of his output in the final third, with five of six goals this term coming from the penalty spot.
"He must just be thinking about what is best for the future and getting the club back on track to win trophies. I don't know the plans for City and Messi's idea.
Zabaleta added on the importance of Messi rediscovering his enthusiasm for the game after a turbulent period at Camp Nou: "There was always a link between Barcelona and Leo that we never imagined could be stretched to this point.
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