Messi is a pipe dream at this point. I know things can change in a few days, but he made direct contact with Poch, has Neymar there, and is reported to have been in contact with PSG in the last few days by really reliable sources (as well as City sources saying that City are not interested in pursuing him). It's either Kane or bust at this point the way I see it. And as far as his statement on missing training, I see it as just damage control for the sake of reputation. I don't see it as indicating whether or not the transfer is more or less likely. I might be wrong, but that's how I interpreted it