There was no official confirmation or rumour we were in for in last season either.Doesn't seem to be any rumour or indication from the City side that we've been doing any work on signing him this summer. Quite the contrary situation to last.
At a guess, I'd say City have had enough of being used by Messi as a cudgel to whack money/concessions/Managerial changes out of Barca.
Would have loved to have had him any of the the last half-dozen times he was playing these games. But then it is extremely questionable as to how realistic the possibility of him coming here ever was. Even last year, which in retrospect just seems like anti-Bartomeu politicking.
Everyone assumed we were in for him (and probably rightfully so) but there was not one statement from us previously.
I imagine if we have done a deal it will be left to Messi to announce on his own terms