Messi, the world's greatest footballer, called off the biggest transfer stampede in history before they could even fire the starting gun just 24 hours after Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League semi-finals.
But if England's most gilded clubs, notably Manchester City, were hoping Barcelona's exit from Europe would give the Argentine genius twitchy feet, Messi had a blunt message for the Prem's vultures last night.
Asked whether he could envisage playing in England, he said: "I don't even think about that. Barcelona is my life, they have brought me to where I am today. and I could not leave.
"I admire the strength of the players, it is very English - they play to the end, with a lot of spirit and determination, and the fans are very good and fair.
"But for me, I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always. They are a great club - I love the club, the people, everything."
Messi's four-goal supershow destroyed Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and reinforced his status as the No.1 target on every big spending sheikh and oligarch's wish-lists.
He added: "One of the Arsenal players came up to me afterwards and said it had been an honour to be on the same pitch as me. I thought, 'My God, that is a great thing to say when you team has just lost.'
"I will always remember that. English clubs are physical and tough, and they play strong for the whole game. But afterwards they shake hands and they are fair."