Paolo Guerrero almost missed the World Cup due to the sanction received from the CAS and many were talking about the end of his career being near. However, the 'Depredador' not only played in Russia 2018 with the Peruvian national team, but also sounded at the time as a possible reinforcement of an important Spanish club.

The Don Balón magazine from Spain assured before Russia 2018 that the attacker of the 'Bicolor' would be the next reinforcement of Sevilla FC, which at that time was looking for a striker that would guarantee an important goal scoring record.

The Spanish publication also detailed that Lionel Messi would have recommended his signing. The star of FC Barcelona would have spoken wonders of the Peruvian national team's forward to his teammate in the 'Albiceleste and player of Sevilla FC, Éver Banega.

"The Barca's crack recommended his signing to Banega, who warned Messi that he would have signed him for the blue and garnet team, however, the difference in his game with that of the Catalan team caused the blue and garnets to never want to meet the demand of their star," said Don Balón.

In addition, they stated that Lionel Messi wanted to have him at Barcelona. "However, the difference in his game with that of the Catalonian team caused the blue and garnets to never want to meet the demand of their star," they explain.