"There were many, especially in the early stages. We were very successful back then, at EURO 2016 and then winning the Confederations Cup the following year. The period after that was...actually worse than mediocre."
Messi is considering a short-term loan to get him in peak condition for next summer's World Cup. His current contract expires at the end of this year.
The match in 1990 remains a pivotal moment for Irish football history, remembered not just for the defeat, but also for the controversy surrounding the officiating.
Two contrasting views have emerged following England's win against France, with John Mitchell praising the nervy victory as good preparation for the World Cup, while Brian Moore questions its adequacy.