Inter Held Transfer Talks With Messi

Javier Zanetti has admitted that Inter held transfer talks with Lionel Messi once it became clear that the Argentine icon would be leaving Barcelona.

An unexpected opportunity for leading sides across Europe to acquire the all-time great presented itself in the summer of 2021, with financial struggles at Camp Nou meaning that Barca were unable to tie the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to a new contract. Various options were presented to Messi at that time, with Inter making one play for his much sought-after signature, but were unable to compete with the spending power of Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League suitors.

Inter vice-president Zanetti has told DAZN of approaching his fellow countryman: “I was surprised when he [Messi] left Barcelona. Realistically, we cannot compete with PSG or Premier League clubs, but due to our rapport, we spoke when there was a chance.”

Messi has been linked with Inter at various stages over the course of his career, but the Milan-based outfit have never been able to put a deal in place.