Inter Milan's failed attempt to sign Lionel Messi revealed

Former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti disclosed that the Italian club tried to sign Lionel Messi while the Argentine was still a youngster at Barcelona's La Masia. The effort did not materialise, and Messi remained with Barcelona. Moratti said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli that he acted on his dream to bring Messi to Inter and pursued direct contact after watching him in the lower categories. He expressed that he was totally impressed by the young player. Moratti highlighted Barcelona's medical support for Messi as a factor that kept the Argentine at the Catalan club. He noted that Inter's interest prompted Barcelona to promote Messi to the first team, accelerating his rise. Messi debuted for Barcelona under coach Frank Rijkaard in 2004 and stayed until his departure in 2021. Moratti believes his club's attempt ultimately pushed Messi closer to Barcelona and contributed to his stardom.