Lionel Messi was linked to a number of clubs in 2021 following the breakdown of negotiations with Barcelona due to financial implications, and Inter were one of those. Nerazzurri vice-president Javier Zanetti has now revealed the background that denied the Milan giants a shot at one of the greatest players of all time.
“When he left Barcelona and there was the possibility (to sign him), I spoke to Messi. I was surprised by his farewell. But realistically Inter couldn’t compete with realities like PSG and the Premier League now. Economically it’s not possible,” said Zanetti. (via Calciomercato)
“We spoke when there was the possibility of him leaving Barcelona & I tried to bring him to Inter.
I was surprised when he left Barca, I never expected it. However, we can’t compete with PSG & EPL clubs. They are on another level economically”
? Zanetti on Messi to Inter ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/3ErRWJVILE
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) February 7, 2023
La Pulga eventually moved in a bargain deal to Paris Saint-Germain – a free transfer none had foreseen. The Parisians now possess football’s highest ever wage bill with the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi in their roster.
Messi earns €41M net per season in the French capital. To put things into perspective, Lautaro Martinez and Marcelo Brozovic are the Nerazzurri’s highest wage spends – at €11M per annum respectively.
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