The key reason Messi could sign for Inter Milan has been revealed

A former teammate believes Inter could be in the running for the Barcelona star’s signature for one key reason.

Juan Sebastian Veron reckons Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti would be key if the club were to make an offer for Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona skipper, who is out of contract in the summer, can begin talks with other clubs regarding a free transfer for next season. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the rumored favorites.

Unlike the other two sides, however, Inter have held a long-term interest. Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently confirmed he turned down lucrative offers from the Serie A giants in the past.

Joan Laporta: "I don't remember Madrid ever making an offer for Messi during my term. The team that wanted him the most was Inter Milan. And I can tell you, most presidents would have taken it. However, I stood still and didn't accept." pic.twitter.com/h0QhfGlXpW

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 12, 2021

But Veron, a former Argentina teammate of Messi’s, reckons their compatriot Zanetti could swing things in Inter’s favor if an offer is to be made.

“I don’t think he can go to Italy. If he will, it is because of Javier Zanetti, who knows him and will try to talk to him, making him feel important again and to explain the future projects of the club,” said Veron as per AS.

Messi and Zanetti are well acquainted, having made 37 appearances alongside each other for the Argentina national team before the latter retired. He later became vice-president of Inter in 2014.

Veron added: “At the end of the day it is purely Messi’s decision.

“But if Inter want to make an attempt, they have to use seduction and get to his heart to draw him near.

“I don’t know how many more years Messi wants to play at this level, but if you want to sign him, Inter have to make Messi their flagship and make clear they want to be at the top level.”