Inter star reveals Messi wanted him at Barcelona

Lautaro Martinez says the Argentine icon has spoken to him about a potential move.

Reports around Lautaro Martinez’s potential move to Barcelona were all over the news last year. The Spanish giants were reportedly keen to sign the Inter star, but they were ultimately unable to finalize a deal.

Since then, Messi has joined PSG while Martinez has agreed to a new long-term deal at Inter.

In a new interview, Martinez has revealed Messi’s willingness to lure him away from the Italian side.

“We talked about it a lot in the national team, he asked me what the situation was like between me and Inter, but I always remained calm because we talked to the club to find an agreement to be happy here,” Martinez told Sportmediaset.

“That’s how it went and I’m happy to have stayed, I’m fine in Milan: I like my family.”

Martinez’s new Inter deal runs until 2026. The Argentine was an integral part of Antonio Conte’s Scudetto-winning side last season. He has maintained his great form this season as Inter are again in a tight race for the league title.

Asked about Romelu Lukaku‘s departure from the club, Martinez responded:

“Did he regret Chelsea? I don’t know, he made a personal choice,

“He was happy at Inter, we talked often but if he chose to leave it was obviously because he felt like it. We are the ones who now work to give Inter the best.”

The Nerazzurri sit third in Serie A, only two points below the league leaders Napoli. They will face Jose Mourinho’s Roma in a crucial league match on Saturday.