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Revealed: Messi received offer from Serie A giants after Barcelona exit

Lionel Messi at Argentina
"Lionel Messi World Cup Golden Ball | 140713-9163-jikatu" by jikatu is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Paris Saint-Germain were not alone in the race to sign the Argentine icon.

Javier Zanetti has revealed Inter tried to sign Lionel Messi when he left Barcelona in 2021.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner left Camp Nou after 21 years to start a new chapter in his career. Messi’s status as a free agent convinced a number of clubs to offer him a contract.

Paris Saint-Germain managed to sign Messi on a two-year contract after a short transfer race. But Zanetti reveals Inter also held talks for a possible move.

“I was surprised when he left Barcelona,” Inter’s vice-president told DAZN.

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“Realistically, we cannot compete with PSG or Premier League clubs, but due to our rapport, we spoke when there was a chance.”

Since his transfer to PSG, Messi has won a Ligue 1 title with the Parisians. The former Barcelona star also fulfilled his dream of lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina.

As Messi edges closer to the expiration date of his PSG contract, speculations around his future have intensified. The French giants have confirmed they are in negotiations to keep Messi at Parc des Princes for another year.

However, there’s also concrete interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS. Barcelona are also keen to return Messi, but their financial situation makes a move very unlikely.

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