Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has revealed that he held talks with Lionel Messi about the prospect of joining the Italian club after he left Barcelona.
After registering 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 Barcelona appearances, Messi departed the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021 due to the club's poor economic situation.
The Argentine went on to sign a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain, where he has scored 26 goals and provided 29 assists in 58 matches.
However, Zanetti has claimed that he spoke to his compatriot about a possible move to Inter, before Messi eventually signed for PSG.
Speaking to DAZN the Inter vice-president said: "I was surprised when he [Messi] left Barcelona.
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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."
Messi's future is once again the topic of widespread speculation, with his current PSG contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Barcelona, while a move to MLS side Inter Miami has been mooted as a possibility.
There is also said to be interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr - the latter have signed Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer until 2025.
However, PSG sporting director Luis Campos recently revealed that the club are currently in talks with Messi over a new deal.
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"At the moment, we are in discussions with Messi for his extension," Campos told Telefoot. "I would like to keep him in this project, I can't hide it.
"We are talking at the moment to achieve this goal, and continue to have him with us."
Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, where he earned the Golden Ball Award for his match-winning performances.
The forward scored seven goals in Qatar, including a brace in the World Cup final against France, and he also provided three assists at the tournament.
Messi has also been in impressive form for PSG this season, racking up 15 goals and 14 assists in 24 appearances for the French club.
