Former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti revealed he once attempted a blockbuster move to sign Lionel Messi, preparing an extraordinary financial package that never reached the player because the formal offer was left unopened. Speaking in an interview with Italian media, the former club chief detailed the ambitious pursuit that defined a legendary era of high-spending Italian football transfers.
Massimo Moratti and the Unopened Messi Offer
During his tenure leading Inter Milan, Massimo Moratti pursued some of the biggest names in world football, culminating in historic signings like Ronaldo Nazário in 1997. According to statements reported by SPORT, the Italian billionaire set his sights on Lionel Messi during the Argentine forward’s rise through the FC Barcelona youth ranks. Moratti admitted he went to extreme lengths to orchestrate the transfer, describing the plan as a sporting gamble that ultimately stalled before negotiations could even begin.
“I made a crazy move for Messi, but he didn’t even open the letter to see the offer,” Moratti recounted in the interview. The proposal, designed to test Barcelona’s resolve during an era when the Catalan club guarded its prized La Masia academy graduate fiercely, never made it past the player’s inner circle or administrative channels. At the time, Messi was establishing himself as the cornerstone of Barcelona’s sporting project in La Liga, making a departure from Camp Nou virtually impossible despite external financial interest from Serie A elites.
The Financial Context of Inter Milan’s Transfer Ambitions
The revelation highlights the audacious financial landscape of European football during the mid-2000s. Under Moratti’s ownership, which lasted from 1995 until 2013, Inter Milan spent heavily to challenge domestic rivals Juventus and AC Milan. The club’s peak financial investment yielded the historic 2010 treble under manager José Mourinho, capturing the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. However, landing Messi would have shattered existing transfer records long before Neymar’s 2017 move to Paris Saint-Germain changed the market permanently.
While Moratti did not disclose the exact monetary figure contained within the unopened envelope, the pursuit reflects a period when wealthy club owners regularly attempted to lure generational talents away from Spain. Barcelona’s strict adherence to Messi’s development, combined with the player’s early commitment to the club that funded his growth treatment, ensured that Italian overtures went unanswered.
What Lies Ahead for Inter Milan
Inter Milan continues its current Serie A campaign under manager Simone Inzaghi, competing at the top of the Italian league table and preparing for upcoming domestic and European fixtures. The club returns to action in its next scheduled league match, looking to maintain momentum in the race for the scudetto.
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