Barcelona star Lionel Messi has previously claimed he would like to play for Inter Milan one day, according to his compatriot and former Nerazzurri man Juan Sebastian Veron.

The playmaker, who also enjoyed spells with Sampdoria, Lazio, Chelsea and Manchester United, revealed he spoke to Messi about a possible move a while ago, insisting the Blaugrana star was keen on the idea. However, Veron also admitted it’s likely the transfer will never happen.

“It’s been a few years, but one time he (Messi) told me he would like to play for Inter,” he told Tuttosport (h/t David Manuca of Goal). “But let me be clear, this was something that happened in the past. Massimo Moratti was still the owner of Inter and, frankly, I see it impossible for Leo to leave Barcelona.”

Inter have suffered something of a fall from grace in recent seasons, having failed to challenge at the summit of European football since their Champions League triumph in 2010.

However, under the shrewd tutelage of Roberto Mancini, they’re top of Serie A at Christmas this season and will be tough to topple in the race for the title.

As commentator Adam Summerton noted here, the omens look good for the Milan giants, who were last crowned champions in 2010:

Even if they were to reassert their spot among European football’s elite, Inter would find it tough to prise Messi away from Barcelona. The forward remains the most influential attacker in world football and for the Blaugrana, selling him would represent a huge gamble.

Indeed, as this remarkable statistic from the Champions League Twitter feed illustrates, Messi is still the most important player at the Camp Nou:

One day Messi may seek to explore his horizons and sample football in another country. But for the time being, he’ll want to continue playing alongside the best players in the world and challenging for the biggest honours in the sport. Barcelona is currently the best place for him to do so.

 

Barcelona’s January Approach Discussed

According to Luis F. Rojo and Ramiro Aldunate of Marca, Barcelona will not be spending big money in the January transfer window to improve their squad, meaning the club may have to tap into the loan market if they are to add to their ranks.

As noted in the piece, the Blaugrana are said to be targeting a central midfielder and a forward player. However, they are unlikely to move for Celta Vigo winger Nolito, who has an €18 million (£13.2 million) release clause in his contract at the moment.

Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal can both join the group in the new year and that’ll help relieve the pressure on a Barcelona squad that has been pushed to breaking point at times this year.

However, the Blaugrana will still be a little light, especially in midfield, with Rafinha out for the rest of the season.

In terms of attacking players, as good as Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are, there’s little in reserve should any of the trio be unavailable.

Barcelona will have to be savvy in the January window by the sounds of it, but if they can get in a capable forward to deputise for their stellar trident, they’ll be in a fine position to defend the three trophies they won last season.

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