In July 2000, Lionel Messi began his world career at FC Barcelona. In an interview with the Arabic newspaper ‘Kooora’, Horcio Gagioli, the agent of the now eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, said that arch-enemy Real Madrid wanted to poach the future world star after his first years at Barça: “Real Madrid were interested at the time when Messi was young, between 16 and 17 years old, but Leo never wanted to leave Barcelona.”
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According to Gagioli, Arsenal FC also tried their luck, but the Gunners, then coached by Arsène Wenger, were not well received by Messi either. The Argentinian played 778 competitive matches for the Catalans and won 35 titles, including the Champions League four times and the Spanish league ten times.
Reading tip PSG failed to find Pacho alternative
Messi now plays for the MLS club Inter Miami. And there too, the now 37-year-old is an absolute superstar with twelve goals and nine assists in twelve league matches. Messi’s contract in Miami runs until the end of 2025. It is currently unclear whether he will end his career after that.
