Laporta: Inter tried to sign Messi
13 Nov 2009 - 11:26:18
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Internazionale made an approach to try and tempt Argentinian ace Lionel Messi away from the Camp Nou last summer.
The 22-year-old forward is under contract to Barca until the summer of 2016, with the buyout clause in his deal a massive 250million euros.
However, that did not prevent Inter president Massimo Moratti from making an enquiry to Laporta about a deal.
The Barca chief told the Corriere dello Sport: "Yes he did, but there is nothing to talk about.
"Messi is not for sale, he (Moratti) must forget about it. Did I tell Moratti? Yes. I won't even talk about such a move."
Messi has already helped Barca to three league titles, one Copa del Rey crown and two Champions League successes during his time in Spain.