What is the truth behind Messi's offer to Real Madrid in 2001?

Miguel Ángel Portugal, a former official at Real Madrid, revealed that Argentine star Lionel Messi was offered to the royal club in 2001, before he signed a professional contract and renewed his ties with FC Barcelona.

Portugal, who previously worked as a player and coach for Real Madrid Castilla, as well as a scout and technical secretary for the club, discussed this incident during an interview with Spanish newspaper "AS", coinciding with the upcoming match between Real Madrid and Racing Santander.

A former official highlighted some players that Real Madrid monitored early in their careers, including Neymar, Coutinho, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric. He also spoke about watching Brazilian Robinho when he was a child in the Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores.

But the most notable revelation from Portugal was related to Messi, as he said: "There was a moment when it was possible to move to sign him, as he did not have a professional contract with FC Barcelona yet, and he had not finalized his contract renewal, and one of the people close to him offered the player to Real Madrid."

He added: "I don't know if it's true or not, but the information reached the club, and it indicated that it was possible to move to sign him. There was indeed an opportunity, but we didn't want to ruin our relationship with FC Barcelona, despite a rapprochement on this matter."

Portugal concluded his remarks on the incident by saying: "I believe that out of respect for FC Barcelona, it would not have been carried out."