Moratti reveals details of Inter's failure to sign Messi

Massimo Moratti, the former president of Inter Milan, has revealed details of his attempt to sign Argentine legend Lionel Messi during his early days at Barcelona, confirming that he realized early on that the player possessed exceptional talent that would make him one of the standout stars of football in the future.

Moratti said: "I saw Messi play in a U17 tournament when no one was talking about him as a global star. I immediately realized he was a special player, not only because of his technical quality but also because of his hunger and great desire to win."

The former president of Inter added: "Messi was truly frightening at that time, and I remember discussing him in several Italian newspapers. I wanted to sign him, and I indeed asked some people to get in touch with him several times, but without doing anything shady or unethical."

Moratti explained the reason for the deal not being completed, saying: "I knew that Barcelona, the club that helped him grow, was preparing to offer him a contract, and I did not want to intervene or get into a conflict with the Catalan club. What happened next has become part of history, as Barcelona held on to Messi strongly."

Moratti concluded his remarks by revealing a special gesture from the Argentine star, saying: "I must point out that Messi thanked me in a way for my interest in him, as he sent me his shirt as a sign of affection and appreciation, and it has indeed arrived."