Paolo Maldini reveals that AC Milan were very interested in signing Lionel Messi but it didn’t pan out
AC Milan made desperate attempts to sign Argentina and Inter Miami hero Lionel Messi, according to Paolo Maldini. The Argentine maestro was unsure about his future in the summer of 2021. Hence, AC Milan’s Sporting Director, Paolo Maldini was really interested in getting the legendary No 10 to come to Italy.
AC Milan were interested in Lionel Messi
Maldini revealed Milan’s ambitious efforts to sign Lionel Messi. This is while he was speaking on the PoretCast podcast. This was reported via Goal as well, as the former player and technical director working tirelessly for 10 days on this pursuit.
The effort to sign the Argentine was most likely made during the key 2021 summer. This is when financial difficulties stopped Barcelona from renewing his contract and the forward chose Paris Saint-Germain.
Paolo Maldini said, ‘We tried to sign Leo Messi. I wanted him, we called for it but after 10 days we understood it was just impossible. It is too late now, but a player like Messi is a spectacle for anyone to witness. When I read that he might even go to Inter, I got scared!’
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Despite failing to sign Lionel Messi, Milan went on to win the Scudetto in 2021-22. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stayed in Paris for two years until joining Inter Miami in early 2023.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is expected to take over 25 per cent of Manchester United, has been linked with a move for Maldini. This is part of a shake-up of the club and Old Trafford’s sporting hierarchy. After leading Argentina to another victory over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Messi will now go on a well-deserved break before returning to work at Inter Miami in February 2024.
