Both the Argentine superstar and his Barcelona team-mate were Ibrox targets when they were teenagers, according to former boss Alex McLeish
Ex-Rangers manager Alex McCleish has revealed the sensational bid the Scottish giants made for Lionel Messi - based on football game Championship Manager.
Back in 2002, the Gers were faced with the challenge of replacing Barry Ferguson when the midfielder moved to Blackburn Rovers.
And based on glowing virtual testimony, McCleish enquired over the possibility of signing a teenaged Messi from Barcelona.
“My son Jon was into Championship Manager," he explained to The Big Interview.