Lionel Messi never formed part of Inter’s recruitment plans when the Barcelona superstar appeared destined to leave Camp Nou, claims Nerazzurri chairman Steven Zhang.
On the back of a disappointing finish to the 2019-20 campaign, Messi decided to push his way towards the exits. He aired a desire to secure a switch elsewhere, with the Argentine and his representatives claiming an exit clause could be triggered in his contract.
Barca fought against that and a six-time Ballon d’Or winner later revealed in an exclusive interview with Goal that he will be staying put for the 2020-21 campaign – at the end of which his current deal expires.