Paolo Maldini reveals he tried to lure Lionel Messi to AC Milan for ‘ten days’ before the Italian side ‘realized it was impossible’ with the Argentine ultimately heading to Inter Miami
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AC Milan legend and former team technical director Paolo Maldini said this week that he was trying to bring Lionel Messi to the Rossoneri in 2021.
“For ten days we tried to bring Messi to Milan, but then we realized it was impossible,” Maldini said this week.
“It’s too late now, but a player like Messi is a spectacle for everyone to witness,” Maldini added. ‘When I read that he might go to Inter, I got scared!’
Messi’s services have been up for grabs twice during his career, with Maldini being given the opportunity to sign him in 2021.
Messi made an emotional exit from the Nou Camp when he opted to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain two summers ago.
AC Nilan tried to sign Lionel Messi for ‘ten days’, former manager Paolo Maldini has claimed
Maldini only played for AC Milan and the Italian national team during a 25-year career
The Argentina legend spent just a few seasons at PSG after spending the previous 21 years at Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Milan failed to lure him to Serie A this summer as he opted to sign for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in July, while Saudi Arabian clubs and Barcelona also attempted to secure his services.
The Inter Miami man was targeted for the Saudi league and was widely expected to follow old rival Cristiano Ronaldo there this year before ultimately deciding to join David Beckham’s Major League Soccer team.
The World Cup winner will earn between $50 and 60 million in Miami on a two-year contract with an option for a third season.
His deal is partly funded by Adidas and Apple, with Messi getting a cut of shirt sales and Apple television subscriptions to watch MLS.
The World Cup winner signed for David Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami, this summer
After signing with Miami, Messi helped the club win the Leagues Cup, the franchise’s first-ever trophy.
However, Messi and his team failed to reach the MLS play-offs after a disastrous start to the season.
Maldini was sacked in June after AC Milan qualified for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
After twelve games this season, AC Milan are in third place in Serie A, eight points behind leaders and crosstown rivals Inter Milan.
