Former Inter Milan president reveals €500m offer for Lionel Messi
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026
Massimo Moratti, former president of Inter Milan, disclosed that in 2012, he made a substantial offer of €500 million to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona. Despite the magnitude of the proposal, Messi reportedly never opened the letter and was not interested in leaving the Catalan club. Moratti's attempts to negotiate directly with Messi were also unsuccessful, as Messi expressed a desire to retire at Barcelona. This revelation underscores Messi's long-standing commitment to Barcelona, despite numerous lucrative offers from other clubs during his career.
- •Moratti made a €500 million offer to Messi in 2012.
- •Messi did not read the proposal and declined the offer.
- •He expressed a desire to retire at Barcelona.
- •Messi remained at Barcelona despite multiple offers.
- •His eventual departure in 2021 was emotionally significant.
- 2:30 PMYahoo Sports — Former Inter Milan president reveals failed €500m attempt to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona
"Barcelona were fortunate to have Lionel Messi at the club for as long as they did, with the Argentine going on to define an era for the Catalan club.However, his loyalty to Barça was not for a lack o...
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