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League: LaLigaSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Transactions

Real Madrid had chance to sign Lionel Messi in 2001, official reveals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 30, 2026, 1:59 PM

Last updated Oct 30, 2026

Real Madrid had chance to sign Lionel Messi in 2001, official reveals
Summary

Miguel Angel Portugal, a former official at Real Madrid, disclosed that the club had the opportunity to sign Lionel Messi in 2001. At that time, Messi had not yet finalized a professional contract with Barcelona, and someone close to him approached Real Madrid with the offer. Ultimately, Real Madrid chose not to pursue the deal, as they wanted to maintain good relations with their rivals. Portugal mentioned that this decision was made despite there being some initial contact.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Real Madrid was offered Lionel Messi in 2001.
  • •Messi hadn't signed a professional contract with Barcelona.
  • •Portugal highlighted club's desire to respect ties with Barcelona.
  • •Portugal's interview coincides with Real Madrid's match against Racing Santander.
Latest Updates
  • 1:59 PMYahoo Sports — Former Real Madrid official reveals club were offered Lionel Messi in 2001: ‘We didn’t want to sever ties with Barcelona’
What they're saying
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Real Madrid had an opportunity to sign Lionel Messi in 2001, before the Argentine superstar established himself at Barcelona, Miguel Angel Portugal, a former club official, has revealed.Portugal, who ...

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BarcelonaReal MadridAtletico MadridLaLigaSoccer

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