Could Lionel Messi have played for AC Milan? Rossoneri legend Paolo Maldini sheds light on desperate attempts to sign Argentina and Inter Miami superstar

While speaking in the PoretCast podcast, Maldini disclosed Milan's ambitious efforts to sign Messi, with the former player and technical director working intensely for 10 days on this pursuit. The attempt to secure the Argentine's signature was likely during the crucial 2021 summer when financial challenges prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract and the forward opted for Paris Saint-Germain.

"We tried to sign Leo Messi. I wanted him, we called for it but after 10 days we understood it was just impossible," Maldini said. "It is too late now, but a player like Messi is a spectacle for anyone to witness. When I read that he might even go to Inter, I got scared!"

In the 2021-22 season, Milan went on to win the Scudetto despite failing to sign Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner spent two years in Paris before signing for Inter Miami earlier in 2023.

Maldini has been linked with a move to Manchester United as part of a restructuring of the club's sporting hierarchy at Old Trafford by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to take over 25 percent of the club.

Meanwhile, after guiding Argentina to another victory over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Messi will now head for a well-deserved rest before returning to action with Inter Miami in February 2024.