Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed Inter were willing to match Lionel Messi’s release clause a few years ago.
Messi, 29, has recently been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona having grown tired of his ongoing tax investigation.
“When I was president [of Barcelona], several clubs wanted to sign Messi, but above all, Inter [wanted him the most],” Laporta told RMC.
“The Nerazzurri were willing to pay the release clause [at the point €100m], but I told them that it was impossible that Messi would move away. I don’t think Lionel will ever leave, he is a part of our heart.”
The four-time World Player of the Year is currently out injured with a knee problem and is the highest rated player across Europe’s top five leagues, according to WhoScored (8.44).
For more stats on Lionel Messi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
