AC Milan wanted to sign Lionel Messi after Barcelona exit in 2021, confirms ex-director | OneFootball

Lionel Messi’s departure from FC Barcelona in 2021 was one of the biggest shocking moments in the history of football.

The Argentine icon, who won his eighth Ballon d’Or earlier this year, had etched his name in folklore during his time in Catalonia and was expected to spend his entire career at the club.

But financial issues plaguing Barcelona meant that they were unable to renew his contract in 2021, as a result of which he ended up signing for PSG on a free transfer.

AC Milan wanted Messi in 2021

Now, former AC Milan technical director and football legend Paolo Maldini has come out and revealed that the Rossoneri wanted to sign Leo Messi when he left Barcelona in 2021.

Maldini, who served as Milan’s director between 2019 and 2023, before being relieved of his duties this past summer, claimed that the Serie A heavyweights were very keen on the possibility of bringing Messi to San Siro.

“It was worth it, but it all remained an idea,” Maldini said in an interview with La Repubblica (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“After Barça he was free and considering the economic boost it was worth it, especially using the ‘Crescita Decree’,” said Maldini, alluding to the relaxed tax laws in Italy for newly-signed players since 2019.

Paolo Maldini wanted Messi at Milan. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

However, by the time Milan decided to make a move, PSG were close to signing him, forcing the Rossoneri to back out, revealed the former defender.

“Leonardo (de Araujo) – then sporting director – explained to us that PSG were already ahead in the race, so it all remained an idea,” he added.

Messi joined PSG and spent two years in France before leaving the club during the summer earlier this year.

A return to Barcelona was explored but did not materialise, with the Argentine World Cup winner ending up at Inter Miami in the MLS.

But a tribute match for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is already in the works for when Barcelona return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.