How Man City vs Liverpool became football's hottest rivalry

Why can't all-conquering Chelsea fill Stamford Bridge? 

Southgate on his way out! England change inevitable

The Saudi Pro League's top January transfer targets

England's Euros squad rankings: Who'll make it on the plane?

'Hero' Lehmann goes viral for interaction with disabled fan

Messi vs Ronaldo set to face off in 'The Last Dance'!

Mbappe can't be the hero every time for France!

Revealed: The 8 clubs that voted against blocking Saudi loans

Good news for Messi! Miami to host 2024 Copa America final

Wasteful Raphinha sums up sorry Brazil in Argentina loss

Messi to lose his mentor?! Scaloni drops shock resignation hint

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>AC Milan gave their all to sign Messi</li><li>Maldini was key to the operation</li><li>Realised it was "impossible" dream</li></ul>

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.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"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!"

WHAT MALDNI SAID ABOUT SIGNING MESSI

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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/lionel-messi-pictured-signing-his-inter-miami-contract-david-beckham/blted6ecc12a3e5c9eb" target="_blank">signing for Inter Miami earlier in 2023.</a>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-admits-injury-2026-world-cup-qualifier-brazil-argentina-captain-accuses-police-beating-people-pre-match/blte87c5a9e5291dc3d#cs124e9e182135398c" target="_blank">Argentina to another victory over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers</a>, Messi will now head for a well-deserved rest before returning to action with Inter Miami in February 2024.

WHAT NEXT FOR MALDINI & MESSI?

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

Paolo Maldini has revealed that AC Milan made desperate attempts to sign Argentina and Inter Miami hero Lionel Messi.

Editors' Picks