In his book “Grand Hotel Calciomercato”, the journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, a true market reference, revealed the behind the scenes of what could have become the turn of the century. Indeed, during the summer of 2013, Real Madrid tried to attract FC Barcelona’s flagship striker Lionel Messi (33 years old, 3 games and 1 goal in La Liga this season).
A daring proposal on paper, and immediately rejected by the Argentinian himself. “I will not go to Real, you are wasting your time,” said the six-time Ballon d’Or to the Merengue. A good proof of loyalty, even if still according to Di Marzio, the “Pulga” almost left Spain the following year, when he encountered problems with the tax authorities, to join José Mourinho at Chelsea against a transfer estimated at € 250 million. In London, the Albiceleste would have also benefited from a golden bridge thanks to annual fees set at € 55 million.
But then tempted by a departure, the Catalan number 10 had finally decided to stay in Barcelona, on the advice of his father and agent Jorge Messi.
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