Messi's Path: The Untold Story of Real Madrid's Offer

Messi's Impact and Real Madrid's Interest

Messi will go down in history as one of the greatest soccer players of all time and as a Barcelona icon. However, despite his stature, the Argentina captain and Inter Miami star could have ended up on the wide side of the Clásico in the jersey of Real Madrid. According to his former agent, Horacio Gagioli, Messi was approached by Real Madrid during his teenage years. “Real Madrid were interested when Messi was young, he was 16 or 17 years old. But Leo never wanted to leave Barcelona,” Gagioli stated.

Messi Sticks to His Roots

Even as teams like Arsenal showed interest in Messi's early career, his commitment to Barcelona remained unwavering. After making his professional debut under Frank Rijkaard just after turning 17, Messi became an undisputed star by age 19, proving his loyalty amidst the allure of rival clubs.

The Growth of a Legend

• Messi peaked under Pep Guardiola, winning his first Ballon d'Or at 22.
• His historic signing with Barcelona at 13 involved a simple napkin contract.
• Messi's departure from Barcelona in August 2021 was marked by financial turmoil.

“He went through very difficult times,” Gagioli commented on Messi's painful exit. Circumstances forced him away from the club where he had soared for over two decades, creating a narrative rich with potential possibilities that never came to fruition.