Historic transfer was on the table: "Lionel Messi was offered to Real Madrid"

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Miguel Angel Portugal, a scout who once worked at Real Madrid, revealed that in 2001 Lionel Messi was offered to the club, even before he signed a professional contract with Barcelona. According to Maariv, a figure close to Messi was the one who offered him to Blancos.

According to Maariv, Real Madrid considered the option, but ultimately refrained from it so as not to harm relations with the rival. According to N12 and Sport5, someone who once worked at Blancos revealed what prevented the star from landing at the Santiago Bernabeu.