Former Milan and Barcelona director Ariedo Braida would ‘not rule out’ Lionel Messi joining Inter, while giving Napoli advice on how to beat Barca.
Braida spent decades at San Siro, while he was also director of sport and then chief scout at Camp Nou from 2015 to 2019.
Naturally, he was therefore asked about the persistent rumours that Inter are trying to bring Messi to Serie A.
Former Milan and Barcelona director Ariedo Braida would ‘not rule out’ Lionel Messi joining Inter, while giving Napoli advice on how to beat Barca.
Braida spent decades at San Siro, while he was also director of sport and then chief scout at Camp Nou from 2015 to 2019.
Naturally, he was therefore asked about the persistent rumours that Inter are trying to bring Messi to Serie A.
“Considering the way I know Messi, it’s unlikely he will leave Barcelona, as he’s like a King there, loved by the entire city,” Braida told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“I would not rule it out completely, because anything is possible in football. He’s a magical player, because he can invent something out of nowhere at any moment. Someone like him is born once every 30 years.
“Messi is the kind of player like Diego Maradona who makes you fall in love with football. I did try to bring Maradona to Milan, and I think Diego would’ve found us to be the ideal team for him.”
Napoli drew 1-1 with Barcelona and the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 is on Saturday evening.
“I saw Napoli play pretty well lately and they are ready to take on Barcelona. Gennaro Gattuso must prepare the team physically to be in very good shape, but above all tactically, because you need great discipline against Barca.
“They have Messi, so to limit his space, you have to stay tight and move in a synchronised way. It is an advantage for Napoli that this’ll be played behind closed doors.
“Even if Barcelona are missing Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal and Arthur, it’s still a competitive midfield. They could field Riqui Puig, who is like a little Roberto Baggio and has incredible talent.
“Gattuso doesn’t need my advice, just a little pinch of good luck.”