Lautaro Martinez admits Leo Messi wanted him to join Barcelona, but he’s happy to have stayed at Inter.
The Argentinean striker has recently signed a contract extension with Inter until 2026.
Back in 2020, Barcelona were keen to sign the striker, but they never managed to reach an agreement with Inter.
“It’s true, Messi wanted me at Barcelona. We’ve spoken many times while on international duty with Argentina,” Lautaro told SportMediaset.
“He was talking to me about the situation at the club, but I’ve always remained calm and I’ve always spoken to Inter to find an agreement [over a new contract] because I am happy here. I am delighted to have stayed. My family and I are happy here.”
However, Lautaro saw his former attacking partner Romelu Lukaku leave the club in the summer, returning to Chelsea for €115m.
“It was a personal choice,” explained Lautaro.
“He was happy here, but he decided to leave because that’s what he felt.
“I’ve become a father and I improved on and off the pitch,” Lautaro added in another interview with Sky Sport Italia.
“Sometimes I get angry very quickly and that’s something I must improve.
“Inzaghi is helping me. We spoke on the phone when I was playing in the Copa America over the summer. I always try to learn from my coaches because they have experience and want the best for us.
“Now we are preparing the games against Roma and Real Madrid. Roma have a top coach who likes to play well. The atmosphere will be buzzing and the following game against Real Madrid will be important for our growth.”
Lautaro, 24, joined Inter in a €25m deal from Racing Club in the summer of 2018.
He has scored 57 goals in 151 appearances with the Serie A giants, winning his first Serie A title last season.
He was also linked with a move away from Inter in the summer, but his recent contract extension means neither he nor the club are planning to part ways in the near future.
Lautaro: "Messi mi voleva al Barcellona. Ma ho fatto bene a restare qui" https://t.co/u6SMv5vmBa #Fantacalcio #FantacalcioSerieATIM pic.twitter.com/GwCiIkUPKU
— Fantacalcio (@Fantacalcio) December 2, 2021