Inter Milan were only half joking about Lionel Messi (L) bid.
INTER Milan are considering bidding for Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, even though the European champions may have to offer a world record €250 million.
Inter president Massimo Moratti joked to a group of school children last weekend that he would sign the mercurial Argentine as a present for them in January.
However, yesterday's Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying: "On Sunday I was joking, but now we'll see."
Inter coach Rafael Benitez was also in a playful mood in a news conference ahead of today's Serie A game at Cagliari.
"If the president wants to do something with Messi, I certainly wouldn't oppose it," the Spaniard said smiling.
He sounded more serious though when asked again.
"If the president wants to take Messi, I would not say no."
Messi, 23, has spent his career at Barca having been picked up by the Catalans as a youngster in Argentina and has been quoted as saying he wants to stay at the Nou Camp for good.
The World Player of the Year has a contract with Barca until 2016 which includes a €250 million buyout clause.
Treble winners Inter did not invest in players in the close season with Moratti saying he would buy in January if needed.
Benitez played down potential moves for Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Kaka, who has also been linked in the media with former club AC Milan.
Inter president Massimo Moratti joked to a group of school children last weekend that he would sign the mercurial Argentine as a present for them in January.
However, yesterday's Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as saying: "On Sunday I was joking, but now we'll see."
Inter coach Rafael Benitez was also in a playful mood in a news conference ahead of today's Serie A game at Cagliari.
"If the president wants to do something with Messi, I certainly wouldn't oppose it," the Spaniard said smiling.
He sounded more serious though when asked again.
"If the president wants to take Messi, I would not say no."
Messi, 23, has spent his career at Barca having been picked up by the Catalans as a youngster in Argentina and has been quoted as saying he wants to stay at the Nou Camp for good.
The World Player of the Year has a contract with Barca until 2016 which includes a €250 million buyout clause.
Treble winners Inter did not invest in players in the close season with Moratti saying he would buy in January if needed.
Benitez played down potential moves for Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Kaka, who has also been linked in the media with former club AC Milan.
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