Real Madrid recalled that in 2001, before Lionel Messi signed his first professional contract with FC Barcelona, the possibility of signing him had been considered. The information comes from Miguel Ángel Portugal, journalist for the *As* newspaper and former player, Castilla coach, scout and technical secretary of the white club, who in a recent interview spoke about the different transfer opportunities that Madrid evaluated over the years.
Portugal explained that, when Messi still did not have a definitive contract with Barça, Real Madrid received news about the possibility of approaching him. According to the former official, the proposal came through a person linked to the player and was held in informal conversations. “They did not want to break relations with Barça, but there was a rapprochement,” he commented, adding that, out of respect, the club would not have made a formal offer. The story suggests that Madrid was open to exploring the option, although it ultimately did not materialize.
The interviewee also recalled other figures that the club had considered at different times. He mentioned Neymar and Coutinho, whom they had always watched with interest, as well as players like Kroos, Modric and Sergio Canales, whom he observed in their stages of development. Portugal emphasized how the evolution of players can change their position on the field, citing examples of playmakers who became forwards.
Regarding Messi's story, Portugal stated that the moment of the possible offer occurred when the Argentine forward had not yet signed his first professional contract with Barça and was about to renew. “There was a moment when they could get their hands on it,” he said, without confirming whether the information was true or not. The story suggests that Madrid was aware of the possibility of signing the young talent, but that, for reasons of respect and relations with Barcelona, the proposal did not materialize.
Portugal's comment adds a curious fact to the history of the rivalry between the two giants of Spanish football. Although Real Madrid never made the offer, the anecdote shows that the possibility of Messi having played for the white club was always present in the institution's plans. The story of the Argentine player, who today is one of Barcelona's greatest idols, continues to be a point of reference for fans who closely follow the movements of the most important clubs in Spain.