Why Lionel Messi Could Complete A Stunning Move To Inter Milan

Lionel Messi could be in line for a sensational move to Inter Milan - with shirt sponsors Pirelli claiming they'd "help" contribute to a transfer.

Messi's contract with Barcelona is set to run out in 2021 and Pirelli CEO Marco Tronchetti has said the company would "help" - although any decision falls to Inter president Steven Zhang.

"Honestly, at a time like this, we're unable to invest in sports more than we are, between Formula 1, the America's Cup and Inter," Tronchetti explained to an Italian broadcaster per Mirror.

"We have to ask (Inter Milan's) Steven Zhang to make an effort himself. We can help, but we can't do anything significant."

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Messi's longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo swapped La Liga for Serie A in 2018 when he signed for Juventus from Real Madrid.

Juventus and car manufacturer Fiat are owned by the Agnelli family, with rumours suggesting Fiat help pay a portion of Ronaldo's mammoth wages.

It isn't the first time that Inter have shown interest in Messi, with Tronchetti voicing his admiration for the Argentine.

He said back in 2018: "Messi? How can you say 'no' to Messi? If there were the conditions for a deal, the Inter Milan fans would be enthusiastic."

While the thought of Messi and Ronaldo renewing their rival in Italy will excite many, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted the 33-year-old will remain in at the Nou Camp.

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"We are negotiating with many players but Messi has explained to us he wants to stay," Bartomeu told Spanish network Movistar per BBC.

"And so we're going to enjoy him for much longer."

Messi isn't letting the speculation impact his performances on the pitch and Sunday saw him turn on the style against Villarreal.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner set up his first goal in the 20th minute after a dazzling run.

He plucked the ball out of the air from the goal kick then dribbled his way into the attacking third before poking the ball to Suarez who finished with a stunning strike.

Messi then provided a goal for Antoine Griezmann in the 45th minute.

The Barcelona captain went on another lovely run before beautifully laying off the Frenchman who found the back of the net with a ridiculous chip.

Do you think Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona next summer?

Let us know in the comments below.

Topics: Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi, Juventus, La Liga, Inter Milan

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_