We already know he played a part in Sergio Aguero signing for Barca, and now fellow Argentinian Cristian Romero has revealed Messi was into him to sign whilst he was considering his future at Atalanta.
This news is more evidence to show how much Messi was set on staying at the club. Romero eventually joined Spurs but the 23-year-old defender revealed in an interview with Radio AM 550 that he was left upset to see his international teammate depart to PSG.
"I’m a bit sad about how Leo left Barcelona, I thought he would have stayed there forever. I wish him all the best, he’s a great person and hopefully he can win everything alongside the other Argentinians there.”
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Reports have claimed that although Barcelona courted Romero, manager Ronald Koeman wasn't sure after already signing Eric Garcia from Manchester City. Regardless, Romero was taken back by Messi's admiration for him.
“The fact that Messi would want me in his team, and that he wanted me to come to Barcelona is amazing." He said: "The team that PSG have built is crazy."
It could have been a difficult situation, as widely reported for Aguero, if Romero had signed for Barcelona and had to watch Messi depart. He possibly finds himself in a similar position at Spurs, although he's probably not good mates with Harry Kane, the oppertunity to play alongside the England captain could have been part of the reason he chose Tottenham as his new destination.
Romero has signed a 3-year-deal for Nuno Espirito Santo's side who have started the season with two victories. He started the season opener against Manchester City however picked up a knock, missing the away victory at Wolves on Sunday.
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Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Atalanta