Maldini reveals he tried to lure Messi to Milan for 'ten days'

AC Milan legend and former team technical director Paolo Maldini said this week that he tried to bring Lionel Messi to the Rossoneri in 2021.

'For 10 days we tried to bring Messi to Milan, but then we realized it was impossible,' Maldini said this week.

'It is too late now, but a player like Messi is a spectacle for anyone to witness,' Maldini added. 'When I read that he might even go to Inter, I got scared!'

Messi's services were up for grabs twice during his career, with Maldini having the chance to sign him in 2021.

Messi made an emotional exit from the Nou Camp when he opted to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain two summers ago.

The Argentine legend only spent a pair of seasons with PSG after spending the previous 21 years affiliated with Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Milan failed in their mission to lure him to Serie A this summer when he opted to sign with Major League Soccer's Inter Miami in July, while Saudi Arabian clubs and Barcelona tried to also attain his services.

The Inter Miami man was targeted by the Saudi league and widely expected to follow old rival Cristiano Ronaldo there this year before ultimately deciding to join David Beckham's Major League Soccer team.

The World Cup winner earns between $50-60million in Miami on a two-year contract with an option for a third season.

His deal is bankrolled in part by adidas and Apple, with Messi getting a cut from shirt sales and Apple television subscriptions to watch MLS.

After signing with Miami, Messi helped the club win the Leagues Cup, the franchise's first-ever trophy.

However, Messi and his team failed to reach the MLS playoffs after a disastrous start to the season.

Maldini was sacked back in June after AC Milan advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.