![\"\"](\"https:\/\/icrowdnewswire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/4222-logo.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"messi-cropped\"](\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2020\/07\/ed0e6-15959709652744-800.jpg\")
<\/div>Inter could not afford Lionel Messi and any suggestion of them signing the Barcelona superstar is “utopian”, according to chief executive Giuseppe Marotta.<\/p>\n
There was a stir in Milan and beyond on Tuesday when a picture of Messi projected onto the city’s cathedral circulated on social media.<\/p>\n
Italian media said Inter’s majority owners, Suning, used the image to publicise the televising of Inter’s game against Napoli in China.<\/p>\n
It is not the first time there has been speculation Inter could be interested in Messi.<\/p>\n
However, Marotta, who is hopeful Alexis Sanchez could stay with the club next season, cannot see how Inter could make any deal for Argentinian superstar Messi happen.<\/p>\n
Marotta told Sky Sport Italia: “Messi on the cathedral? It wasn’t my idea. It reminds me of football from the past with such situations. We are talking about an icon, a great player, a desire that everyone has.”<\/p>\n
He stressed it would be “extraordinary to see such a champion at Inter”, adding: “It’s fantasy football, a utopian situation.”<\/p>\n
Marotta added: “Our football [in Italy] needs a lift. Champions raise the value of the Italian brand and football. If we could consider ours to be a championship in which the great champions come and stay, it would be better.<\/p>\n
“No Italian team is capable of carrying out such an operation unless extraordinary factors arise related to the shareholders, and therefore the actual owners.<\/p>\n
“Let’s not forget that we must respect FFP [Financial Fair Play]. This year, COVID has ensured that there is some flexibility, but afterwards the rules will have to be respected.<\/p>\n
“Suning has already injected many millions into the company. Today investments have to give continuity and be done with a project.”<\/p>\n
Marotta said Inter must look to “raise the bar” next season, in Antonio Conte’s second campaign as head coach.<\/p>\n
Whether Sanchez remains at the club remains to be seen, given the on-loan Chilean forward has two years remaining on a lucrative Manchester United contract.<\/p>\n
“It is not easy,” Marotta said, pointing to Sanchez’s United’s terms.<\/p>\n
The intention is nevertheless there on Inter’s part to push for an extension to Sanchez’s stay, with Marotta saying: “We would like to have him with us today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Tags:<\/b> Omnisport<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/a>, Wire<\/a>, United States<\/a>, English<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nContact Information:<\/h3>\n
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi Inter could not afford Lionel Messi and any suggestion of them signing the Barcelona superstar is “utopian”, according to chief executive Giuseppe Marotta. There was a stir in Milan and beyond on Tuesday when a picture of Messi projected onto the city’s cathedral circulated on social media. Italian media said Inter’s majority … Continue reading Messi deal is ‘utopian’ fantasy, says Inter CEO<\/span><\/a> Continue Reading