Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, is celebrated for his legendary career at FC Barcelona and his current stint at Paris Saint-Germain. However, few are aware of a significant moment in his career when he came close to signing with Manchester United. Unfortunately, this potential transfer was thwarted by none other than his own father. In this article, we delve into the intriguing story of how Lionel Messi almost joined Manchester United and the circumstances that led to the deal’s collapse.
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In the summer of 2010, Lionel Messi was at the peak of his career at Barcelona, having achieved numerous individual and team honors. However, rumors began to swirl that the Argentine maestro was considering a transfer to Manchester United. The English giants, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson at the time, were keen on acquiring Messi’s extraordinary talents.
Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, played a pivotal role in his son’s career decisions. He was deeply involved in managing Lionel’s affairs, including contract negotiations. As the talks with Manchester United progressed, it became apparent that Jorge Messi was hesitant about the move. He was concerned about the adaptation process, the language barrier, and the potential impact on his son’s career and life.
Ultimately, it was Jorge Messi’s reservations that led to the deal’s downfall. He believed that Lionel was flourishing at Barcelona, where he was a beloved figure and had grown into a footballing legend. The prospect of moving to a new country and adapting to a different style of play seemed like a risky endeavor.
Jorge Messi conveyed these concerns to Lionel and the representatives from Manchester United, and it became evident that the move was not going to materialize. Jorge Messi’s influence on his son’s career was immense, and Lionel respected his father’s guidance. The decision was made to remain at Barcelona, where he continued to achieve remarkable success.
Lionel Messi’s decision to stay at Barcelona proved to be a wise one, as he continued to break records and lead the club to numerous titles. It wasn’t until 2021 that he left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain, marking a significant move in his career.
The story of Lionel Messi’s near signing with Manchester United, derailed by his father’s concerns, is a fascinating chapter in his illustrious career. It highlights the important role family plays in the decisions of even the most iconic athletes. While the Manchester United move never happened, Messi’s legacy in the football world remains unmatched, and his journey continues to captivate fans around the globe.
