The idea of Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona to join Inter is now taking shape according to a report in today’s print edition of Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Messi’s father Jorge is set to move to Milan and his house will be very close to Inter headquarters and Messi joining Inter is not impossible, even if it will be very difficult for the Nerazzurri to pull off a deal.

Signing Messi would be a real signal of intent from Inter president Steven Zhang who hopes to take Inter back to the top. Messi currently earns €50 million net a year combined from his salary, prize money and signing bonuses, some €19 million more than Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo.

Suning have shown with their transfer market spending, especially last Summer, that they have money and could also pull off a move to sign the multi-time world player of the year.

The importance of Italy’s tax laws cannot be underestimated either. Moreover, the Italian rules grant a deductible of just 100 thousand euros for earnings (sponsors, etc.) accrued abroad and for Messi, this portion of his earnings can reach €50 million, already guaranteed by Barcelona every year right now.