Former Inter forward Diego Milito discussed the rumours linking the Nerazzurri with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and the current position of Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez in an interview with Argentinian radio station Radio Continental yesterday afternoon local time.

First, he talked about Inter’s links with Messi and how he was optimistic.

“Why not? Dreaming doesn’t cost anything. If Inter puts it into his head and his purchase falls within the parameters of Financial Fair Play, which in Europe are very strict, I think they might even be able to sign him.

“Inter can easily convince Messi, I would like it very much if that happened and it could happen even if he is very close to Barcelona, the matter becomes personal, you have to understand what he wants to do. I am still in contact with Inter, specifically with Javier Zanetti.”

The 41-year-old Argentine, who is currently the sporting director of Racing Club, then spoke about former Racing forward Lautaro Martinez, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.

“I watch him in every Inter game. I see that he’s very calm, he is a guy who is growing, he has to keep improving in some things but he is a fantastic player.

“He has had two good seasons in Italy and has adapted quickly and in the best way to very difficult football and a club with very big ambitions.

“That’s why Barcelona and other clubs have taken an interest in him, but Lautaro must remain calm and continue to do what he is doing with his professionalism. Then we’ll see what happens, hoping that it’s the best for him.”

The 22-year-old Lautaro, who is contracted to the Nerazzurri until 2023, has made 44 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 3231 minutes.

In that time, he has scored 19 goals and provided six assists. He impressed at the start of the season, but his form began to tail off after the winter break, with some suggesting that Barcelona’s interest had distracted him.

He scored a wonderful goal against Napoli earlier this week and will be looking for another strong performance against Atalanta this evening.