Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti could persuade Lionel Messi to join the Nerazzurri one day, their former midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has argued.
Inter have long been linked with a potential move for Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.
Messi’s contract with Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the season and Veron has shared what he believes both Zanetti and Inter must do if they wish to stand any chance of bringing the 33-year-old to the club.
“I don’t think he can go to Italy,” Veron explained to Perform Stats News, as quoted by Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it.
“If he will, it is because of Zanetti, who knows him and will try to talk to him, making him feel important again and explain the future projects of the club.
“At the end of the day it is purely Messi’s decision but if Inter want to make an attempt, they have to use seduction and get to his heart to draw him near.
“I don’t know how many more years Messi wants to play at this level, but if you want to sign him, Inter have to make Messi their icon and make it clear that they want to be at the top level with him.”
Messi, who has spent the entirety of his playing career with Barca in La Liga, has made 753 appearances across all competitions to date.
He has scored a sensational 648 goals whilst on the pitch and provided 284 assists for his Blaugrana teammates.
