Conte speaks on Inter Milan signing Messi from Barcelona

Inter Milan manager, Antonio Conte, on Saturday night dismissed speculations of a reported move by the Chinese-owned club for Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

“We’re talking fantasy football, a situation that cannot be approached at Inter for many reasons,” Conte told reporters after their 3-0 win over Genoa.

“I don’t think there is a madman in the world who does not want Messi, but he is really far from us and what we want to build.”

Messi, 33, has spent his entire professional career at the Camp Nou.

However, there is uncertainty over his future, with his contract due to expire in 2021.

Messi was furious after Barca lost their LaLiga crown to Real Madrid this season and branded the team “weak and inconsistent”.

Inter CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, also brushed aside talk that Inter wanted Messi to rival Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Leo is not our goal and I don’t think he wants to leave Barcelona,” Marotta said.