INTER MILAN have “everything it takes” to seal a shock swoop for Lionel Messi according to the club’s former President.
The Argentina playmaker has been a long-term target for the Italian giants with their former chief an admirer of the La Liga icon.
Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp.
And gossip concerning the 33-year-old’s future has refused to die down following his scathing assessment of Barca’s league performances this term.
The former LaLiga champions lost their crown to bitter rivals Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane’s team capturing their first title in three years.
Inter, under Moratti’s stewardship, had tried and failed to capture the Barca skipper’s signature on a handful of occasions.
But the 75-year-old reckons the Nerazzuri’s new owners are in a perfect position to seal a deal for six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Moratti told Quotidiano Sportivo: “I am just a simple fan of Inter now, so I don’t have any inside information.
“Having said that, I do know this: Suning have everything it takes to bring Messi to Milan, in terms of both resources and competence.”
One Inter signing Moratti admits he was wrong to underestimate was the £76.5million signing of former Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian international, whose United performances came in criticism from pundits in the past, has been in fine form for the Serie A giants in his debut season.
Lukaku, 27, has netted 31 goals across all competitions this term.
On the Belgium player’s performances Moratti added: “I got it wrong on Lukaku.
“In all honesty, I thought he was just physically strong and feared we would regret losing Icardi. Instead, Romelu is a champion, always helps his team-mates and has good vision.
“Antonio Conte was right to demand his signing and then did so well to improve him.”
On Monday Inter, who are rumoured to have agreed terms with Chelsea outcast Emerson, are due to face Shaktar Donesk in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
And the Italian club will be aiming to capture a trophy they have won on three occasions.
Moratti added: “Winning the Europa League won’t be easy, as there are four very competitive sides left, but I do hope Inter can be the next Italian club to lift a European trophy.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
