Como Chief Calls Lionel Messi Transfer Links "A Dream" Amid Swirling Speculation

Como president Mirwan Suwarso dismissed rumors connecting his ambitious Serie A club with a potential transfer for Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as pure fiction. However, Real Madrid remains among the teams that might be concerned about genuine transfer activity from this big-spending organization.

Initial speculation about Messi potentially following his Italian roots to Lake Como emerged when his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children were seen at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Como coach Cesc Fàbregas was merely hosting his friends, though he did little to quell the mounting speculation.

"Never say never," was Fàbregas's response.

This hint evolved into what seemed like serious interest when Messi appeared to be experiencing difficulties at Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar was reportedly "extremely frustrated" with his MLS suspension for skipping the All-Star Game, creating additional uncertainty around his precarious situation given his Miami deal expires in December. Como, nevertheless, are not pursuing him.

"It would be incredible if he joined us," Suwarso told La Stampa over the weekend. "But why would he abandon a team where he receives such compensation? We haven't established any communication."

Though they may not be pursuing Messi, the self-proclaimed Sports Disneyland maintains lofty aspirations. Como have already invested over €100 million ($116.5 million) this summer despite failing to secure multiple targets. "We pursued [former Milan defender] Theo Hernández, but it fell through," Suwarso candidly admitted. "Most recently, it was [Malick] Thiaw, but he declined. I believe he preferred joining a more established club or remaining at Milan."

Como does possess Nico Paz in their squad. The graceful left-footed midfielder still falls considerably short of Lionel Messi's caliber, but he commands respect from his previous club Real Madrid. The Spanish powerhouse chose not to activate their repurchase option this summer, yet maintain the right to acquire Paz for merely €9 million ($10.6 million) next year or €10 million ($11.8 million) in 2027.

Suwarso disclosed that measures are underway to avoid that outcome. "We're negotiating to retain him," the president stated. "The discussions we've conducted thus far have been encouraging; it will require patience."