Former Teammate Sends Shocking Three-Word Transfer Plea to Lionel Messi
Cesc Fàbregas understood precisely what he was conveying when questioned about the possibility of bringing Lionel Messi to Como 1907. "Never say never," he smiled knowingly.
Messi was seen in Como during the weekend, igniting a wave of speculative transfer rumors connecting the 38-year-old with a potential move to Serie A. The Inter Miami captain already has one former Barcelona colleague as his manager, and the possibility of replacing Javier Mascherano with another Camp Nou veteran was presented to Fàbregas this week.
"The roster is 90% finalized," the former Spanish midfielder hinted playfully. "The organization has performed excellently and acted swiftly. A few elements are still needed, but I'm satisfied."
Como achieved an outstanding 10th place finish last season and have strategically leveraged every celebrity association that their prestigious location provides. The exciting possibility of Messi performing before audiences that have featured Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch wasn't completely dismissed by Fàbregas.
"Messi joining Como?" he pondered aloud. "Never say never. He visited my residence during his holiday, he was traveling to meet some friends, and we maintain a friendship, including our spouses and children. However, he's currently in the United States."
Following Como's exhibition match against Lille on Friday, Messi's two boys Ciro and Mateo joined Fàbregas's son, Leonardo, on the Sinigaglia Stadium's field for an impromptu game.
While the likelihood of a transfer to Serie A remains far from certain—Messi's children might well be the only family members to ever find the net on Lake Como's shores—the Argentine legend's future remains a topic of genuine discussion.
Messi's Inter Miami contract concludes in December. The organization has publicly stated their belief that the superstar will stay in South Beach through the 2026 World Cup and the launch of their new venue, but no formal agreement has been finalized yet. The upcoming addition of Messi's close countryman Rodrigo De Paul might be seen as an effort to satisfy the veteran player.