Throughout his professional career, Messi has played exclusively for one club, Barcelona, scoring 582 goals and assisting 234 in 668 appearances. He joined the club at 13 years of age and quickly ascended to the first team making his debut in 2004 at 16.
And even though Blancos have always been known for scouting and signing Galacticos, Jeronimo Farre, Real Madrid director counts that signing Leo Messi has never been in the picture for Real Madrid.
“If Messi hasn’t played in Madrid it’s because we’ve not been able to make it happen,” Farre told El Mundo.
“Because he hasn’t been feasible or affordable. The other megastar was Cristiano Ronaldo and Madrid enjoyed his talent for nine seasons.”
Farre went on to highlight Madrid’s European reputation, built on 13 CL triumphs.
“Real Madrid are the most successful team on the continent,” he said.
“We had our lean times, but we had Alfredo Di Stefano’s cycle with great players who gave us the first five European Cups.”
“Under Florentino [Perez]’s presidency we’ve had another brilliant time with Raul, Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Bale and, above all, Cristiano Ronaldo. Their contributions have been crucial.”