Messi nearly joined a team nobody expected

Lionel Messi's career could have taken a completely different direction if the Argentine superstar had joined a club in Scotland.

The illustrious career of Lionel Messi at Barcelona was almost hindered by one of the boldest loan offers in history, originating from the son of former manager Alex McLeish, who was obsessed with the game Football Manager.

At Rangers at that time, McLeish was at his peak, winning a treble in his first season. However, things soon changed as many stars left the club. Barry Ferguson was the biggest loss in 2003, moving to Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £7.5 million. This forced the Scottish giant to rebalance its already struggling finances.

After Ferguson's departure, Rangers needed a creative player in the forward line, someone with technique and ball-holding ability. McLeish's son, Jon, who later became a scout and agent, made a suggestion.

While trying to solve the problem at Ibrox, McLeish listened and took action with the support of his well-connected assistant Jan Wouters.

Like many Football Manager players, Jon introduced a young talent he believed would become a superstar. That name was Lionel Messi.

McLeish shared in the program The Big Interview: “My son Jon was obsessed with Championship Manager. He constantly introduced names from South America and said Lionel Messi would become the best player in the world.

Initially you might dismiss that, but Rangers were downsizing at that time and needed quality in midfield. Barry Ferguson had left, and we needed a player capable of controlling the ball on any pitch.”

Jan Wouters then contacted Henk ten Cate, assistant to manager Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona. When asked about Messi, Barcelona immediately refused.

However, just like Sir Alex Ferguson once inquired about Denis Irwin and unexpectedly signed Eric Cantona, McLeish continued to explore further. And Rangers almost secured another gem: Andres Iniesta.

McLeish recounted: “Henk ten Cate told us they had a young player named Iniesta, an extraordinary talent aged 18 or 19. We asked if he could come to Scotland, and he said he would try to arrange it.

But by Monday, Iniesta was called up to the first team and performed excellently. Afterwards, Ten Cate said we no longer had a chance.”

This deal was not unrealistic, as Rangers had signed Mikel Arteta from Barcelona in 2002, and earlier Ronald de Boer in 2000.

Nevertheless, the story between Messi and Rangers did not end. Three years later, the Argentine superstar faced the Scottish club in the Champions League, and he did not enjoy that experience.

On October 23, 2007, Barcelona with stars like Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Xavi, and Iniesta marched to Ibrox Stadium. Rangers defended resiliently to secure a 0-0 draw, with Sasa Papac performing excellently in containing Messi.

Messi commented after the match: “It's unbelievable. Rangers didn't want to play football. From the start they played negative football. We had many chances but lacked accuracy in finishing. Facing teams like that is very annoying. Things will be different at Camp Nou.”

And the player born in 1987 was right. In the return match, Barcelona won 2-0, with Messi scoring one goal and assisting another, clearly demonstrating his class.