Daily Times

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino revealed something about Barcelona captain Lionel Messi that has surprised many. According to the tactician, the Argentine was close to signing for Barca’s city-rivals Espanyol in 2005, a move that was later cancelled by the red-and-blue.

Pochettino, whose team will face Barcelona at Wembley for UEFA Champions League group stage fixture, said Messi could have been his team-mate in 2005 when Mauricio was a senior player at Espanyol. “Had we signed Messi, I could have played with him. Espanyol could have been Barcelona, and I could be coaching him at the club.”

Also read: 5 things you did not know about Messi

The move, although a loan-one, would have been on for the ages, but it did not go through. One, because Barcelona would never have let their star-to-be leave, and two, definitely not to a direct rival. 2005 was a troublesome year for Messi due to Barcelona’s tug-of-war with the Spanish Federation over the number of foreign players.

Fortunately for the Blaugranes, things got sorted out and all went well. Fast forward 13 years, Messi is one of the greatest footballers to have graced the game, and for that reason, Tottenham, will have to keep their eyes wide open, warned Pochettino.

“I am not going to try to find a solution against Messi; I think that’s impossible. It’s only to enjoy it. More than worrying you, it needs to excite you,” Pochettino said talking to the Guardian.

Barcelona will face Tottenham in Wembley at 12am Pakistan Standard Time (PST).