Antonio Conte Makes Hilarious Lionel Messi Transfer Claim

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has made an amusing claim about FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi's transfer status following the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's reported unwillingness to sign a new deal in Spain.

The 33-year-old is believed to be open to an exit from the Catalan giants, having reportedly stalled on contract talks with the Blaugrana's current bosses.

Many Barcelona supporters fear Messi could walk away for free come June 2021, with the Nerazzurri tipped as a potential destination for the Argentine.

While Conte has previously addressed his club's links with the Barca captain, the Italian manager was asked on Tuesday night if, given the choice, he would sign the Argentine or buy four players for about €50 million (R966 million) each.

In response, the former Chelsea boss claimed it would be easier to move the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, nicknamed the Duomo, than to successfully sign Messi.

3) Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) – 31 goals / 62 points

10) Shon Weissmann (Wolfsberger AC) – 30 goals / 45 points

9) Jean-Pierre Nsame (Young Boys) – 30 goals / 45 points

8) Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) – 23 goals / 46 points

7) Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan) – 23 goals / 46 points

6) Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) – 25 goals / 50 points

5) Erling Haaland (Red Bull Salzburg & Borussia Dortmund) – 29 goals / 50 points

4) Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) – 28 goals / 56 points

2) Ciro Immobile (Lazio) – 35 goals / 70 points

2) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) – 34 goals / 68 points

"I am holding on tight to my players, as they are giving their all, I can guarantee that.

"It'd be easier to move the Duomo than to bring Messi to Inter!"

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