Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez has explained why a move to Barcelona did not happen last year despite talking to Lionel Messi about it.
The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou after impressing in the 2019/2020 season for Inter.
Martinez was seen as a direct replacement for Luis Suarez, who went on to join Atletico Madrid before the start of the current season.
However, the Argentine claimed that Barcelona's financial troubles were the main reason he did not up at Camp Nou last year.
"I was truly very close to joining Barcelona and I even talked it over with Messi," the 23-year-old told ESPN.
"However, the Blaugrana had economic problems at that moment, so I decided to stay at Inter. It proved to be the right decision, especially as we then won the Scudetto.
"It's just incredible to win the title at such an important club."
Martinez stayed in Milan and helped the claim their first Serie A title since 2010, having contributed with 15 goals and eight assists this campaign.
