Real Madrid News
Real Madrid wanted to sign Messi from Barcelona early in his career, reveals former agent
Real Madrid have consistently attracted the world’s best footballers, embodying the glitz and glamour associated with elite stars.
Although the Merengues’ status as a European powerhouse has enabled them to attract most players they pursue, not every footballer is eager to crown their career with a move to the Spanish capital.
Examples include Francesco Totti, Gianluigi Buffon, and Peter Cech, all of whom prioritized loyalty above prestige.
Lionel Messi never entertained Real Madrid’s interest
Similarly, Real Madrid failed to get their hands on one of football’s greatest talents, Lionel Messi.
The club’s interest in the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner when he was a young player yet to touch his peak at Barcelona has been well covered in the past and now, one of his former associates has reaffirmed the same.
As per Lionel Messi’s first-ever agent Horacio Gaggioli, “Real Madrid were interested in him when he was young, he was 16 or 17 years old, but Leo never wanted to leave Barcelona.”
Real Madrid quickly recognized the incredible progress Messi had made as a teenager at Barcelona and sought to orchestrate a move reminiscent of the Luis Figo transfer, where the player would join their fiercest rivals.
However, Messi had no desire to leave Barcelona, the club where he had grown and developed both as a player and a person.
It must be noted that Real Madrid not only stood at a disadvantage due to their age-old rivalry with Barcelona, but also because the Argentine legend was always loyal to his roots.
Gaggioli went on to add that Arsenal also showed interest, but he kept the same stance with the North London side.
Either way, it is fascinating to ponder upon how different the landscape of football would have looked like, had Messi decided to conquer the sport in the royal white jersey.
Source: MARCA
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
