Barcelona football chief Ariedo Braida admits he tried to sign Lionel Messi for AC Milan.

Braida was in charge of transfer policy at Milan for over 20 years before leaving last season.

"I tried to sign Leo when he was little," said the Italian. "I know many people worldwide, I have 30 years of contacts."

Messi is floating after scoring a hat-trick in their rout of Rayo Vallecano yesterday.

Braida continued: "This is a player, he is a phenomenon, extraterrestrial."