Real football chief Miguel Angel Portugal revealed this week they had a chance to sign Messi as a youngster before he committed himself to Barca.

Asked about the claims, Messi told El Mundo Deportivo: "No, I don't know about that.

"I don't think I would have even considered joining Madrid. There was no offer, but even if there was I believe I would have said no.

"One always yearns to play for the best team in the world and this is what I have found at Barca. I do not envy anyone playing for Barca, not Madrid, not any club. We have the best players in the world."