Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has revealed he came close to sign Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The toymaker was then in charge of Como when he got wind of the little phenomenon from Argentina.

Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport, Preziosi said: "I was told: 'You can take him home for $50,000.' But the directors blocked the operation.

"At the time, every player that I signed for Como wasn't very good. There is a definite regret. If I had only gone with my instinct…"