Getafe president Angel Torres has revealed how close they came to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Torres also says the hiring of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was another near miss.

“In Messi's first or second year we had him almost done to come to Getafe on loan. In the end, (then Barca coach Frank) Rijkaard did not accept and we were left with the desire," recalled Torres, before turning to Guardiola.

“One day we were in a European draw in Switzerland, Txiki (Begiristain, Barça sports director at the time) and myself, and the idea was that (Michael) Laudrup would train Barcelona and we would have as a substitute with Guardiola, because (Joan) Laporta was not convinced at first of hiring Pep."