Barcelona star Lionel Messi was the subject of an ambitions bid lodged by Italian league leaders Inter, but the offer was promptly shot down by the Catalan club.

Inter owner Massimo Moratti is a known admirer of the diminutive, yet outrageously talented Argentine, who is most likely to sweep all individual awards for 2009.

Messi led a talented Barca side to winning the treble last year, and was the main catalyst behind those triumphs despite sharing the spotlight with a number of other recognised stars.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed to il Corriere dello Sport that Moratti was interested in acquiring the services of Messi, and had enquired about signing the player, only to be firmly rejected by the Spanish heavyweights.

The player himself has stated his desire to continue playing for the Catalan club and to finish his career with the side that he has already led to so much glory. It is unlikely that Barca will let go of the star given his contract does not run out until 2016.

Rami Soufi, Football Italiano