Inter Milan are eager to sign Lionel Messi for a world record transfer fee.

Messi’s contract with Barcelona will expire next year and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonio Conte’s side wants to secure the services of the Blaugrana captain in a four-year contract worth 260 million euros.

Messi has halted further contract extension talks with Barca and is hoping to serve the rest of the months although the La Liga side is hopeful that the Argentine will extend his stay at Camp Nou.

The Nerazzurri acquisition of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will spark much competition in the Italian League, which boasts of Cristiano Ronaldo employed by Juventus.

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The presence of both superstars would awaken the Inter, as they will economically perk up because of Messi’s fan base.

The 33-year old was earlier linked to Manchester City to continue working with Pep Guardiola yet the Spaniard refuted the speculations and emphatically exposed that Messi is Barca’s.

"I’m not going to speak about transfers until the end of the season. My wish is that Messi is going to stay in Barcelona,” Pep said.

The Argentine would opt to stay at Barca but a long-term contract is not expected according to reports.