'Leo called me': Former Manchester United player claims Lionel Messi tried to convince him to join Inter Miami

A former Manchester United player has claimed Lionel Messi attempted to recruit him for Inter Miami earlier this year.

The Herons are now one of the most recognizable clubs on the planet after Messi’s blockbuster move to MLS last year, with Inter Miami flying high with the Argentine international in their ranks.

With Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also joining Inter Miami, the Florida franchise have a superstar pull that no club in MLS has ever achieved, with more big-name signings expected.

Yet one former United star has said he turned down the chance to join Inter Miami.

Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Marcos Rojo shares Messi’s attempt to sign him for Inter Miami

Speaking to Radio La Red, Marcos Rojo revealed that Messi personally called him in an attempt to sign for Inter Miami, with the defender passing up on the chance to remain with Boca Juniors.

Rojo said: “Leo called me, it’s not like it was just anyone or an intermediary, no one. I spoke with Leo Messi, who told me about the possibility of going to Inter. Imagine what that means for any footballer.

“The truth is I was not convinced to leave Boca, I had recently renewed. The only thing I did was communicate with Roman (Riquelme) to tell him about the situation and to tell him that if he needed me here I was going to stay.

“I wasn’t convinced to leave, I didn’t want to leave. If he told me that he needed me here for this year, I was 100% convinced to continue in Boca and I want to continue doing it.”

Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Rojo would have been an incredible signing for Inter Miami

Defense is a position Inter Miami have had issues with all season, and with Messi personally reaching out to try and bring Rojo to Florida, it’s clear that the Argentine international feels the same way.

Whilst 34-years-old, Rojo would have been an incredible addition for Inter Miami given his experience at the highest level in both the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup.

Yet with Rojo seemingly set on staying with Boca Juniors, Inter Miami and Messi could have to target another former Argentine international who could come to help the defense this summer.