×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Join Thousands Daily
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App

Why Lionel Messi never joined Arsenal despite being ‘very close’

Arsenal's players vie with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Arsenal FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 16, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO

Ex-Arsenal scout Francis Cagigao has explained why Lionel Messi did not join the Gunners despite coming “very, very close”.

The Argentine has enjoyed an incredible career with Barcelona, scoring 635 goals in more than 700 appearances.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.
Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in