Milan coach Conte dismisses Messi talk as ‘fantasy football’

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte on Saturday dismissed talk of a reported move by the Chinese-owned Italian club for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"We're talking fantasy football, a situation that cannot be approached at Inter for many reasons," Conte said after Inter beat Genoa 3-0 to move second in Serie A.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi poses for a photograph after scoring a goal. File photo

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, 33, has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona with his contract due to expire in 2021.

"I don't think there is a madman in the world who does not want Messi, but he is really far from us and what we want to build," added the former Juventus and Chelsea coach.

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Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta also brushed aside talk that the northern side wanted Messi to rival Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Leo is not our goal and I don't think he wants to leave Barcelona," said Marotta.

Conte, meanwhile, said he hoped that the club could reach agreement with Manchester United concerning on-loan forward Alexis Sanchez, so that he could play the Europa League with Inter.

Sanchez, sidelined for months with a knee injury, scored on Saturday with his former United teammate Romelu Lukaku getting a brace.

"I hope that the club can resolve the situation because so far, Alexis hasn't been available much," said Conte. "To have a quality alternative in attack would be vital for us."