Verratti reveals details of the Ibiza dinner that ignited Messi's PSG move
Italy international Marco Verratti has sensationally disclosed that a casual dinner with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and other PSG stars in Ibiza played a pivotal role in convincing the Argentine superstar to join Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona. Verratti recounted the "magical" evening where playful persuasion turned into a shocking reality, also tipping Inter as Serie A title favorites.
Italy international Marco Verratti has offered a fascinating glimpse into one of football's most unexpected transfers, revealing that a dinner shared with Lionel Messi and his Paris Saint-Germain teammates in Ibiza inadvertently sparked the Argentine's sensational move to Paris from Barcelona.
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Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Pescara midfielder, who expressed his dream of one day playing for his boyhood club in Serie A, reflected on his time in the French capital. The 32-year-old, a serial Ligue 1 title winner with PSG, recounted the pivotal evening that led to Messi's arrival.
Verratti opens up about Messi's PSG move
"I remember a fantastic evening that turned almost magical," Verratti began. "I was in Ibiza and Neymar came to me to say that we’d have dinner with Leo Messi. It was me, Leo, Paredes, Ney and Di Maria at the table. We talked and had a good time."
What started as lighthearted banter quickly escalated into something far more significant. "Jokingly, we started pushing him [Messi] to come to Paris," Verratti revealed. "The next day, we read that there were problems between him and Barcelona, and later in the afternoon, Neymar called me to say: ‘Leo is coming [to PSG].’ It was incredible to have him for dinner and then become teammates."
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Messi, who is currently under contract with MLS side Inter Miami, joined PSG in 2021 and spent two years in Paris before making his move to the USA.
His principles remind me of Zeman
During the same interview, Verratti also shared his insights on the upcoming Serie A campaign, confidently asserting that Inter Milan remain the favorites to win the Scudetto.
"I’m really intrigued by Gasperini at Roma. Gasp has built something extraordinary with Atalanta," he commented, showing appreciation for the tactical manager.
"I hope Allegri does well at Milan, which is hugely followed here," Verratti added, acknowledging the widespread support for the Rossoneri. "As a coach, I have a soft spot for Sarri. He has his own style, and some of his principles remind me of Zeman. The idea of controlling the game, and most importantly, his ability to develop players."
Reflecting on the previous season's champions, Verratti noted, "Last year, they really pulled off a miracle. Only somebody like Conte could have done it." However, he ultimately believes in Inter's strength: "For me, however, Inter remain the favourite based on the players they have. If they sign [Ademola] Lookman, they’ll remain the strongest."
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Verratti, a Euro 2020 winner with the Italy national team, has collected 55 appearances with the Azzurri, scoring three goals throughout his international career.
