Messi wanted to leave Barcelona to play for Mourinho in 2004

Lionel Messi was reportedly contemplating to depart Barcelona back in 2004 when he was in talks with Jose Mourinho to join Chelsea.

The Argentine forward was willing to play under the Portuguese coach with whom he had a long private call.

However, as journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed, this was the first time Messi thought of leaving the Blaugrana although the deal with Chelsea didn't go through.

The Barcelona captain remained at the club and 16 years later, at the age of 33, decided to ask to be released.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu did not grant his request and pointed potential suitors to Messi's 700-million-euro release clause.

With one year left in his contract, the Argentina international made the decision to stay at the club despite rumours linking him with a move to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.