Lionel Messi was ‘tempted’ by Arsenal offer to follow Cesc Fabregas to club in 2003

The Argentine was presented with an attractive offer by Arsene Wenger

Lionel Messi had an offer to join Arsenal in 2003 (Getty)

Lionel Messi was “tempted” to join Arsenal back in 2003 when former teammate and friend Cesc Fabregas joined the club.

The Argentine was one of three targets at the time for Arsene Wenger, according to former agent Fabian Soldini.

Arsene Wenger identified Fabregas, Messi and Gerard Pique to boost the Gunners from La Masia. But the club only succeeded with Fabregas, with Pique joining Manchester United and Messi staying put before his legendary career at the Nou Camp.

"[Messi] was tempted to go to Arsenal, but he didn't go," Soldini told Marca.

“I remember the day that Cesc asked to leave [Barcelona]. Messi was also asked to go, but he didn't want to leave.”

Lionel Messi had an offer to join Arsenal in 2003 (Getty)

Wenger confirmed to BeIN Sports recently that he attempted to lure the Messi to the club, but conceded he was “untouchable”.

“We were in discussions with [Messi] when we bought Fabregas, because Messi played [with him],” Wenger revealed.

"You can realise sometimes what fantastic youth teams you had before when you're a club like Barcelona. In the same team, Messi, [Gerard] Pique and Fabregas.

“Pique and Fabregas came to England [with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively], Messi stayed in Spain. We were interested in him, but he was untouchable at the time.”