Zanetti: Messi to Inter? I hope so!

The Serie A icon knows a deal would be difficult, but would love to link up with his fellow Argentine all the same

Inter legend Javier Zanetti has weighed in in the wake of Nerazzurri owner Erick Thohir's announcement that he would love to sign Lionel Messi, the vice-president stating that he is hopeful a deal could be struck with his countryman some day.

An Inter icon, Zanetti played with the Serie A side for 19 years before retiring to take on a role as the club's VP. And now, despite knowing Messi has little to prove to himself and others outside of Spain, the 42-year-old would relish the chance of linking up with his compatriot once again.

"I hope Messi can come to play for Inter," Zanetti told ESPN Argentina.

"He's very happy at Barcelona, though. With all that he's won, he has nothing to prove to anyone.

"We just have to enjoy him and understand what a great ambassador he is for the sport."

Inter currently sit atop the Serie A standings, just one point ahead of Napoli and Fiorentina. TheNerazzurri are next in action against Empoli on January 6.