According to journalist Ignacio Miguelez, Diego Simeone personally called Lionel Messi to convince him to sign for Atlético Madrid.
Messi listened to the Atlético boss and evaluated the offer but in the end an agreement could not be reached for the 34-year-old to join the Wanda Metropolitano outfit.
Simeone managed to bring another Argentine to the club over the summer. Rodrigo de Paul joined for €35 million from Udinese and is expected to be a key figure for Los Colchoneros this season as they look to retain their LaLiga title.
Atlético have a history of signing South American players. In their current squad, they have Luis Suárez, Ángel Correa, José María Giménez, Renan Lodi and Felipe Augusto. Simeone has an eye for South American talent and in Rodrigo de Paul he could have a real gem.
