Roberto Carlos: Anzhi Makhachkala Wanted to Sign Leo Messi Last Summer

Roberto Carlos suggested that Suleyman Kerimov (Anzhi Makhachkala owner) wanted to sign Leo Messi to his club. Roberto Carlos made this startling revelation in an interview with Pedro Pinto of CNN.

Roberto Carlos revealed that during the events that led to the signing of Samuel Eto'o, Kerimov revealed to him a list of possible candidates for Anzhi. The three candidates were Neymar (Santos), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) and Leo Messi (FC Barcelona).

Pedro Pinto responded by telling Roberto Carlos that the idea (of Anzhi) signing Messi was "insane". The response of Roberto Carlos was that Pinto "does not know Kerimov".

Roberto Carlos commented that Anzhi Makhachkala has expressed interest in signing more players this January. Roberto Carlos also predicted a period of growth for Anzhi Makhachkala in the coming years.

Roberto Carlos predicted a championship for Anzhi Makhachkala in the future. The question posed is if Anzhi Makhachkala was or is overextending its hand with the idea of signing Leo Messi.