Afternoon Espressino 10/30/15: Inter almost bought Lionel Messi

Team News:

Ex-Barcelona President Joan Laporta confirmed yesterday's rumors, which claimed that Inter Milan were poised to make a serious offer for Lionel Messi during the 2009-10 season, and that the Nerazzurri were indeed one of the few clubs willing to actually pay the Argentine's buyout clause. [Squawka]

Inter Milan have been breaking records already this season, at least in the revenue department. Il Biscione have twice broken the Serie A gate receipt record for a domestic match - doing so first in their match against AC Milan on September 13th and then again when they played Juventus on October 18. [Inside World Football]

Inter Midfielder Gary Medel said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that if not for football he'd probably have ended up selling drugs on the streets of Santiago. Yet another testament to the significant positive impact this sport can have on a young person's life. [Gazzetta]

Transfer Rumors:

Inter and Genoa are rumored to be vying for Diego Laxalt, a 2013 Inter signing who is currently on loan to the Grifone. [Football Italia]

Mexican international and Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela has drawn interest from Inter; it has been reported that Arsenal and Barcelona are tracking the player as well. [Sempre Inter]