Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez Playing Together At Barcelona Not 'Done Deal,' Argentina Coach Says

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni doesn’t think Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez could finally play together at Barcelona.

The Catalans have been chasing Inter Milan’s Martinez for quite some time. And though there has been a reported mutual interest between Martinez and Barca, many believe that Inter will not allow it to happen.

Scaloni, one of the people close to both Messi and Martinez, recently commented on the issue. In an interview with Fox Sports (via Besoccer.com), Messi and Martinez’s Argentina side coach said that Inter will fight until the very end to try and keep the striker.

"There is talk of it all being done, but I don't think it's so easy for him to leave. Is it so easy for Lautaro to leave Inter? I don't think so. I don't think it's a done deal," Scaloni predicted.

The 42-year-old even noted that "everyone wants Martinez because of his youth” and this is also the reason why Inter will not let go of him. Prior to this, Scaloni has already admitted that he personally wants to see the Messi and Martinez team-up at Camp Nou.

Scaloni could be right about his prediction as Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio made it clear on Sky Sports Italia (via The Guardian) Wednesday that they do not want to sell Martinez. Ausilio also insisted that Barcelona are fully aware of this and so as other clubs interested in the striker.

“We want Lautaro to be part of our future. He will not be sold, unless the release clause is met. Barcelona know this and so do the other clubs who have contacted us,” Ausilio emphasized.

The two clubs have been in talks for Martinez’s possible transfer for over three months already. But as much as Inter’s desire to keep their star, Barcelona on the other hand, are expected to not back down either. Ausilio mentioned that the only possibility for the deal to actualize is when the Catalan club managed to meet Martinez’s release clause. It has been reported that Barca are currently weighing up an offer of €90 million ($99.8 million) plus 1 player as a makeweight.

Aside from Martinez, Barcelona are also dealing with Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic. Recent reports claim that Pjanic would prefer to join Barca rather than Chelsea in the summer. Juve on the other hand, are prepared to let the 30-year-old go and have held discussions with Chelsea over a possible swap involving Jorginho, another midfielder who is linked to Paris Saint-Germain.