Lionel Messi came close to joining Arsenal alongside Cesc Fabregas 17 years ago, according to the Barcelona icon’s former agent.

Fabiano Soldini revealed Arsene Wenger had identified the Nou Camp skipper as a potential signing during his academy days.

And alongside Fabregas and Gerard Pique, Messi 33, was one of three possible Wenger targets during his stint in Barca’s famed La Masia.

And while the former Emirates boss, 70, succeeded in bringing Fabregas to North London, the Argentina playmaker chose to stay at the Nou Camp while Pique, 33, went to Manchester United.

Soldini told Marca: “[Messi] was tempted to go to Arsenal, but he didn’t go.

“I remember the day that Cesc asked to leave [Barcelona]. Messi was also asked to go, but he didn’t want to leave.”