The tantalizing prospect of Lionel Messi potentially finishing his illustrious career in Italy has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Fueling this speculation is the ambitious Serie A side Como, backed by Indonesian billionaires, who reportedly dream of signing the Argentinian legend.
Como, owned by Indonesian conglomerate Djarum Group, led by brothers Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. The Hartono brothers, ranked among the world's wealthiest individuals, acquired the club in 2019 when it was languishing in Serie D. Their investment has propelled Como through the ranks, culminating in promotion to Serie A and a comfortable 10th-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.
The Indonesian owners have demonstrated a clear commitment to transforming Como into a force to be reckoned with. Their financial backing has enabled the club to invest heavily in players and infrastructure. This ambition extends beyond domestic success, with the club openly stating its desire to attract Hollywood stars and elevate its global brand.
Adding further intrigue to the Messi speculation is the presence of Cesc Fabregas as Como's manager. Fabregas and Messi were teammates at Barcelona, and their families share a close bond. Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was recently spotted attending a Como pre-season friendly with their children, further fueling rumors of a potential move.
When questioned about the possibility of Messi joining Como, Fabregas responded with "Never say never". While acknowledging that Messi is content in America, Fabregas's comments have ignited hope among Como fans. He also stated that Messi's wife was on vacation at his house because Messi was away for a week playing. He added, "We are very close friends, our wives are very good friends, our children are similar ages".
Como president Mirwan Suwarso, also from Indonesia, acknowledged that signing Messi would be a "dream". However, he clarified that there has been no contact between the club and the Argentinian superstar.
Despite the excitement, several factors suggest that a Messi transfer to Como remains a long shot. Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2025, and he is reportedly in negotiations to extend his stay in Florida. Inter Miami's president has also stated the club will do everything necessary to keep Messi. Moreover, Messi has expressed a desire to finish his career in the MLS. At 38, he continues to perform at a high level for Inter Miami, scoring 18 goals and registering 10 assists this season.
While the prospect of Messi joining Como may seem improbable, the club's ambition, financial backing, and the Fabregas connection create a glimmer of hope. Whether this "dream" transfer materializes remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds an exciting dimension to Como's rise and the future of one of football's greatest players.
