Real Madrid tried to sign Barcelona star Leo Messi, 3 times

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been approached three times by fierce rivals Real Madrid for a possible transfer, reports have said.

Messi has been in Barcelona since he was 13 after the club agreed to fund treatment for a growth hormone deficiency he was diagnosed as a  child.

According to Spanish radio station Cadane Cope, Madrid first approached Messi in the summer of 2011 following fears that Cristiano Ronaldo might leave to Manchester City.

An intermediary that was not an employee of the club was used by Florentino Perez but Messi's camp where firm with their reply.

"Thanks for the interest, but Leo isn’t moving," he said.

Another approach from Real Madrid came in the summer of 2013 with Ronaldo's future at the club as uncertain and Neymar had chosen Barcelona over the Madrid giants.

While the final attempt was just a year ago which was also rejected.