Lionel Messi looks set to be back on the market this summer with a Paris Saint-Germain exit expected.
Messi was suspended and fined after visiting Saudi Arabia after PSG's shock defeat to Lorient on Sunday. PSG, owned by the Qatari Sports Investment firm, have reportedly decided against offering Messi a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Messi signed for PSG when he left Barcelona at the end of the 2020/21 season but he has not been able to get the Parisiens closer to their ultimate goal of winning a Champions League trophy. With the 35 year-old World Cup winner now set to be out of contract, there could be a scramble for his services.
A Saudi Arabian club are reported to have offered Messi a whopping $600million contract to join them, which would pit him against old foe Cristiano Ronaldo who currently plays for Al-Nassr. Meanwhile Barcelona are keen for a reunion with Messi but their financial situation could prevent a move.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for the player in the past and there is now added intrigue given Mauricio Pochettino, a compatriot of Messi, is widely expected to become the club's new manager. Messi would also reunite with Argentina team-mate Enzo Fernandez, too.
Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina last year, could fancy a crack at the Premier League but it is clear that if the Blues are to present themselves as a viable option then they need to get their squad in shape. Chelsea will be hoping to put a woeful 2022/23 campaign behind them and look forward to the new ownership's second season in charge.
The Blues would need to present a clear strategy to Messi, who would be keen to know what direction the club is heading in and how he would slot into the team both on the pitch and off it. There would also have to be clarity around the manager's position with Messi likely to avoid the instability that he had at PSG with Pochettino leaving and Christophe Galtier replacing him at the Parc des Princes.
It is not expected that Messi will push for a move to Chelsea, or vice versa, but there is certainly a possibility. Messi may well decide that he is ready to end his career in Europe and move to the MLS, with Inter Miami keen, or Saudi Arabia.
His options are limited at this stage - but with Chelsea set to appoint Pochettino and looking for top quality up front he may just fit the bill.
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