Fans have rushed to social media to shower Lionel Messi with praise following the forward's performance against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final. The 35-year-old forward opened the scoring for Argentina from 12 yards before playing a key role in his nation waltzing away 3-0 victors and booking a place in the final.
It just so happened that Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol had been tasked with the mission of keeping Messi quiet. Unfortunately for the RB Leipzig star, he struggled to defend the the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, with many supporters - in jest - claiming that the Argentine single-handedly reduced his eye-watering asking price.
Chelsea hold an interest in Gvardiol but the German giants do not want to sell the defender, football.london understand. He was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move collapsed after he penned a new five-year deal at the Red Bull Arena.
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Prior to locking horns with Messi, Gvardiol was perhaps the best performing centre-half at the World Cup. He had started in each of his nation's fixtures in Qatar and was central to Zlatko Dalic's side booking a place in the semi-final.
Eager to quickly wrap up a deal for the Croatian star, Chelsea have submitted a formal offer, according to French outlet Foot Mercato. The report states that the west Londoners have tabled a bid worth £81million for Gvardiol but Todd Boehly is said to face stiff competition from Manchester United and Manchester City.
It's believed that the Red Devils have 'formalised' their interest with a proposal in the region of £77million. Foot Mercato add that Pep Guardiola's side are ready to out-bid Chelsea and are willing to offer £86million for the defender.
But, after Gvardiol's performance, his asking price could plummet in the coming days. So, with that being said, football.london has collated some of the best reaction to Messi's schooling of the wonderkid.
@AlexHoliga tweeted: "Messi just took 10 million off Gvardiol’s asking price."
@Blue_Footy: "Someone said, Messi just made Gvardiol affordable."
@EiFSoccer: "Gvardiol had arguably been the best defender in the tournament so far and Messi said enough of this, let me teach you a lesson young man. That was vintage Messi. Pure greatness."
@ivanlapanje: "Bro Messi just halved Gvardiol’s market value."
But, some supporters rushed to Gvardiol's defence and provided some much-needed context.
@afcjxmes: "Please don’t take this out on Gvardiol, he’s been immense this tournament. Messi is out of this world."
@julesbreach: "There’s nothing Gvardiol could’ve done there. Absolute genius from Messi. The best."
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