Chelsea among clubs vying for Messi signature

Chelsea are among the clubs considering an approach to sign Lionel Messi as the forward prepares to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Messi will leave PSG after two seasons with the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was suspended by the Ligue 1 champions this week, following an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi side Al-Hilal are interested in a mega-money deal to bring Messi to the Middle East, but will face competition from a number of clubs including Chelsea. Football London are reporting that the Blues are prepared to offer Messi a chance to test himself in the Premier League after a record-breaking career on the continent.

The 35-year-old has been in exceptional form for PSG this season and leads France’s top division for goal involvements, having provided 30 goals and assists for the Ligue 1 leaders. Messi was also named as the tournament’s best player as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar last winter, having scored seven goals – including two in the final against France – in La Albiceleste’s victorious campaign.

David Beckham’s Inter Miami retain an interest in taking Messi to Major League Soccer, though a return to Barcelona remains the likeliest outcome. Messi left Barcelona among the club’s economic issues in 2021 and was in tears as he announced his exit from the Spanish side.

A return to La Liga would be dependent on Barcelona raising the funds required to meet the league’s financial rules, with reports having suggested the Spaniards must raise around £176m before signings can be made this summer.

Messi had spent his entire career with Barcelona until his departure two seasons ago and is the club’s all-time record goalscorer with 672 goals in all competitions.

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