The European giant who enters the fight for Lionel Messi and surprises everyone

When a player like Lionel Messi becomes available, football clubs all over the world have a look. He is one of, if not the greatest footballer of all time. Chelsea should not get sucked into a battle for his signature. The Blues were offered the chance to sign Messi's great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the summer transfer window. 

Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, had a lengthy conversation with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly – who was said to be keen on signing the Manchester United attacker. However, Thomas Tuchel, who has since been sacked, turned down the opportunity. Ronaldo has caused all sorts of problems in the Man United dressing room since then.

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Most recently, the Portuguese reportedly refused to come on as a substitute and then stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel, leaving the ground before the full-time whistle in their win over Tottenham. Erik ten Hag was furious. Those sort of problems perhaps would not happen with Messi, but there are a few issues that suggest Chelsea should look elsewhere. 

Number one is the money he would demand. The Argentine is reportedly earning about €3.375million (£2.9million) a month at the Parc des Princes. Number two is the contract length Messi would demand. The 35-year-old wanted a two-year deal when he made the move from Barcelona to PSG in 2021 and if he wants the same length this time around, that would keep him at the club until he's 37.

Pros and cons of signing Messi

Chelsea, in the past, have tended to offer players of similar age 12-month contracts. Boehly has already invested so much in youth players and clearly has a long-term vision of how he wants the academy to benefit the senior squad. As brilliant as signing someone of Messi's global stature would be for revenue and commercial sales, it could have a detrimental impact on his long-term project.