Chelsea "definitely in the equation" for Lionel Messi

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague has said that Chelsea "are definitely in the equation" for Lionel Messi as the Argentine seemingly prepares to leave Barcelona next summer.

The attacker attempted to secure a move away from Camp Nou during the recent transfer window, but Barca were not prepared to allow him to leave in a cut-price deal.

Messi's contract with Ronald Koeman's side is due to expire next June, though, and as it stands, he will be able to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Manchester City are widely regarded as the favourites for the 33-year-old, but Balague has insisted that Chelsea would also be firmly in the hunt if it became clear that the attacker was moving on.

"Chelsea are definitely in the equation if Messi becomes available. That is true. Chelsea will insist they want to hear everything that is going on. If they have the money they will want to be involved too. Remember, there is no transfer fee," Balague said on his YouTube channel.

Messi has scored six times and registered four assists in 11 appearances for Barca this season, while he has struck 640 goals in 742 outings for the Catalan giants in all competitions during an incredible career.