Why Messi's embarrassment of Gvardiol matters to Chelsea

James Shearman

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi embarrassed Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol last night as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach the World Cup final.

Messi scored the opener, from the penalty spot, before assisting the third with a showcase of supreme skill.

The 35-year-old was closed down by one of the stars of the tournament, Gvardiol, a long way from goal.

MORE: World Cup 2022 top scorers: Messi matches PSG teammate Mbappe with fifth goal

The Messi of old may have gone past the Croatian defender once and never looked back, but at this age he can no longer do that.

Instead, the magic man beat Gvardiol repeatedly, with short bursts of acceleration, until he reached the byline.

Having turned the 20-year-old inside out, he then played the perfect pass to teammate Julian Alvarez for his second goal of the game.

MORE: World Cup 2022 most assists: Messi joint-top as Argentina make final

Now, there is no shame in being made to look silly by the greatest player of all time, but in Chelsea's case, this could be an issue.

Gvardiol is an aggressive defender, one that likes to go forward and win the ball high up the pitch, as he tried to do last night.

But the Blues already have that in Kalidou Koulibaly, and playing two 'aggressors' in the same backline is a recipe for disaster.

Graham Potter's side could rotate between the two, if Gvardiol were to be signed, but that is not an ideal situation for well over £100 million worth of talent.

Gvardiol to Man City?

Manchester City have reportedly submitted a bid for Gvardiol that could reach €110m if add-on clauses are met.

Pep Guardiola's side are said to have been impressed with Gvardiol since he joined RB Leipzig in 2021, and his form at the World Cup has further amplified their interest.

The 20-year-old centre-back is wanted by several clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, who heavily pursued him during the summer transfer window.

However, the Blues' hopes of signing Gvardiol have been dashed by reports that Man City have launched a formal bid to RB Leipzig in an effort to pry him away from the Bundesliga.

According to Foot Mercato, City have submitted a bid worth up to €110m for Gvardiol, with a 20% sell-on clause included.

At the Etihad Stadium, Gvardiol would provide competition for John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.

And Guardiola has reportedly given the go-ahead on the deal, but Chelsea haven't given up hope yet.