Chelsea have seen their hopes of signing Lionel Messi given a boost as his future at Paris Saint-Germain continues to remain unclear. Upon his arrival in France in 2021, Messi signed a two-year contract and with his deal expiring in the summer a decision must be made in the coming months.

Messi is yet to conquer the Premier League with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly likely aware of that fact especially after his attempts to sign Messi last summer. One final spell at Barcelona has also been discussed, but the Spanish giants' ongoing financial issues could prove decisive regarding the likelihood of an emotional return.

Nonetheless, Barcelona president Joan Laporta made his stance clear on a possible return to the club for Messi. In April, when asked by Cadena SER whether he was confident of signing Messi, Laporta replied simply: "Yes." While Messi and Barcelona would likely be open to a reunion, La Liga may rules could prevent the signing and league president Javier Tebas has now offered his verdict on a possible move.

"If you ask me today, Messi’s return to Barça is very complicated," he told RMC. "We have to see how this evolves but several conditions must be met, like player exits and salary reductions - then you have to know what salary Messi would have."

As quoted by Goal in November 2022, he said: "It [PSG] was the experience we needed, the experience of living with big stars and interacting at the top level of football," Pochettino said. "It was the challenge of putting yourself in a difficult situation and trying to make such a special club work.

"You need to constantly adapt because there was too much greatness. For Barca to have Messi or for Madrid to have Cristiano is a blessing.

"But when you put in too many players who all need their place and to be number one, there can be confusion. In the end, when you play, it's 11 players with one ball. There was a penalty, and who takes it? It's not even a coach's decision."

Chelsea's major Mauricio Pochettino dilemma evident after more debatable Frank Lampard decisions