Fans have rushed to social media to shower Lionel Messi with praise following the forward's performance against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final. The 35-year-old forward opened the scoring for Argentina from 12 yards before playing a key role in his nation waltzing away 3-0 victors and booking a place in the final.
It just so happened that Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol had been tasked with the mission of keeping Messi quiet. Unfortunately for the RB Leipzig star, he struggled to defend the the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, with many supporters - in jest - claiming that the Argentine single-handedly reduced his eye-watering asking price.
Chelsea hold an interest in Gvardiol but the German giants do not want to sell the defender, football.london understand. He was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move collapsed after he penned a new five-year deal at the Red Bull Arena.
