Chelsea find a way to hit Barcelona back for the first time 2009 controversy

Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard salutes the fans after winning the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard salutes the fans after winning the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 8, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea have joined Barcelona as they look to land the world’s greatest player in what may be a revengeful move after the infamous Champions League debacle.

Barcelona and Chelsea have been at the forefront of the most controversial moment perhaps in the history of the UEFA Champions League back in 2009. Some horrific refereeing decisions coupled with a rather sour taste among both sides has led to turbulent relations between the two for over a decade now.

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According to reports, the Blues have now found a way to take their revenge on the Catalans after 11 years. The side owned by Roman Abramovich will look to raid the La Liga giants of their greatest ever player, Lionel Messi, next summer, thereby joining Manchester City in the race to potentially do so in 2021.

Messi’s contractual situation needs no introduction and his body language definitely looks like one of a person who has been held back against his wishes. The 33-year-old has been vocal about his dismay at the club and took several jibes at former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, before his untimely resignation.

In spite of the desired revamp now having been planned, Barcelona will find it difficult to hold onto Messi especially because of their financial state. In addition to that, the player seems to have no interest in staying at the club meaning that the damage has been done and is at an irreparable point.

Chelsea will obviously be able to afford Messi and their incredible project could catch the eye of the 6-time Ballon d’Or winner. However, it is difficult to see Messi go anywhere else as such apart from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola renewing his stay at the Etihad Stadium was the only thing remaining to convince him.

Between London and Manchester, where do you think Messi would be at his best?