Chhetri & Messi Together For Bengaluru FC? Leo's Contract With Barca Ends Tonight

With Messi's contract coming to an end, and with ISL getting accreditation from FIFA, Messi can even be a part of Bengaluru FC, if he doesn't sign a new deal with Barcelona. Know how below.

(File Photos/ Getty Images)

Barcelona: Football's G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi's contract and perhaps his association with FC Barcelona is coming to an end on Wednesday. If the Argentine doesn't sign a new contract in a few hours with the Spanish club, he will be a free agent. Once Messi is a free agent, he will be able to join any club of his choice, which also includes the club Bengaluru FC captained by Sunil Chhetri. 

Lionel Messi has been playing for FC Barcelona all through his senior career of 18 years after his debut in 2004. There hasn't been any official announcement about Messi continuing his contract at Barcelona, thus there are many speculations about Messi joining other clubs like Manchester City and PSG. 

How Can Messi & Sunil Chhetri Play Together? 

FIFA, the governing authority in football has given accreditation to the India-based Indian Super League (ISL) which means players from different leagues can play in the ISL. Sunil Chhetri, who recently equalled Lionel Messi's record by scoring the 74th goal of his career - (Messi scored his 75th goal later in the Copa America) - plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). 

If Chhetri and Messi have to play together, Lionel Messi will have to sign a new deal with the Bengaluru-based football franchisee. With Messi's contract coming to an end, and with ISL getting accreditation from FIFA, this scenario is possible, but sadly, not plausible. 

When asked to Sunil Chhetri about equalling Messi's record, he said: "When anyone sees that ( top goal scorer ) chart, be happy for five seconds as an Indian and that's about it. Forget about me and Messi because the whole world, including me, is a fan of Messi." (to AFP) 

Where Will Messi Go If He Doesn't Sign A New Contract?

Lionel Messi transfer out of Barcelona has been a hot topic of debate and experts believe that with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, there are chances that Messi could go to the Manchester-based club. Paris Saint-Germain has also shown interest in Lionel Messi; his close association with Neymar makes it even more exciting to think about. 

But, a recent update from the Transfer Market's top agent, Fabrizio Romano suggests that Messi would be signing a new contract with FC Barcelona and won't be leaving the club.