Federico Chiesa reacts to emotional Lionel Messi message amid Liverpool exit talk
Liverpool star Federico Chiesa has reacted to an emotional message shared by Argentina legend Lionel Messi.
Chiesa arrived at Anfield with lofty expectations last summer, having previously performed well for Juventus and Italy.
However, the 27-year-old instead made just one Premier League start, showing that he does not boast a role in Arne Slot’s ambitious plans.
Despite Chiesa’s lack of game time last term, Liverpool won their second top-flight title in five years and could now be tempted to sell the out-of-favour winger.
Chiesa reacts as Messi reflects on Club World Cup exit
Messi and Inter Miami exited the Club World Cup via a 4-0 defeat to Champions League winners PSG on Sunday, 29 June.
Following the heavy loss, the 38-year-old posted on Instagram [30 June]: “Today the Club World Cup ends for us with a defeat against the current champion of the Champions League, where there are people I appreciate and gave me joy to see again.
“We leave with pride to have achieved the goal of making it to the last 16 of the tournament.
“Now to focus on the MLS and all that is coming.”
The message attracted a like from Chiesa.
Liverpool should sell Chiesa
Football Insider verdict
Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool plan to accept offers for Chiesa this summer.
| Federico Chiesa stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Starts | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
Selling the ex-Juventus man would be the right decision for the Reds to make, after he failed to have a significant impact for Slot’s men despite scoring the only goal of their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Furthermore, summer signing Florian Wirtz can operate as a winger as well as an attacking midfielder, and his presence further damages Chiesa’s chances of enjoying more game time next season.
Acquiring the Italy international was a rare recruitment mistake on the Reds’ behalf, and one that they should reverse by selling the wideman ahead of next term.
Meanwhile, Liverpool can afford to sign Alexander Isak, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
Selling Chiesa could play a small part in facilitating a major move for the Swedish frontman, who has excelled in Newcastle colours in recent seasons.
Elsewhere, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett exclusively told Liverpool News 247 that UEFA will investigate a gesture made by Harvey Elliott during England’s Under-21 European Championship final victory over Germany.