Chelsea completing a deal to sign iconic forward Lionel Messi would depend on the 'finances' involved, as well as the player's 'desire' to play in the Premier League, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Argentina star has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, with interest emanating from the MLS, and Graham Potter rumoured with an unlikely swoop to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Transfer News - Lionel Messi

Football London report that Chelsea were linked with a move for the 35-year-old upon expiration of his contract with PSG in the summer, but this move was deemed to be off the table completely when the Times claimed that he was set to agree a deal with Inter Miami instead.

As per Sky Sports, however, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner may instead choose to stay in Europe until at least 2024, and remaining with the French champions is deemed to be his preferred choice.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently took to Twitter and detailed that Inter Miami will push to make the deal happen, however no agreement with any club will be reached until after the World Cup, which remains the player's main focus.

What has Jones said about Messi?

Jones claims that financial details of the contract Chelsea would be willing to offer Messi will play a part in whether the deal transpires, although he believes that the Barcelona legend is likely to be unwilling to make the switch.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "It comes down to finances, it comes down to Messi's drive to test himself in the Premier League at a club like that at this stage in his career.

"He won't be willing to make a transfer that flops at this point, so while there might be some interest on Chelsea's side, it's difficult to see Messi making that jump."

How did Messi perform against Mexico?

After a shock 2-1 defeat for Argentina in their opening World Cup game, the forward showed up when he was needed to keep his nation's qualification hopes well and truly alive.

As per WhoScored, the 5 foot 7 maestro put in a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 victory against Mexico, scoring the opening goal with a fantastic left-footed strike from outside the box, firing the ball into the bottom-right corner.

The man who earns an astonishing £670k-a-week with PSG, as per Salary Sport, displayed a range of abilities in the vital victory, winning eight ground duels, more than any other player on the pitch, as per SofaScore, while also registering an assist for the second goal, which put the game beyond all doubt.

Messi rolled back the years with his classy performance, proving that even at the age of 35, he would be a fantastic signing for any team.