The noises coming out of Barcelona, Spain, in recent weeks have blasted across the soccer world. Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, has requested to leave the club. Unfortunately for him, the clause in his contract which allows that has expired due to COVID-19. Messi’s situation, however, is just the tip of the iceberg in Barcelona.
Messi wanted to leave the club for one reason: they are terribly run. He has gone on the record recently attacking the club saying, “It has been a long time since there has been a project or anything at all,” referring to the lack of a plan put in place by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who Messi claims has been “juggling and plugging gaps” for years. This cannot be denied. The signings of Phillipe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann have been real head-scratchers for fans, who can’t comprehend the decision to spend hundreds of millions to sign aging stars into a team full of them.
The worst example of this philosophy is the signing of Miralem Pjanic, a 30 year old midfielder from Juventus. In the deal for Pjanic, Barcelona gave up 22 year old phenomenon Arthur, who was just beginning to shine in the first team. Bartomeu is trying to appease Messi by bringing in big names, but doesn’t realize that a soccer team requires a more complex construction process: one that involves chemistry and, most importantly, patience.
As a result of Bartomeu’s incompetence, Barcelona faces a huge problem. Some experts suggest that it would be in their best interest to let Messi leave on good terms and begin the necessary rebuilding process.
Messi has, however, affirmed his loyalty to the club confirming that he will stay for at least another year. He optimistically pointed out that “There is a new coach and a new idea.”, but that he will “have to see how the team responds and if it means we can compete or not.” Unsurprisingly, however, Barcelona have been linked with 29 year old Georginio Wijnaldum to bolster the midfield. Bartomeu clearly isn’t learning from his mistakes.
One statement can sum up the severity of the situation: The greatest player in club history wanting out is not even close to being the club’s biggest problem.