Beyond the Messi era

In what seems to be a bluff, FC Barcelona yesterday shook all the football world by releasing the news that the club would have no room for Lionel Messi. In no time, Barçelona fans filled out the outside scene of Camp Nou, looking flabbergasted by the statement of the club and media platforms that “Messi is leaving Barçelona” by club president, Joan Laporta.

How is the feeling for fans that they will no longer see Messi in the colours of the club he called home? After 21 years of high and low in the club, the fruitful partnership yielded 431 matches played, 672 goals scored with 305 assists. He achieved it in terms of trophies, he won 35 trophies with the Catalan giants, four Champions Leagues, 10 LaLiga, seven Copa del Reys, three FIFA Club World Cups, European Super Cup and eight Spanish Super Cups. Among memorable individual awards is the sixth Ballon d’ors.

Why is Messi leaving Barçelona? He became a free agent on July 1 after his contract with the club came to an end on June 30. Subsequently, Barçelona began negotiation with the player with the hope of achieving a new agreement. The renewal talk entered an advanced procedure after the long vacation of Messi from Ibiza, which he earned due to participation in the wining team of the summer Copa America (his first major international title with Argentina).

He arrived Barçelona with the intention of renewing his contract, but actually the otherwise has happened. He was expected to sign a new contract of five years with 50 percent pay cut. Although both parties agreed on a new deal, the financial inadequacy of Barçelona forced them to reduce their wage bill in line with La Liga’s financial fair play rules for this coming season. This precipitated Barçelona’s loss of the services of the best player in the world.

Messi is a very good footballer who almost concluded his playing career in Barcelona. The fact is that although he is leaving, his phenomenal legacy is eternal.

Gusau wrote from Abuja