NFL
By: Henry Curi
He wants a change in trajectory this late in his career. For the global icon, that trajectory is the desire to head to the Premier League’s Manchester City.
To finish any place other than first in La Liga for Barcelona is deemed a failure to the club’s standards. Out of the past 10 seasons, they have won their league seven times. This year, they fell short. The team rather saw their rival Real Madrid dominate the final stretch of the season with ease to come out on top.
On Barcelona’s side, there were preventable measures that now-former head coach Quique Setien could’ve made to give Messi the impression that this year’s team has a promising future. But the problem wasn’t necessarily the players. It was Setien himself.
Setien Failed Tactics
It looked as if he didn’t know what he was doing as head coach. He would bench star players such as Antoine Griezmann and Ivan Rakitic in pivotal games that needed their level of talent to produce.
He relied too much on his young players, simply brushing off the depth of the team’s veterans. This caused chemistry issues amongst Messi and the front office.
But Setien had a chance to make up his league loss by coming out of Champions League victorious. This chance though ended in utter humiliation. Barcelona was completely annihilated by FC Bayern Munich in an 8-2 conclusion in the second round. The loss became symbolic of the team’s chaotic season on and off the field.
This led to the sacking of Setien for newly appointed head coach Ronald Koeman.
Not too long after, Messi decided he’s seen enough of his franchise crumbling to more problems than solutions. The face of Barcelona made his announcement to leave the club in pursuit of reuniting with some familiar faces in Manchester City.
Messi’s Deep Relationship with Manchester City
It was foreseeable that if Messi decided to leave the club he’s played with his whole career, it would be for Man City. Not necessarily because the Premier League offers a great opportunity to progress his career, but because of some close ties with the people there.
Messi’s Argentine national teammate and close friend Sergio Aguero is a current player for Man City. Also, one of his main advocates to transfer to the English league.
Aguero is willing to give up his signature number 10 jersey to solidify Messi’s arrival. Even removing it from his Instagram handle to convey his message and desire to team up with arguably the best player in the world.
But the Barcelona star’s roots that appeal to his decision don’t just stop there. If the transfer is ultimately complete, then he is reunited with his former head coach Pep Guardiola. Whom the two have shared a successful tenure together as the dynamic coach-player duo in Barcelona from 2008-2012.
The two share an undeniable comradery off the field that makes their bond so crucial. Guardiola’s praise for Messi makes it a no-brainer for the former coach to push for such a climatic acquisition. Guardiola has stated, “In the past, I hear many, many times. That guy is like Messi [referring to other players]. That’s just not possible.” Everything that has been stirring as of late has also caused an uproar in the city of Barcelona that has the fanbase going on a frenzy in a result of the news.
The transfer of the face of futbol to a new city and a new league has not been fully arranged yet. Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has pledged to step down from his position if Messi decides to stay. A high steak proposal for a seemingly already made up mind.
