Barcelona. Turbulence is part of the club identity at FC Barcelona, but the past twelve months have also been too much of a good thing for the 145,000 members. Messi's resignation via Burofax, the 2: 8 against Bayern, the raid on Camp Nou, the arrest of President Josep Bartomeu. Above all, the pandemic, 1.2 billion euros in debt and, most recently, the earliest Champions League exit in 14 years. But the club is currently setting the course for the future. One question determines it: what is Messi doing?
Today in Madrid the Clásico rise against Real (9 p.m., Dazn), and while the arch-rival continues to postpone the break in the squad, the momentum seems on the part of Barcelona. 19 league games you are undefeated, coach Ronald Koeman pushes talents like Pedri, 18, Ansu Fati, 18, Riqui Puig, 21, and Trincão, 21. The supposed transfer flop Ousmane Dembélé, 23, became a top performer, and Messi, 33, scored twelve Times in the last ten games. A win today and the chances of catching Atlético Madrid in the title race are good.
Messi's contract will expire in the summer. In the four years up to then he has earned 555 million euros, which became public to the annoyance of everyone involved. A cost factor in the precarious club finances and salary spheres, where only the sheik clubs Manchester City and Paris St. Germain come into question as new employers.
With the new President Joan Laporta, Messi now has at least his preferred candidate as boss. He is already cleaning up – Academy director Patrick Kluivert should have to leave -, wants to hold Messi and, despite mountain of debt, dreams of center forward Erling Håland, who could actually be used. Messi wants sporting prospects, but whether Barcelona can even afford such a restart with him on board is questionable. (joe)
