#Copa America 2019

[l0n4t1csfan65]

some copa america lgbtq hcs and plz dont kill me

[miscomm]

everything you need to know about latin american geopolitics you can learn from football matches

[yelling-screaming-crying]

My dumbass thought the #copa america tag trending rn was about the coppa laws that killed youtube(and aphmau's content) from like 2019. :(

[cloudsspoke]

La Scaloneta is a...

It’s clear that both fans and players share the same sentiments toward La Scaloneta. “ An incredible group that was put together. When you are at the club sometimes you say, how long is it until you go to the national team? You are happy to be there ”, this is how Paredes defined the squad.

- The 'infamous' Players' Group Whatsapp

Paredes is the one who was in charge of creating the group chat. “ We were following the World Cup group drawing through Whatsapp. No, it’s not called La Scaloneta. The coach doesn’t like the nickname, sometimes we tell him jokingly. We left it (the Whatsapp group chat's name) at ‘Copa America’ because it was created when we play for Copa America ”

(Lautaro and Cuti confessed that a day after the World Cup Final, Paredes renamed the group chat from 'Copa America Champion' to ‘World Cup Champion’).

Another story Paredes told about the group chat was, “ We always talk. Every time one of us has to play we try to watch and talk after the game. There are many times that we have to play at the same time and we can’t, but we always try to look at each other ”

- A lot of times they have to become rival for 90mins, but let's pray for this squad to remain as a "Brother" for a very long time 🤞

- The way they take care of each other

Paredes took a trip down memory lane to the first moment he and De Paul broke the ice with Messi. He said, “ It was during an afternoon when we still had 2 hours before training and didn’t know what to do. And Rodri said, ‘That’s it, let’s grab the cards, mate, and knock on Leo’s door’. The idea is that simple; to play truco, drink mate, listen to some music, and hope he would receive us in the best way. We were lucky he opened the door to his room for us and everything has worked well since that moment "

De Paul on Messi: Having him, everything is easier. On a club level, I only had contact with him once, at Valencia vs Barcelona. Apart from that, I didn’t know him. Given everything he lives through he could be a reserved character, so he surprised me (as it turns out) he enjoys having a mate, listening to a song, and playing truco. We do warm-up games, and I say: ‘Leo, I’ll take you on!’, he loves that. That humanizes him. You can see him like he's from another dimension, but he’s just a person.

Furthermore, De Paul describes his role in the National Team as a ‘spare tire’. I have no problem putting it like that. And I’ll do anything to wear this jersey. With my role, we can cover Paredes and help Messi, everything comes in its own time whether it’s to help Messi to attack, or hold back to cover Paredes. You compliment them.

Messi's praise of De Paul

Between players, it has been well-known that the secret to make Leo (Messi) happy is by treating him normally. However, Cristian Romero said in reality it worked the other way around.

Cuti: Since I joined the National team, Leo always treats me like I am one of them, he made me see how simple it is beyond everything he has won in his career. 

"Rodrigo De Paul desde el primer día lo protegió, lo abrazó y lo apadrinó." - Molina's father told the story about how De Paul took care of his son when Molina first time played abroad for Udinese

Molina: I was at my house when Rodri with Correa were the first ones to call me and said ‘Congratulations! You deserve it! I hope you don’t flatter yourself (note: in a joking manner)’. I didn’t understand it until they told me that I had been summoned by the National Team.

Paredes to De Paul: How well we raised these 3 (Cuti-Licha-Moli)

Meanwhile, long before acting as Molina’s ‘godparent’, Rodri was the ‘little brother’ of Ota back when the 2 of them played for Valencia (and they’ve been a roommate since Brazil's 2019 Copa America). Take a look back at their Instagram, there are so many photos of them together both on-off pitch, even after Ota moved to Manchester, the friendship still continued.

- Players' bonding time with Asado

Love how the young ones 'take advantage' by making the elder do the cooking

- Their attention to the injured ones

Players' support for Gio; before, during, and after his comeback from injury

Mac Allister about Garnacho: I'm sure Licha is working on it (persuading Garna to join Argentina) right now

Licha: I'm taking him with me to Argentina

It’s like a cycle of them taking care of each other, one another 💕 Just like how Ota took care of Rodri and Rodri took care of Molina in return. Gio’s presence helped Cuti to adapt when they were both in Tottenham even for a little while. Tagliafico helped Licha while both played for Ajax. Leo welcomed Paredes in the NT and later Paredes (together with Di Maria & Ney) helped Leo adjust to a new life in Paris, and now it’s Licha’s turn to be ‘the old brother’ of Garnacho.

Meanwhile, so many people against Garnacho join the Argentine side, mostly because they are afraid this kid’s personality will ruin the ‘harmony’ within players and all those bullshit talk about him idolizing Ronaldo. Well, in my opinion, I am 100% sure that the second Garnacho misbehaves (if ever), Licha will be the first to reprimand him. For real though, I don’t think there will be bad individuals inside this NT as long as there are players like De Paul, Paredes, and Dibu.

And yes, like Kun said, wish that the more Garnacho spends time seeing Messi play, the faster he will realize who the real GOAT is,

although imo it’s not a crime to choose CR7 over Messi? if Messi can be best friends with Neymar and Suarez (both are Argies’ rivals), then why can’t Garna choose CR7 over Messi? It's only a matter of preference (not loyalty), anyway.

Meanwhile, Haters had a field day over Garnacho's injury news. Too bad we can't see Licha really taking Garna to Argentina.

- The 'dont-touch-Leo-or-I-will-kill-you' movement:

Throwback to Kun's reaction seeing the UCL drawing when PSG, Juventus, and Benfica were in the same group.

Meanwhile… Di Maria (& Messi himself) be like.. 😂

- Different interviews were conducted at different times, but these players shared the same stories about the squad

To quote Paredes: none of them makes a bad face if they have to be corrected, while Dibu said: ‘Acá nadie pone mala cara’

Dibu: One fell and the other ten help him to get up Licha: If they touch one (of us), we all go (to defend him)

De Paul said ‘Everyone knows what they’re expected to do’, similar to Paredes’ statement ‘Each one knows what they have to contribute’

Throwback to September 2019 during the match against Mexico. Argentina got a chance to score a goal via a penalty kick after Lautaro’s shot touched the hand of Mexico player. It’s understandable for Lau to think that he should be the player in charge of the pen kick since he already scored a brace and aimed for a hattrick. But somehow after Lau took the ball from Ochoa, Paredes demanded the ball from Lau and kicked the penalty himself. Paredes eventually scored & celebrated the goal with Lau, and 6 mins later Lautaro succesfully scored a hattrick. After the game, Lau posted a photo of him and Paredes with a playful caption to quickly shut down any rumor about an ‘altercation’ between him and Paredes during the penalty kick.

As for now, for me, it is ironic how people assume bringing Garnacho to the Scaloni squad can bring ‘dressing room drama’. No, it’s not. It’s the fans' ‘toxic’ culture that could destroy this family. The way people start to compete players against each other or criticize players’ World Cup performance while disregarding their roles in the previous tournaments. Yeah, everyone has their own opinion, but acting like they have the right to decide who should join the NT or play as a starter is truly ridiculous.

Paredes was one of the ‘undisputed starters’ on Scaloni’s squad but quickly lost his place after the loss against Saudi Arabia. He accepted his role as a substitute player and helped his teammates from the bench. “ I didn’t arrive in the best physical way and I was aware by not being 100% gonna cost me a lot. The group was above everything and luckily the great teammates (Enzo & Mac Allister) appeared as they played enormously well. I was surprised and very proud of them. ”

Dybala interview with Marca: I needed some time after my injury and I was not yet in the best condition. I wanted to support, be positive with the best energies, and never put an angry or frustrated face for not being played. I made the team feel like they could count on me. And so it was, I felt better and Scaloni trusted me in one of the most important moments.

Lautaro interview with espnargentina: I have discomfort with my swollen ankle and I had to play with painkillers. It’s not the World Cup that I expected (because the injury made him underperform), but Juli’s arrival made me very happy. He’d give the team what I couldn’t give.

I’ve seen many people questioning why then Scaloni didn’t choose a 100% fit player if he knew Dybala, Lautaro and Paredes weren’t 100% fit. The audacity for these people to think like that, because despite their injuries, during the crucial moments, all the 3 of them stepped up and executed their roles perfectly.

What's next?

Scaloni's interview on March 21st: I thanked the players again for winning the title, now it’s time to celebrate but this goes on. And it’s going to cost us more than ever because they are going to want to beat us much more. We need a lot more energy from everyone because everything will be more difficult.

In regards to the national team:

“A new process begins. Those who are world champions don’t have an advantage. The most important thing is that the players don't feel like the owners of the National Team and that the coach is always watching. There are also kids who are going to grow and play at a high level and fight for a place (in the NT)."

Say, we, supporters, love this team. We'd love to see Messi to win more trophies alongside these Muchachos. The closest is that we aim for a Copa America back-to-back champion. This time it will be 10x more difficult because other countries will proly want to beat Argentina just out of spite, just for them to be able to say "WE BEAT THE WORLD CHAMPION, WHERE IS MESSI? WE POCKET HIM, etc etc", like Scaloni said, this squad needs a lot more energy from everyone, and imo that includes US, the supporters.

Why? As I said earlier, fans' toxic culture could destroy this team from outside. What supporters don't easily grasp is the fact that Scaloni can easily kick any players out once they don't perform well and there's better replacement. This fact, the players are fully aware as they said in numerous interviews "In this squad, there's only 1 player who's irreplaceable. Other than Messi, we always have to fight for 1 spot". Specifically, De Paul said this, "I'll do anything to be able to wear this jersey, but if one day I don't play, it's because there are others who play better than me.",

Well, I think it's safe for us (supporters) to love all players equally and love them based on their performance on the pitch. That way if Scaloni decides to drop them from the future squad list we won't be so upset or displeased with that decision because we know that it's because there are other players who (according to Scaloni's better judgment) play better than our faves. If the players can accept the consequences with big hearts (like Lau, Dybala, and Paredes) then supporters need to learn to be respectful toward Scaloni and just pray for the best.

⭐⭐⭐

📌 Bonus gifs+pics

Lovely place, with good feelings, and a happy squad. The return of the KINGS 👑

Because Tumblr can only have up to 30 images in a post, I can't say anything more about this squad, but if you enjoy reading this post you can also click here to similar posts I have already made:

(1) Little Things I love from La Scaloneta

(2) Hilarious & Heartwarming stories about La Scaloneta

(3) Crackhead Muchachos

(4) Full thread about AFA's Tournament de Truco

(5) Full thread about Players' room arrangement (¿Quién duerme con quién?) + more gifs about Messi and the gang

🇦🇷🏆

[richarlis]

that time richarlison dedicated his goal to his great-grandmother but forgot her name 😁 (copa america finals interview after brazil's win, 2019)

[afadaily]

Rodrigo De Paul on Messi’s speech before facing Brazil at the World Cup Qualifiers 🗣️:

He said to us “We lost against Brazil in 2019, we came back, we won Copa America and made history. We lost against Saudi Arabia, we won the World Cup and made history. Now we lost again against Uruguay, so let’s go out and make history again” 🐐

[julianalvarez9]

virgil, the aeneid x copa america

(2) Copa America Brazil 2019 Semi Final match. Photo by Koji Watanabe // (3, 6, 20 & 21) Copa America Brazil 2021 Final match. Photo by Thiago Ribeiro // (5) Angel Di Maria celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider // (8) Detail of Lionel Messi's boot during a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider. // (9) Lionel Messi controls the ball during the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Wagner Meier. // (11) Lionel Messi with teammates during the penalty shoot out on the Final match of the Copa America Centenario USA 2016. Photo by Tim Clayton. // (12) Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates winning a penalty shootout after a semi-final match of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider. // (14 & 15) Screencaps from Netflix's "Sean Eternos: Campeones de América" // (17) Lionel Messi during the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match. Photo by Miguel Tovar // (18) Lionel Messi prior to the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Buda Mendes // (23) Lionel Messi after the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match. Photo by Raul Sifuentes. // (24) Lionel Messi celebrates as he talks on his phone with his family after winning the final of Copa America Brazil 2021. Photo by Alexandre Schneider.

[chompinatthebit]

Team USA has their man?

The search for the next leader of the US Men's National team is over, as Mauricio Pochettino is the next man to try and send the US men's team to the top of the soccer world. The US dismissed Gregg Berhalter for the second time after a poor showing at Copa America, with the consensus from critics that they needed to make a big name hire.

The former Chelsea coach comes in with an impressive resumé, probably the best the US has ever seen. He is known for a high pressing 4-2-3-1 attacking style of play and development of young players, which does sound like a good change for the national team.

Pochettino started in La Liga with Espanyol back in 2009 where he dealt with reported financial restrictions but established a system from the youth academy to the senior team which drew praise.

He then made the move to Southampton in 2013 where he lead the team to an 8th place finish which was the Saints best finish and highest point total in several years.

2014 saw him move over to Totthenham, the move that really made him a big name coach. They were immediately in contention in 2015, finishing the season 3rd in the table. The following season they had a second place finish, another great finish for the squad. His best season was 2019, where the Spurs made the Champions League final but lost to Liverpool.

In 2021, Pochettino found himself at PSG which saw him lead the team to a French Super Cup win, loss in the Champions League semis to Manchester City, Coupe de France title and second place finish in the league by a single point behind the champions in Lille. He did get PSG the ligue1 title the very next season, though.

In 2023, he was back in the Premier League as the coach of Chelsea, immediately taking the team to the EFL cup final but lose to Liverpool. He had issues with management over strategy and squad management that did lead to his dismissal in May of 2024

Pochettino has coached many big name players, that have been very successful under him, some of them you may have heard of: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Messi just to name a few. Pochettino hasn't been officially named yet as their is an issue with his Chelsea contract that the US have to figure out first but I doubt it isn't one that wouldn't be solved soon.

So do you like the move to get Pochettino and his attacking style of play, working the ball out of the back trying to work passes into the box?

I appreciate you for reading...enjoy your day!

[enzulianblog]

Julián y Enzo a lo largo del tiempo

Reserva de River Plate (2019)

River Plate

Entrenando en River Plate

Ultimo partido jugado por Julian y Enzo antes de que ambos se vayan a Europa. (06-07-2022)

Julian se despide de River Plate

Entrenamiento con la Selección Argentina.

Mundial 2022 - Qatar

Amistosos

Copa America

[l0n4t1csfan65]

brazil dinner

[techpahar]

Argentina vs Canada Copa Amereica 2024

Argentina has been on a remarkable run since June 2019, being unbeaten in 32 matches, which includes winning their first Copa America since 1993 and cruising through qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.

Canada has made significant strides as well, jumping 32 places to No. 40 in the FIFA rankings over the course of 2021, earning the title of "Most Improved Side" by FIFA. They've had success in World Cup qualifying and reached the semifinals of the Gold Cup.

Both teams have shown impressive performances leading up to the Copa America 2024.

Argentina and Canada have faced each other in 1 match in the FIFA World Cup, with Argentina winning that encounter. There is no extensive historical data available for their head-to-head record beyond this match.

Get More Info

[neyxmessi]

After Argentina’s defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America, Neymar and Messi were involved in a brief embrace as the Argentina captain trudged around backstage after the semi-final clash. Spanish outlet SPORT say the pair resumed their meet-up for "several minutes".

[cloudsspoke]

Breaking: Paulo Dybala no va a la Copa

This whole Dybala mess really upsets me.

This is actually kinda ironic for me because back in March, at the end of my post (this post), I wrote a lengthy paragraph about how fans’ toxic culture could destroy this team.

That supporters’ behavior who tend to compete players against e.o or criticize players, act like they have the right to decide who should join the NT and who shouldn’t is ridiculous. I mean, being Scaloni isn’t an easy job. Not only that Scaloni have to defend the Copa America title holder, but he also has to pick 23 or 26 players to be invited for his Copa squad when roughly 50 players are showing immense performance on their respective clubs this season. It must’ve been a dilemma, and supporters need to be wise in accepting what Scaloni has decided and believe that Scaloni knows better what is best for his team.

I never expected that I would have to swallow the bitter pill of my own words. Because that is actually what’s happening now, with Dybala becoming the center of controversion in light of the decision made by Scaloni.

Really, who would have thought that the player that gets left behind would be Dybala?

We’ve all seen how Dybala is a true baller this season, despite his injuries. Man be the only player who won 3 POTM awards, assisted 9 times, and scored 13 goals with 7 of that being 100% successful penalties. Unlike how he got injured 40 days before the World Cup, this time –less than a month before Copa– he’s fit. But what the heck then Scaloni decided not to call him?????

Maybe this is what Scaloni meant when he said, those who played for WC don’t have any advantages. That the only 2 players who got a 100% guarantee to play for this year’s Copa are just Messi and Di Maria. But the idea of not calling Dybala is just a total shocker to almost everyone.

A little throwback when the news of him picking up an injury just 40 days before the World Cup sent his teammates into concern. According to Cuti’s statement, their Whatsapp Group chat talked about that and he felt bad for Dybala.

But, surprise surprise, he still made it into the list and joined the whole team just a day before he celebrated his birthday with the team in Abu Dhabi (November 14th).

You can see just how happy and relieved everyone was when they embraced Dybala, even Cuti hogged him from the rest of the players.

Back to the present time.

How can I defend Dybala without discrediting other players, such as Angel Correa, Garnacho (who did well on United tbh), Carboni, or Nico Gonzales, whom according to Sofascore they are all scored less than Dybala’s average rating.

How can I explain that I don't expect Dybala to play as a starter (I don't even expect him to play as a sub either). My only plea toward Scaloni is simply to put Dybala on the roster just like Scaloni always puts Armani despite him not playing. Dybala's presence itself is enough for me.

I know the reality is kinda harsh for Dybala as he found it difficult to get a permanent spot (not only in the Scaloni era).

As in the last World Cup, Dybala only played <20 minutes (replacing Julian in the 74th minute in the match against Croatia and coming on in the last minute during the Final match).

Moreover, in the previous Copa Dybala was also absent due to poor performance at Juve caused by his injury. It really hurts to know he missed the chance to play when the country won the trophy.

To lessen the disappointment, he at least won Finalissima by only playing for 5 minutes, and amazingly in just that short time he scored a goal to secure that 3-0 victory over Italy.

Looking back at the 2019 Copa, out of the total 6 matches played by Argentina, Dybala’s first time entering the field was in the 3rd match against Qatar. Coming on in the 76th minute to replace Lautaro, providing an assist for Kun 6 minutes later. Argentina’s 4th match, he played in the last 5 minutes when Argentina was leading 2-0.

In the next game, again he came in the 85th minute when Argentina had already lost 2-0 to Brazil, and as for the last match to obtain the 3rd place Dybala played as a starter, along with Messi and Kun, scored in the 22nd minute before being replaced by Di Maria in the 67th minute.

Can you see what I’m trying to prove here?

Dybala may not always be the #1 option, but when he eventually plays, he delivers. He’s a clutch. And just like his statement, that he simply wanted to support the team, and tried not to show an angry or frustrated face for not being played. He knew this, and regardless of the situation he was fine with that. He accepted that.

And judging from how very important it is to be an NT player for every Argentinian footballer, I believe Dybala is happy enough to be invited to this year’s Copa even without any guarantee that Scaloni will really let him play. I believe he wouldn’t mind being a benchwarmer (unlike that England player who refused the country call because he didn’t want to be a benchwarmer under Southgate as coach).

So, what made Scaloni leave him out this time around?

What frustrates me the most is knowing there’s no logical reason to justify Scaloni’s shocking decision not to call Dybala up for Copa. There’s absolutely no reason at all.

1) He's fit,

2) His performance with Roma this season is amazing despite injury, while the other players that Scaloni chose are actually played not much better than Dybala,

3) Sentimental aspect-wise, he's one of the senior players,

And even more so 4) He has good chemistry with the whole team (( Especially since he's also part of Messi's close circle –Messi, LDP, Ota, Di Maria, and the Palo Santo trio– ))

5) Nothing bad happened between him and Scaloni previously (as confirmed by Scaloni himself in this interview).

Even Scaloni told that story about his son Noah’s favorite player is Dybala. Like, is that doesn't mean a thing??????

In return, Dybala always shows respect to Scaloni. Never openly throw a fit or complaint.

6) More importantly, this might be Dybala’s last chance to play in Copa America ffs!!

So, what's with the sudden plot twist????

Many people reacted to this news by saying, “Scaloni can do everything that he wants, you don’t question him”, "With or without Dybala won't change anything", and yes, it’s true. Scaloni could have called Dybala either based on performance aspect or sentimental reason, or even simply just because he can and I bet no one will gonna file a complaint about that because almost all of us expected Dybala to be there!! And okay, Dybala's existence won't give any differences since probably won't play either, but at the very least it could spare Scaloni from having this unnecessary public frenzy.

But somehow out of nowhere, Scaloni chose the extreme opposite. Which then sparked public heated discussion, and eventually, supporters dragged the other players like Garnacho or Nico Gonzales, when In my opinion the most random thing out of this situation is the fact that Scaloni chose Angel Correa over Dybala (again, I don't mean to belittle Correa, simply just stating a fact that it's bizarre).

Call me overreacting or being a bit too dramatic, but it feels like Scaloni is using the power that he knows he has. I’m saying this because there’s no justifiable reason to explain this Dybala situation, this feels like purely a power trip from the coach.

I try to respect Scaloni’s decision, I try to be positive and supportive, I want to be level-headed in response to this news, I try not to hate the coach, I try not dragging the other players, and even try to not pity Dybala’s bad luck too, but it’s just hard.

I know, anything can still happen.

Who knows, right?

Maybe Scaloni suddenly realizes that he made a mistake and is willing to make a little change on the squad list. Maybe some players try to reason with Scaloni for him to call Dybala. Or maybe someone from the already selected strikers picks up a last-minute injury so he can’t play thus Scaloni has no other option than to replace that someone with Dybala (this is very ill thought coming from my brain, pardon not pardon). or maybe Dybala will get married to Oriana this June, so at the very least, he won’t be feeling too woeful to abstain from Copa (the last part is just my wishful thinking tho)…

At last, I'm upset knowing that Dybala out from Copa means I won't get any new content of this beloved Cordobese pair.

And for this reason alone, Scaloni, sir, what you did is a crime.

UPDATE:

Paulo Dybala rompió el silencio tras la no convocatoria a la Selección Argentina:

Tenía confianza en formar parte del equipo, así que fue un golpe muy duro para mí porque ser parte de la selección nacional es una de las mejores cosas que he tenido. Entiendo que a nuestro entrenador le resulte difícil elegir. Tenemos tantos buenos jugadores en equipos de toda Europa y él tiene que elegir 26. Respeto su decisión. Siempre le he dicho eso. Tengo una gran relación con él y sin duda ha elegido lo mejor para la Selección Argentina.

Estaré animando desde casa, como siempre que no estoy en el equipo. Tengo muchos amigos y espero de todo corazón que puedan volver a ganar la Copa América.

No estoy llorando, tú estás llorando 😭😭😭😭

[cant-get-no-worse]

I loved reading your post about Neymar leaving barca. Can you please write about Messi too. I'm also kinda new to the inside story's of football so would really like to know about it.

Making a culer ramble about LM10 leaving Barcelona

Anyways LET'S GO BOYS, buckle the seatbelts and set up the parachutes cause this one's messy (cue faint laughter) too.

Context : so Leo Messi was signed at 13 yo at FCB, and is therefore considered a La Masia (club's academy) product, such as the likes of Iniesta, Xavi (current coach), Piqué, Puyol, etc, and more recently Gavi, Fati, etc. He did his whole club career there, from 2000 (with the Junior team) till 2021; was widely seen as a one-club man who'd end his career there, at the club of his life. Despite this though, everything wasn't all unicorns and pink sparkles and his relationship with the club wavered several times, and hard.

There were first rumors about a departure in 2014, but the death of Tito Vilanova (Barca assistant/coach and close to Leo) changed that (common version is that Tito asked him to stay at the club, Leo obliged). A year later in 2015, very strong movements about him possibly moving to Chelsea after rumored failing relationship with then coach Luis Enrique. Everything kind of calmed down until Neymar's departure in 2017; Leo was one of several players who entered in a sort of cold war with the board for failing to find a proper replacement for Neymar. A bit of calm again, until in August 2020, small bombshell: Messi's side sent a burofax (the trolling on twitter was funny asf ngl) expressing his desire to part ways with the club. By then, under the presidency of Bartomeu, the club was a clear mess in and off the pitch and getting out of one of its worst seasons ever (2019 - 2020). Ensued a very public back and forth argument between Messi's side and the club (about which ex players and ex managers also expressed their opinions, somehow), at the end of which Messi eventually refused to take the matter to court (« I would never go to court against the club of my life » alright, let me indulge in that quote a bit, a girl needs some soothing).

So he started the 2020 - 2021 season to go til the end of his contract, which was to end on July 1st, 2021. Didn't deter him from openly speaking against the club, though, the guy was pissed off and made it known (criticizing the way Luis Suarez, FCB striker since 2014 and close friend of Leo, was shamefully let go from the club: « at this stage nothing surprises me any more [about the club] »). The season finished in May 2021, and by that time, despite very mediocre results, it's said he'd changed his mind and wanted to stay at the club, wanted to sign a contract extension. On July 1st, contract expired, he becomes a free agent (meaning any club can sign him) in the middle of the Copa America he's playing with Argentina.

Now, ensue one of the most messy couple of weeks ever. We don't really know what happened because several versions were given: it's all image/media manipulation on who fucked who, who's at fault, who tried, etc. Basically, it's Laporta v. Messi's side. I would direct you to this twitter thread that gives the player's version. Broken down simply, everything seemed to have been agreed for a renewal; Leo spend the 2021 Copa America (DALE CAMPEON) persuaded that it was just a matter of days/weeks until he'd sign the renewal. Until, very suddenly, on August 5th, Laporta called it all off and said the deal wouldn't go through; FCB wouldn't renew Messi.

Of the reasons that were invoked, the crucial point remains the obvious financial struggles the club was going through (had been for long time, it was kind of the tipping point). Messi's wages were declared too expensive and endangering for the club, despite Messi reportedly agreeing to a 50% or 75% - versions vary - wages cut (something no other player in the dressing room agreed to); Laporta said he was putting the club's safety above all else. So, by early August 2021, Messi was left with no club, his agent/father having rejected multiple times multiple offers (such as City's) in July, thinking a new deal was to be concluded shortly with FCB.

BOOM. Do you hear that? That's oil money, babe. Enter our dear trashcan of a club, PSG. PSG's sporting director, Leonardo, had left the door ajar for Jorge Messi, just in case: that's were Jorge went, for lack of other options, when Laporta called the FCB deal off at the ending month of the summer transfer window. There were strong links for Messi to go to PSG: the French locker room comprised several close Argentine friends & teammates with whom he'd just won the Copa America (Paredes, Di Maria) and another close friend in Neymar, who'd never stopped dreaming about playing with Leo again and was all too eager to make Leo come to PSG. These guys pushed for him to come to the club; it assured him some familiarity amidst what was a career & life earthquake - change of club, of league, of country. PSG immediately facilitated everything, and in a matter of days, the deal was concluded. (Upon which our very own Brazilian 222M transfer posted Instagram stories of him watching Neymar/Messi edits on Youtube to celebrate Leo's coming. I got no words. Istg we should disect the man's brains.)

The infamous press conf given by Leo was reportedly rushed by Laporta's side, who wanted to get accross Laporta's version of what had happened as quickly and controlled as possible.

Messi's departure broke several links: commercially wise, important sponsors withdrew from the club and from La Liga. Personally wise, his friendship with Piqué (it's said Piqué, friend dating all the way back to the La Masia days, was the one who told Laporta getting Messi off would help the club's finances), which Messi took as a treason (they still don't talk to this day). Messi's relationship with Laporta took a hit too, I mean, like, was completely broken as well. That's partly why until a few months ago it seemed impossible for him to come back, with a relationship to a club's president as severed as theirs was/is. The overnight U turn of Laporta deprived Messi from having options (City, were his ex manager Pep Guardiola is) and forced him to chose under the pressure of time, the fact that if Laporta had decided to make the older players in the locker room take a wage cut as well, with the amount of revenue Messi generates for the club, he could have stayed, the cold media war over which version was the truth, the press conference, etc.

It's messy as fuck. But unlike Neymar's departure, it's not coming from the player, but rather a player evicted from the club (with reason or not; I'm not judging, just stating), so it's less of asking from where/why the decision comes from, and more why/was it necessary to.

In conclusion :

That's it for the Messi saga (shiver - for now..). Stay tuned etc. Hope I cleared a bit up! ❤️

[afadaily]

Adidas made to Leo 8 golden rings, each one with a different design according to his achievements each year:

2009: “The Kiss” for his celebration kissing his boot at the UCL Final against Manchester United 🔴

2010: “Looking at the sky” for his famous celebration in honor to his grandmother Celia.

2011: “GOAT” for being selected as the best player of the best team ever, Guardiola’s FC Barcelona.

2012: “91” for scoring that number of times in a single season, an achievement nobody has been able to equalise or surpass.

2015: For his last UCL trophy.

2019: For winning the Golden Boot.

2021: “South american Champion” for winning the Copa America, being MVP and Top Scorer.

2023: “The three stars” for his biggest and most recent achievement: The World Cup

[njrsports]

EIGHTH BALLOND,OR WINS LIONEL MESSI

THE WINNER OF THE 2023 BALLOND,OR HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AND LIONEL MESSI HAS WON A RECORD -EXTENDING EIGHTH AWARD. THE INTER MIAMI AND ARGENTINA STRICKER , WHO PLAYED FOR PARIS SAINT -GERMAIN LAST SEASON CAPTAINED ARGENTINA TO THE WORLD CUP IN QUATAR IN LAST DECEMBER ENDING A 36 -YEAR WAIT FOR THE SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY.MESSI 36 HAS WON THE AWARD THREE TIMES MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE. LIONEL MESSI WAS NAMED THE BALLONDOR, 2023 WINNER AT A CERMONEY IN PARIS ON MONDAY, THE EIGTH TIME HE WAS WON THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD. MESSI CAPTAINED ARGENTINA TO 2022 WORLD CUP SUCESS IN QUATAR LAST WINTER THE FAST TIME HE WON THE TOURNAMENT WHICH ENDED A 36 -YEAR WAIT. LA ALBICELESTE. THE MESSI IN 36 YEAR -OLD SCORED TWICE IN A BLOCKBUSTER FINAL AGANIST FRANCE IN DECEMBER WHICH FINISHED 3-3 AFTER EXTRA TIME SCORED IN THE PENALTY SHOOT-OUT AND WAS NAMED PLAYER OF THE MATCH. MESI FOUGHT OFF- COMPETITION FROM MANCHESTER CITY ERLING HAAALAND AND FORMER PARIS SAINT GERMAIN TEAM MATE KYLIAN MBABBE AS WELL AS 26 OTHER NOMINESES TO WIN THE AWARD. IN A LEAGUE TITILE WINNING SEASON FOR PSG HE PLAYED 41 MATCHES DURING . THE 2022/23 SEASON SCORED 21 GOALS AND PROVIDED 20 ASSISTS AT THE WORLD CUP IN QUATAR MESSI SCORED TWICE IN THE GROUP STAGE AND WAS ON TARGET IN EACH KNOCKOUT ROUND IN AUSTRALIA AND NETHERLANDS ,AND CROATIA AND THEN IN THE FINAL . HE FINISHED SECOND IN THE TOP GOALSCORER CHARTS WITH SEVEN GOALS AND RECEIVED THE GOLDEN BOLL ATT THE CONCLUSION OF THE TOURNAMENT IN RECOGNITION OF HIS FINE CAMPAIGHN . ON STAGE HE SAID,, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO SHARE TO SHARE WITH THE MY NATIONAL TEAM .. THE ENTIRE GROUP THE COACHING STAFF EVERYONE INVOLVED,. I,M DELIGHTED TOBR HERE ONCE MORE TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY IN TO THE WORLD CUP LA ALBICELESTE BEAT FRANCE ON PENALTIES IN THE FINALS AT THE 2022 WORLD CUP IN QUATAR WITH MESSI CLAMING THE GOLDEN BOLL AS WELL. BEFORE MOVING TO MIAMI THIS SUMMER THE 36 YEAR OLD FORWARD ALSO WON THE FRENCH TITLE WITH PARIS SAINT -GERMAIN. IN AUGUST THE SUPERSTAR STAR TOOK HIS NEW TEAM TO THEIR EVER TITILE AS INTER MIAMI CLINCHED THE LEAGUES CUP. I,COULDN,T THAT L,VE ACHEIVED THE FORTUNE I,VE HAD PLAYING FOR THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD THE BEST TEAM IN HISTORY. IT,S TIME NICE TO WITH THSE TO WIN COPA AMERICA AND THEN THE WORLD CUP GET IT DONE IS AMAZING.

MESSI AWARDS

EUROPEAN GOLDEN SHOE -2018,2017,2013

WORLS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012- 2011-,2009

PICHICHI TROPHY 2021 , 2020, 2019

FI FA WORLD PLAYER OF THE PLAYER -2009.

THE BEST FIFA MENS PLAYER 2019.

UEFA MENS PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011 2015

BALLOND,OR 2019 2021 2023 .

LA LIGA AWARD BEST PLAYER -2013,2012,2015

GOLDEN BOY AWARD 2020

FIFA GOLDEN BOLL 2014

UEFA FOOTBOLL OF THE YEAR 2009

BRAVO AWARD 2007

MARCA AWARD 2009

UEFA CLUB FORWARD OF THE YEAR 2009

COPA AMERICA YONG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2007

LA LIGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2010

LA LIGA FOREIGN OFF THE YEAR 2010

ARGENTINA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI WON A RECORD EXTENDING 8 TH BALLONDOR FOR THE BEST PLAYER OF THE C IN THE WORLD ON MONDAY . BEATING NORWAYS UEFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND TRABLE WINNER ERLING HALLAND OF MANCHESTER CITY TO THE PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE WHO HIMSELF BAGGED THE GERED MULLER TROPHY AFTER BECOMING THE HIGHEST SCORE IN EUROPE LAST SEASON WITH 56 GOALS. INTER MIAMI MESSI WHO LAST WON THE AWARD IN 2021 PLAYED ROLE IN GFUDINING ARGENTINA TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP TITLE IN 36 YEARS WHEN THEY BEAT DEFENDING FRANCE IN THE FINAL LAST YEAR. THE 36 YEARS OLD IS NOW 3 BALLONDOR LEAR OF RIVAL CR7 WHO WON THE LAST HIS 5 TROPHYS IN 2017. MESSI HAS NOW FINISHED AMONG THE TOP THREE A RECORD 14 TIMES IN TOTAL FINISHING RUNNER UP ON THE 5 OCCASIONS... MESSI RELOCATED TO SPAIN FROM ARGENTINA AGED 13 TO JOIN BARCELONA FOR WHOM HE MADE HIS COMPETITIVE DEBUT AGED 17 IN OCTOBER 2004. HE ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS AN INTEGRAL OLAYER FOR THE CLUB WITH IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. AND IN THE FIRST SEAQSON 2008.2009. AN ARGENTINA INTERNATIONAL MESSI IS THE COUNTRY ALL TIME LEADING GOAL SCORER AND ALSO HOLDS THE NATIONAL RECORD FOR APPERENCES . AT YOUTH LEVEL HE WON THE 2005 FIFA WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP. FINISHING THE TOURNAMENT WITH BITH THE GOLDEN BOLL AND GOLDEN SHOE . 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS. A PROLFIC GOAL SCORER AND CREATIVE PLAY MAKER MESSI HOLDS THE RECORDS THE MOST GOALS IN A LA LIGA AND COPA AMERICA.