Lionel Messi | Joins Inter Miami (pg4111)

[andyhinch]

Yesterday afternoon there was a conversation amongst some South American journalists and some English ones. In the course of that conversation it was put out there from the South American end that this transfer is much further advanced than people realise, and that there would be A LOT of weird stories coming out as the various parties continued to negotiate behind the scenes. Basically the point was that this is far more political and far more Machiavellian than people even realise. Everyone knows the score and the idea that conversations began when Jorge arrived yesterday is wide of the mark.

Quite surprised at the reactions to last night's "he's staying 90%" story. Mainly because that story in it's details put forward the idea that he'd stay and sign for City for free next summer. That's a very interesting spin to put on the situation. I bet it made a few people at the Barcelona end even more nervous than the idea of him leaving this summer.

My understanding is the club are still confident, what’s your gut feeling ?

 

[SleepingBlueTiger]

I believe this, imagine Bart’s head right now. If Messi stays and doesn’t renew the amount of money on the line is going to make him crumble

It will be the problem of next president then, not him.
Of course there are different opinions but I legit believe Bartomeu cares more about symbolic legacy of not selling Messi than long term viability of club. 1 year of Messi means Barca will likely do better this season than they'll do under next president so that's another thing going for him.

 

[ws01]

Anyone else feel like I do?

There is absolutely no doubt Messi is an outstanding player, brilliant, fantastic, magic, call it as you will, and more importantly he still has it.

However, for those of a certain vintage who can recollect when we were the moneybags team back in the late '70's..... Trevor Francis, Kevin Reeves, Steve Daley, Steve McKenzie et al, it really did blow up in our faces (I believe). Will signing Messi have the risk of having the same effect? Will it unbalance the team? Can we play Messi, KDB, Foden, Bernardo, Mahrez even Sterling in the same team?

THB, for he if it was Messi or KDB, there would only be one winner.

Any thoughts ?

Well, not all of them in the same lineup, no. Messi will play as part of the front three. KDB the middle three.

As for who the dominant influence will be, yes, it will be Messi. You don't pay a guy a million pounds a week to play supporting cast - he WILL be the main man if he signs, that is almost unquestionable.

 

[uwe rosler 28]

I believe this, imagine Bart’s head right now. If Messi stays and doesn’t renew the amount of money on the line is going to make him crumble

Theres so much more than just messi not playing for them. Crowds wen allowed back in will be way down I'm sure sponsorships will have something to say if hes not playing messi won't be advertising anything for barca. All in messi court now barca are on a loser either way it's just how much they lose.

 

[Inter Me Nan]

Called what

It.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Called what

Oh don't ask him to repeat his bullshit.

He said Messi wasn't joining. Based on nothing other than being a miserable twat.

 

[Dirty Harry]

I have no fucking idea, other than guesswork.

Which is what Simon Jordan should be saying.

I think Messi will be a City player & I know as much about it, as Simon Jordan, which is FUCK ALL.

I do know, that unless he changes his mind, there is fuck all Barca can do to stop him leaving. That is irrespective of City, he can leave, himself, without even speaking to us.

To be fair NK, Jordan does have experience on how NOT to run a football club over you, unless there's something you're not telling us ;-).

 

[havefaith]

A FAILED club owner, who now passes judgment on others

Failed club owner vs one of the best, if not the best owners/business brains in the world - i know who my moneys on.

And if it all goes tits up then so be it, we're in safe hands - Have faith !

 

[riley347]

I have no fucking idea, other than guesswork.

Which is what Simon Jordan should be saying.

I think Messi will be a City player & I know as much about it, as Simon Jordan, which is FUCK ALL.

I do know, that unless he changes his mind, there is fuck all Barca can do to stop him leaving. That is irrespective of City, he can leave, himself, without even speaking to us.

ahhhh.... Simon Jordan...... absolute helmet .

 

[BillyShears]

My understanding is the club are still confident, what’s your gut feeling ?

Nothing has changed. Messi is on strike. His only possible destination is City. The rest is a dance or a negotiation.Nothing is ever done until it’s done and I often use the phrase “many a slip b’twixt cup n lip” to talk about transfers but in this instance I feel like this is more a matter of when not if.