Why did Messi, who grew up in Barcelona, voluntarily take a 50% salary cut and still missed Barcelona in the end?
Messi tears farewell to Barcelona: a game of money and dreams
Introduction: In the summer of 2021, a heartbreaking news came to fans around the world: FC Barcelona announced that Messi, whose legendary captain and known as the "King of Camp Nou", would not renew his contract. The star, who grew up at Barcelona, had to say goodbye to the club to which he had dedicated the first half of his career, even though he voluntarily took a 50% pay cut. What kind of tragedy is this? What are the hidden secrets behind it?
1. The Fall of a Superstar: From Camp Nou to the Parc des Princes
The story began in August 2021, when Messi had just led the Argentina national team to win the Copa America, the first major national team honor of his career, and fans around the world cheered. Before the joy of victory dissipated, a bombshell detonated the entire football world: Barcelona officially announced that it could not renew Messi's contract.
The news shocked the world like a bolt from the blue. Previously, Barcelona President Joan Laporta has publicly stated that he will renew his contract with Messi, and Messi himself has expressed his willingness to cut his salary by half to stay at Barcelona. The dream of "one person, one city" was completely shattered at that moment, and countless Barcelona fans were saddened.
Eventually, Messi joined Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and started a new chapter in his career. Messi, wearing the number 30 shirt, continued his legend at the Parc des Princes, but the memory of Camp Nou will remain in the hearts of fans forever.
2. Foggy: the clues hidden behind parting
Messi's departure is not simply an "expiration of his contract", a series of clues and details reveal the complexity behind this incident:
Huge salaries and La Liga salary caps:
Messi's sky-high annual salary, which is stretched thin under the impact of the epidemic, cannot afford it. In order to control the club's finances, La Liga has implemented a strict salary cap system, and Barcelona's total salary has been significantly reduced, even if Messi voluntarily reduces his salary, it cannot meet the requirements of La Liga.
Confusion in the Barça management:
The profligacy of the previous president Bartomeu left a huge financial hole for Barcelona, and the new president Laporta was busy "fighting fires" after taking office, but he was unable to fulfill the promise of "keeping Messi".
The CVC agreement and the game of the European Super League:
La Liga's cooperation agreement with CVC, as well as Barcelona's dedication to the European Super League, have also become important factors affecting Messi's stay and retention. In order to protect their own interests, La Liga seems to have put pressure on Barcelona over Messi's departure.
3. Wrestling with all sides: a tragedy of money and dreams
Messi's departure from Barcelona is not only a dispute between the club and the player, but also a tragedy of multi-party interests.
From Barcelona's point of view, objective factors such as the impact of the epidemic, the financial crisis, and the La Liga salary cap forced them to give up Messi. But the confusion and decision-making errors of the management are also to blame.
From Messi's point of view, he has made the biggest concession in order to stay at Barcelona, but in the end he still had to leave, which is undoubtedly a huge regret.
From La Liga's point of view, the salary cap system is meant to maintain the overall health of the league, but too rigid rules can also stifle the vitality of some clubs and even lead to the loss of superstars like Messi.
From the fans' point of view, the loss of their hero is an emotional blow.
4. Reflection and Prospect: Where is the future of football?
Messi's departure from Barcelona has triggered a deep reflection on the development model of football. In an era where money is paramount, can the dream of football continue? How can the club's business model be improved? How should the rules of the league be formulated to balance the interests of all parties?
There are no easy answers to these questions, and they need to be explored by the football community. But one thing is certain: football should not only be about money, but also about dreams, passion and human touch.
5. Where do the wings of dreams fly?
Messi's departure is the end of an era and a new beginning. He will continue to chase his dreams on a new stage, and Barcelona will also open a new chapter.
We look forward to Messi's wonderful performance at Paris Saint-Germain, and we also hope that Barcelona can get out of the predicament as soon as possible and regain its former glory.
Reader interaction: What do you think is the main reason why Messi left Barca? What are your thoughts on the future of football? Feel free to leave a message in the comment section and share your views.