Sports Pod Review+: It’s getting Messi up in here Edition
Zonal Marking is a fantastic podcast about soccer tactics, Michael Cox has two of the best books on the subject that you will find, and he along with his co-hosts in this episode do a great job of breaking down just how much better Messi is at just about everything than everyone else is, and how it’s not even close. Funny story: this was supposed to be a bottle episode for the end of the season, who knew just how timely it would turn out to be.
If you prefer the visual medium, this podcast is actually an accompaniment for a beautifully written and presented story for The Athletic Lionel’s Messi’s ten stages of greatness, but you will need a subscription or a free trial.
This week, many of my friends who know me well have been checking in to make sure I am ok after hearing the news that Lionel Messi has told FC Barcelona that he wants out. Schadenfreude abounds behind many of my fellow football fan friends’ concern, obviously, but I suppose I deserve that having had the G.O.A.T play so long for the team I support. I intend to say more once this is all resolved, but for now three quick things:
Guillem Balague, who literally wrote the book on Messi, said on Grant Wahl’s new podcast that the only caveat to Messi’s exit clause on his insane contract is he has to notify the board by May before the new season that he intends to leave, otherwise he has to play out that season.
Josep Bartomeu, Barcelona Club President, facing a vote of no confidence, is denying reports he would resign if Messi committed to staying, which he should really do either way, the guy’s tenure has been a trainwreck.
That all being said, if it’s true he really wants to leave, he has earned it and more. Even if the whole board resigns, (my preferred option, check out the Martin Braithwaite section in my Euro xG dash page for more on that) and that doesn’t convince him to stay, then as a fan who has watched his whole career as a fan of his team generally and him specifically, gracias y Dios le bendiga.