Fans chant Messi’s name during the Copa del Rey game against Real Madrid
Barcelona fans have made it clear that they want Lionel Messi back at the club. During the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Real Madrid, fans chanted Messi’s name in the 10th minute of the game. The same tribute was paid outside the stadium, as fans gathered in a popular square to show their love for their former captain.
Messi’s contract with Paris Saint Germain ends on June 30, and reports suggest that there are disagreements between him and PSG over his renewal, fueling hopes of his return to Barcelona. However, Barca is struggling with economic difficulties after surpassing its wage bill, making it difficult to afford anything close to the $438 million offer that Messi received from Saudi Arabia’s team, Al Hilal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is determined to bring Messi back to the club, but competing with other clubs like Al Hilal makes it challenging. In Mateu Alemany’s recent interview, he denied looking for ways to bring Messi back and stated that the team is focused on La Liga and the cup.
Despite these challenges, Barcelona fans dream of Messi’s return to Camp Nou. Their displays of affection remind him that he has not been forgotten even after he left under a cloud last summer.
Xavi’s departure from traditional Barca style causes debate
Xavi has departed from the traditional Barca style of 4-3-3 formation and introduced a more pragmatic approach to the game. This has caused debate among fans and experts alike about whether Barca should stick to their “beautiful football” style or adapt.
Two men who have seen the birth and evolution of Barca style, Josep Maria Minguella and Carles Rexach, have shared their views on the current tactics. While both agree that the “Barca DNA” is to play good and beautiful football, it depends on the players available.
Xavi has been successful in finding a team to win with a different football concept from the past, which involved more work and competitiveness. The concept of Total Football, introduced by Michels in the 1970s, changed the world of football, and the famous Barca style was brought first by Michels and then Cruyff.
Despite criticism, Barca is leading La Liga by 12 points from Real Madrid, whom they meet in a Copa del Rey semifinal. Xavi’s new tactics of four midfielders helped them build an impressive lead in La Liga this season.
FC Barcelona fans chant for Messi’s return during Copa del Rey semifinals
As Barcelona faced off against Real Madrid in a crucial semifinal match of Copa del Rey, Barcelona fans made their intentions clear by chanting Lionel Messi’s name during the 10th minute of the game. This tribute was also repeated outside the stadium, where fans gathered in large numbers to show their love for their former star player.
Mundo Deportivo suggested that Barca fans could pay tribute to Messi in the 10th minute by chanting his name to send a “clear message.” This display of affection might have influenced Messi’s decision regarding his club career future, according to his close friend Sergi Aguero.
With Messi’s contract set to end on June 30 at Paris Saint Germain, his future remains uncertain. However, the possibility of a prodigal son return to where it all started might tempt him to return despite fierce competition from clubs like Al Hilal.
In conclusion, despite economic difficulties and competition from other clubs, Barcelona fans continue to hope for Lionel Messi’s triumphant return to Camp Nou. Xavi has departed from traditional Barca style causing debate among fans and experts, while fans demonstrate their love and desire for Messi’s return through tributes during games. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will bring back their former captain, but the club and its fans seem eager to make it happen.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
