
<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>’s journey from a young prospect in Argentina to one of soccer’s greatest players nearly took a different turn before his career had even begun in Europe. When <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/diego-maradona/">Diego Maradona</a> was already an inspiration to generations of Argentine players, <strong>Messi was trying to convince Barcelona that his extraordinary talent could overcome doubts about his physical development.</strong></p>



<p>Messi was just <strong>13 years old when he travelled from Argentina to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> in 2000</strong> for trials at La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy. Although his technical ability quickly caught the attention of coaches, his small stature and need for growth hormone treatment raised concerns about whether he could compete at the highest levels of youth soccer.</p>



<p>The debate has resurfaced after journalist Florent Torchut of <em><strong>France Football</strong></em>, author of the biography <em>Rey Leo</em>, revealed three internal scouting reports written during Messi’s initial assessment. The documents showed that while some coaches recognised his extraordinary potential, others were reluctant to recommend signing him.</p>



<h2>The first report praised Messi’s remarkable technique</h2>



<p>The initial evaluation was largely positive, highlighting Messi’s technical completeness and ability to stand out against players his age. The coach praised his vision, agility, intelligence, dribbling and shooting, identifying his physical development as the principal weakness.</p>



<p><em>“Considering his age, he is a very complete technical player,”</em> the report stated. It concluded: <em>“Very good in the penalty area. His only weakness is his height and lack of physicality. Great player.”</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="557" height="586" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/10/16185126/HUvt6dMXAAAt8RY-557x586.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-679964"><figcaption>Barcelona scouts’ reports</figcaption></figure>



<p>Despite those reservations, the assessment suggested that Barcelona had discovered a player with exceptional natural ability. The challenge was determining whether his talent could translate into success against bigger and physically stronger opponents.</p>



<h2>One coach delivered verdict that could have changed history</h2>



<p>The second report was considerably more pessimistic, focusing on Messi’s height of approximately <strong>142 centimetres</strong> and questioning whether he could progress through Barcelona’s youth categories. The coach believed his physical limitations would make it difficult to compete at higher levels, even if he continued to grow.</p>



<p><em>“Undeniable technical quality, but his physical limitation (142 cm) is very significant and prevents him from competing,”</em> the report stated. Its conclusion was blunt: <em>“I THINK HE SHOULD NOT BE SIGNED.”</em></p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="COMPILATION: Leo Messi top skills during Barça Youth Academy" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RaQvhgTu7QY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The coach recommended monitoring Messi’s development and reconsidering a possible signing a couple of years later. Had Barcelona followed that advice, the club might have missed the opportunity to secure one of the most influential players in football history.</p>



<h2>Maradona comparison changed the conversation</h2>



<p>The third evaluation offered a dramatically different perspective, with the coach recognising similarities between the young Messi and Argentine icon Diego Maradona. Rather than treating his physical limitations as a reason to wait, the evaluator believed Barcelona should invest in his potential immediately.</p>



<p><em>“Allowing for the differences, he is a Maradona (young in age). I would sign him; he has to go much further. We’ll see how he develops,”</em> the report read.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/07/16114112/Messi-and-Maradona-1920x1080.webp" alt="Diego Maradona head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi." class="wp-image-666250"><figcaption>Diego Maradona head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi.</figcaption></figure>



<p>That recommendation captured the extraordinary promise Messi was already showing at 13. While his future remained uncertain, the comparison with Maradona demonstrated that at least one coach could see something special beyond his physical appearance.</p>



<p>The Blaugrana ultimately decided to take the gamble, with sporting director Carles Rexach becoming a crucial supporter of Messi’s signing. The famous story of Rexach committing to the deal on a restaurant napkin in December 2000 has since become one of the sport’s most recognisable transfer anecdotes.</p>


Lionel Messi’s Barcelona dream almost ended at 13 as one coach delivered brutal verdict despite Diego Maradona comparison

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona dream almost ended at 13 as one coach delivered brutal verdict despite Diego Maradona comparison - World Soccer Talk

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<p>European soccer is home to some of the most prestigious and productive youth academies in the world. These academies have a storied history of developing young players who go on to become stars in the sport; contributing not only to their clubs but also to national teams across the globe. </p>



<p>According to <a href="https://x.com/CIES_Football/status/1826555913714450922" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIES</a>’ recent data, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> expectedly lead the most productive academies. Based on the number of players currently active in 58 leagues worldwide, the list also includes other European giants. These academies have produced a remarkable number of professional players, each academy boasting unique strengths in player development.</p>



<p>Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fabrica, stands at the pinnacle of youth development, with 67 players currently active in professional leagues worldwide. The name La Fabrica, meaning “The Factory,” is a testament to its reputation for consistently producing top-tier talent. The academy’s focus on technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physical conditioning has produced numerous stars; including legends like Raul, Iker Casillas, and more recently, players like Dani Carvajal and Nacho.</p>



<p>However, their phenomenal success over the last decade has all but come to an end due to a decline in skill levels and the success of other players. As a result, closely behind them is Barcelona’s famed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/la-masia-continues-to-pay-dividends-for-cash-strapped-barcelona-20231023-WST-464128.html">La Masia</a> academy; it has produced 64 players currently active in top leagues. La Masia is synonymous with the “tiki-taka” style. This philosophy has shaped some of the greatest players in modern soccer, including Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta.</p>



<p>In the 2024-25 La Liga opener, Hansi Flick started three 17-year-olds: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/no-messi-vs-yamal-conflicts-with-scheduling-2025-finalissima/">Lamine Yamal</a>, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal. This was only the second occasion this century that the Blaugrana have started three under-18 players.</p>



<h2>Who are the other best academies?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/16033706/Best-soccer-academies-2-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-524688" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ajax-tv-schedule/">Ajax</a>’s academy, De Toekomst, meaning “The Future,” is renowned for their focus on developing technically proficient players with a deep understanding of the game. With 61 players currently active across various leagues, Ajax’s influence on European soccer is undeniable. Furthermore, they have produced legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten; more recently, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.</p>



<p>Similarly, Serbian giant Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, have produced 60 players currently active in professional leagues. The club’s academy has a rich history of developing tough, technically sound players who excel in various European leagues. Notable graduates include Dejan Stanković and Nemanja Vidić, both of whom have made significant contributions to the sport.</p>



<p>In addition, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/benfica-tv-schedule/">Benfica</a>’s Seixal academy has become one of Europe’s most productive in recent years; with 59 players currently active in top leagues. The school has a stellar reputation for evaluating talent and producing young players with exceptional tactical acumen and technical skills. Moreover, they have a strong track record of selling players to top European clubs, often for substantial fees. Graduates like Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva have gone on to achieve great success in Europe; highlighting the academy’s influence.</p>



<h2>Manchester City aiming to rise to top of best soccer academies</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/16033708/Best-soccer-academies-1-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-524686" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>



<p>Meanwhile, Dynamo Kyiv’s academy stands as one of the most productive in Eastern Europe; with 56 players currently active in various leagues. The club has a long tradition of developing technically gifted and tactically astute players. As a result, many of these players have gone on to become key figures in Ukrainian soccer and have had successful careers abroad.</p>



<p>Sporting CP’s academy, often overshadowed by their Lisbon rivals Benfica, is nonetheless one of the best in Europe, with 55 players currently active in professional leagues. The academy is perhaps best known for producing Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in soccer history, which underscores its exceptional capability in nurturing world-class talent.</p>



<p>Moreover, Dinamo Zagreb’s academy is the most productive in the Balkans, with 53 players currently active in professional leagues. The academy is widely recognized for its ability to develop technically skilled players who are also tactically flexible. Luka Modrić, one of the best midfielders of his generation, is perhaps the most famous graduate, illustrating the academy’s success in developing top-tier talent.</p>



<p>Furthermore, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-history-of-manchester-united-vs-manchester-city-gary-james-interview-video-20130406-CMS-52551.html">Manchester City</a>’s academy has grown significantly in stature over the past decade, with 42 players currently active in top leagues. The club’s investment in youth development, particularly since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, has paid off with a steady stream of talent emerging from its ranks.</p>



<p>Lastly, Partizan Belgrade, another Serbian club with a rich tradition of developing talent, has 42 players currently active in professional leagues. The club’s academy is known for producing technically gifted and physically strong players who often move on to bigger European clubs, continuing the legacy of the academy on a broader scale.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Top most productive academies: Madrid and Barcelona lead way

European soccer is home to some of the most prestigious and best youth academies in the world who go on to become stars in the sport.

Top most productive academies: Madrid and Barcelona lead way - World Soccer Talk

<p>Barcelona is signing 16-year-old talent Lamine Yamal to a new contract extension that includes an other-worldly release clause. New reports indicate <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> wants to retain the winger for the future. Therefore, it is making the release clause over $1 billion. </p>



<p>Playing in his first season with the senior squad, Lamine Yamal has impressed. Even though he has yet to score, Yamal has been an impetus down the right side of the field. Despite his age, the 16-year-old shows a noted fearlessness when he plays. His creativity down the wing helped Barcelona defeat Sevilla this past weekend. His cross deflected off Sergio Ramos into the Sevilla net for the game’s only goal.</p>



<p>On Monday, Barcelona revealed Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension that runs through the 2025/26 season. By that time, he will still be a teenager. However, his potential could set him up as one of Europe’s best players. At least, that is the hope of Barcelona.</p>



<p>A product of <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1708831510294356298" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona’s youth academy</a>, Yamal originally filled in following Raphinha’s suspension early on in the campaign. The teenager’s performances helped Barcelona lead the league in goals after eight games. Now, he is one of Xavi’s favorites in the squad.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">❝It&apos;s an honor.❞<br><br>      — Lamine Yamal on his new deal with Barça <a href="https://t.co/bm3eFfimnx">pic.twitter.com/bm3eFfimnx</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1708848907495571655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Lamine Yamal contract extension with Barcelona makes him among most valuable</h2>



<p>If Xavi continues to use Yamal as a starter, his value among other clubs will continue to grow. Therefore, Barcelona would cash in on a massive profit in the hypothetical transfer of the Spaniard. According to <em><a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2023/10/02/651ad6db22601d5f2c8b4582.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marca</a></em>, Barcelona set Yamal’s release clause at $1 billion. The club did the same with nine other players. Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Ferran Torres all have release clauses that meet or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bright-future-barcelona-to-tie-two-rising-stars-to-1bn-release-clause-20230909-WST-455147.html">exceed $1 billion</a>. This shores up Barcelona’s potential for the next three or four years.</p>



<p>Barcelona started doing these massive release clauses in response to losing Neymar to PSG, which triggered the Brazilian’s $222 million transfer clause to break the single-player transfer record in 2017.</p>



<p>Lamine Yamal will continue to hunt for records in Barcelona’s coming games. He set the record as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelonas-lamine-yamal-to-feature-on-spain-squad-at-16-years-old-20230828-WST-452600.html">the youngest player</a> and goal-scorer with Spain, while also being the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-struggles-to-a-win-over-a-defiant-cadiz-side-20230820-WST-451166.html">youngest debutante with Barcelona</a>. Yamal will feature against Porto in Barcelona’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> group-stage match on Wednesday. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>


Barcelona extends teenager's contract with $1 billion clause

Barcelona is signing 16-year-old talent Lamine Yamal to a new contract extension that includes an other-worldly release clause.

<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/08/barcelona-billion-debt-1200x675.webp" alt="Barcelona&apos;s $1.5 billion debt" width="1200" height="675" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-342422" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<p>Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint Germain rocked the sports world. A sad, but necessary, move to try to reduce Barcelona’s dire situation of being $1.5 billion debt. Paris came to a standstill to welcome the Argentine. FC Barcelona did not have the winger as a first-team player for the first time in 16 years. LaLiga without the two biggest stars in the game.</p>
<p>Messi’s departure comes unexpectedly for seemingly everyone, including Barcelona management and the player himself. Lionel Messi returned to the club after his first major international success (winning the 2021 Copa América) ready to play. So ready to play that his pay would be slashed in half to free up finances for the club.</p>
<p>Yes, Messi would still make an estimated $85 million per year. If anything, it showed he was willing to work with the club to help them.</p>
<p>Newly elected Barcelona President Joan Laporta came in with two goals. The first one, to look good for fans, was to re-sign Messi. The Argentine’s contract expired at the end of the previous season, leaving him as a free agent. The second, more important goal, was to right Barcelona’s financial crisis.</p>
<p>FC Barcelona, among the biggest clubs in the world, sat billions of euros in debt. Despite a combined social media following of <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/2174175/barca-surpasses-400-million-followers-on-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">400-million users</a> and the <a href="https://football-observatory.com/IMG/sites/mr/mr44/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third-highest average attendance</a> in European soccer, the club was in economic ruin.</p>
<p>To estimate, most bookies say the club sat at $1.5 billion in the hole. As recently as August 16, the debt climbed to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/16/laporta-says-barcelona-finances-dramatic-but-future-bright/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.58 billion</a>, according to Laporta. Barcelona’s well-documented issues dominate headlines right now. Perhaps audiences enjoy watching the old guard fall. Or, on the flip side, fans enjoy seeing their comeback both on and off the field.</p>
<p>Regardless, these issues must be explained before they can be tackled and understood.</p>
<h3>Barcelona’s $1.5 billion debt in three pieces</h3>
<h5>1. Dodgy Transfers</h5>
<p>On face value, transfers are an easy way to spend or earn money, depending on value.</p>
<p>In Barcelona’s case, it’s an understatement to say they took risks in the transfer market when trying to acquire players. Some of this can be chalked up to simple bad luck with injuries. Ousmane Dembele came over from Borussia Dortmund for a base fee of 105 million euros. Add-ons and other fees brought that transfer up to <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2021/02/12/6026bc3d268e3ecf6a8b45da.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">125 million euros</a>. Dembele’s constant injury dilemmas and lack of success on the field illustrate the obvious failures in the transfer.</p>
<p>Similarly, Barcelona acquired Philippe Coutinho for a club-record fee of 160 million euros. Injuries did not help the Brazilian, who could not keep up form on the field. Often, Barcelona fans at Camp Nou would jeer the midfielder during games.</p>
<p>The same story exists for players like Samuel Umtiti, Andre Gomes and even Antoine Griezmann. Albeit, Griezmann’s performances are fine, they just do not warrant the 120 million euro transfer fee he required.</p>
<p>The only saving grace for Barcelona in terms of transfers is that they sold Neymar for a world-record fee of 222 million euros. Despite the influx of cash from the Parisians, debt persisted and worsened.</p>
<p>At the beginning of 2021, Barcelona’s transfer debt to other clubs sat at roughly <a href="https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-barcelona-reveal-how-much-they-owe-other-clubs-in-transfer-fees-20210125" target="_blank" rel="noopener">205 million euros</a>.</p>
<h5>2. COVID-19 and other ventures</h5>
<p>FC Barcelona, like millions of employees and companies around the world, suffered massive losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>In their end-of-year financial analysis, the club reported a <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/1856468/the-201920-economic-year-ends-with-losses-of-97-million-euros-caused-by-the-effects-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net loss of 97 million euros</a> in the 2019-20 season. The club attributes much of that to the loss of a true matchday experience. The club pulled in revenues of 162 million euros from stadium and other venue operation. This is 24 percent less than their revenues from the season prior. Additionally, 249 million euros of revenue came from broadcasting rights for Barcelona games via LaLiga, Copa del Rey or the Champions League. This resembles a 35 million euro decrease from 2018/19.</p>
<p>Despite total revenues reaching 855 million euros, the club budgeted 1.047 billion euros in revenue. The club came up 18 percent short in their revenues.</p>
<p>To boot, FC Barcelona continued their investment in upgrades to their stadium, Camp Nou. The Espai Barca project, which is a plan to modernize the grounds and the stadium at Camp Nou, costs roughly <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/news/1856346/fc-barcelona-gets-a-unique-financing-model-for-espai-barca-based-on-incremental-revenue-generated-by-the-camp-nou-over-25-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50 million euros each year</a>, for the next 25 years.</p>
<p>While a welcome change, Espai Barca represents yet another cost that may be avoidable. Regardless, the 25- to 30-year deal with Goldman Sachs yields 50 million in expenses each year.</p>
<div id="attachment_342371" style="width: 1290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-342371" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-342371 size-full" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/08/Camp-Nou-1280x720.webp" alt="" width="1280" height="720" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-342371" class="wp-caption-text">The famous Camp Nou sat empty for over an entire season, with costly renovations on the horizon.</p></div>
<h5></h5>
<h5>3. Wages</h5>
<p>The main eye-opener in Barcelona’s $1.5 billion debt is player wages. Headlines regarding Pique, Messi and other long-standing players mention the lofty wages that must be dealt with.</p>
<p>Before his contract ended, Messi’s contract brought him over 500 million euros over a four-year span. Gerard Pique needed to take a 50 percent salary cut just to allow Barcelona’s new signings to play.</p>
<p>The salary issue reached roughly <a href="https://salarysport.com/football/la-liga/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">280 million euros per year</a>. This was obviously unsustainable, and it brought tough decisions to the forefront of the club to offset Barcelona’s $1.5 billion debt.</p>
<h3>Steps towards recovery</h3>
<h5>Tough goodbyes</h5>
<p>Lionel Messi&nbsp;<em>is</em>, not was, an icon of the club. He wanted to stay and sign a new four-year deal at the club, taking a massive slash to his wages. He took on the saying&nbsp;<em>mes que un club</em>, as you would expect the captain to do. However, Messi’s contract and the associated plans presented by Laporta were not allowed under LaLiga attempts to tighten financial regulations.</p>
<p>With the need to shed 200 million euros to meet LaLiga’s salary cap, not even Messi’s 50 percent cut fit the designated amount. Pique’s contract was relatively small enough to squeeze into the salary cap.</p>
<p>For those wondering why Messi could not take more money off his contract, Barcelona thought of that as well. To avoid fraud, one’s contract can be no smaller than 50 percent of the previous contract. This means that even with the maximum cut, Messi’s contract was too large.</p>
<p>Here is where Joan Laporta blames the previous administration. Barcelona’s previous board, led by Josep Maria Bartomeu, signed players to such large contracts. Contracts so inflated that the debt kept piling up.</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/07/17/espn-faq-for-la-liga-everything-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong>ESPN+ FAQ for La Liga: Everything you need to know</em></p>
<p>Griezmann, Coutinho and Miralem Pjanic, all signings by the previous board, occupied the second-, third- and fourth-<a href="https://salarysport.com/football/la-liga/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest salaries in 2020/21</a>. One thing these players have in common is that they underperform based on their wages, significantly. No other team wants to buy these players in a transfer to help Barcelona knowing the on-field product will not deliver. In the end, these players sit, unused, raking in lump sums of money.</p>
<p>Francisco Trincão and Junior Firpo highlight those who departed in the summer of 2021 to shed some of the salary for the upcoming season.</p>
<h5>Return to Development at La Masia</h5>
<p>The previous administration took over in 2014. The squad headlined by Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and other La Masia products won three UEFA Champions League titles in six years. This core added a fourth in 2015. However, the direction of the club quickly changed.</p>
<p>The performances on the field lost the&nbsp;<em>tiki-taka</em> flair established by Pep Guardiola. Instead of growing talents from their academy, many players simply arrived via transfers.</p>
<p>We can see, now, how that turned out for the club. No more Champions League triumphs, a handful of domestic success, but nothing to match the standard of FC Barcelona.</p>
<p>To fix Barcelona’s $1.5 billion debt, the plan has to revert to using La Masia to create home-grown talents. Riqui Puig, Ilaix Moriba, Oscar Mingueza and other young players demonstrate the facility still has potential.</p>
<p>During his campaign for presidency, Laporta argued that the club must prioritize La Masia over outside transfers. This will be hard for many Barcelona fans used to domestic and intercontinental success, but this process will take time. However, the results, as seen in the ten-year stretch from 2006-2015, do not lie.</p>
<div id="attachment_342368" style="width: 1110px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-342368" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-342368 size-full" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/08/Pep-Resize-1100x683.webp" alt="" width="1100" height="683" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-342368" class="wp-caption-text">FC Barcelona players lift former manager Pep Guardiola.</p></div>
<h5></h5>
<h5>Rebuild the culture</h5>
<p>Lionel Messi is one of the last players to hold what made the Barcelona teams of years prior so special. He played with a certain style on the pitch. Also, he did not speak negatively about the club until the summer of 2020 during his quarrel with Bartomeu.</p>
<p>With Messi gone, it is hard to envision the trademark tiki-taka style at Camp Nou. With Laporta emphasizing the importance of La Masia, that style can return to its roots.</p>
<p>A younger revolution at the club means the chance to create something special. The results can be seen. Pedri, although he was purchased from Las Palmas, resembles what Iniesta and Xavi brought to the club. It is a challenging comparison to make, but Ansu Fati is on par with some of Messi’s early records. These players, along with the aforementioned La Masia graduates, can build the core of a team to legitimately compete in a few years.</p>
<p>What is even more exciting for Barcelona and its fans, is the fact that these players have the charisma and style that graced previous generations of Barcelona players. Perhaps Barcelona can rise again?</p>
<div style="font-size: 10px;color: #cccccc;overflow: hidden;font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc;text-decoration: none" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/can-espn-grow-laliga-in-the-united-states" title="Can ESPN grow LaLiga in the United States?" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc;text-decoration: none" rel="noopener">Can ESPN grow LaLiga in the United States?</a></div>


The downfall of Barcelona: How debt and transfers cost Messi

FC Barcelona's $1.5 billion debt seems like an impossible number to reach. However, what seems even more insurmountable is trying to overcome it.

The downfall of Barcelona: How debt and transfers cost Messi - World Soccer Talk

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The downfall of Barcelona: How debt and transfers cost Messi