Messi to Miami FC (for real)

[Pitt79]

I dont think you realize the type of athleticism, muscle memory/movement, and coordination it takes to be a world-class athlete. If he grew up in the DR, he absolutely would have been a HOF 2nd baseman.

"WOULD HAVE"? Maybe "COULD" have, or maybe he'd have washed out in the minor leagues, or maybe he would have totally sucked and not even make his high school team. There's NO GUARANTEE that because someone is world class in one sport, that they would be world class in any sport.

 

[Pitt79]

I dont think you realize the type of athleticism, muscle memory/movement, and coordination it takes to be a world-class athlete. If he grew up in the DR, he absolutely would have been a HOF 2nd baseman.

You also think that NBA players or NFL WRs would be world class soccer stars if they had grown up playing soccer too, that's just as stupid, it's possible, BUT ONLY POSSIBLE. It's also possible that would suck at soccer.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

You also think that NBA players or NFL WRs would be world class soccer stars if they had grown up playing soccer too, that's just as stupid, it's possible, BUT ONLY POSSIBLE. It's also possible that would suck at soccer.

Athleticism is athleticism

 

[Pitt79]

Athleticism is athleticism

Not in every instance, I used to play pick up basketball with a guy my age who had played LB in the NFL, I easily kicked his ass, he was faster, stronger, could jump higher and I would always outplay him. I was a crappy athlete, slow, not really athletic, solid, but not measurably very strong. There are no guarantees, that everyone who's good at one sport, automatically wins at everything.

 

[brdst11]

A semifinal though? Maybe a cameo.

When I went to see him play for Argentina in New Jersey, he didn't start because he was sick. Smart move would have been for him to sit out the meaningless friendly vs Jamaica because why risk anything. But he entered the game in the second half and scored two goals. I assume he played because he knew people showed up to see him.

In the scenario where the Hounds had moved the game to Acrisure and sold 40k tickets to people who wanted to see him, I'm guessing he would find a way to play a half.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

When I went to see him play for Argentina in New Jersey, he didn't start because he was sick. Smart move would have been for him to sit out the meaningless friendly vs Jamaica because why risk anything. But he entered the game in the second half and scored two goals. I assume he played because he knew people showed up to see him.

In the scenario where the Hounds had moved the game to Acrisure and sold 40k tickets to people who wanted to see him, I'm guessing he would find a way to play a half.

Why? Those 2 situations are very different. In your example, Messi was already in that city and he was playing for 50K Argentinians in attendance. He is not going to get on a 2.5 hour flight and leave his family to play what he would consider to be a rec team when he has a league game a few days later.

 

[brdst11]

Why? Those 2 situations are very different. In your example, Messi was already in that city and he was playing for 50K Argentinians in attendance. He is not going to get on a 2.5 hour flight and leave his family to play what he would consider to be a rec team when he has a league game a few days later.

He was legitimately sick. He did not need to play but felt obligated to. No one would have faulted him for not playing if he was sick especially in the run up to the World Cup.

I'm guessing before the Hounds would have moved the game they would have asked Miami whether he was gonna play or not. Also given soccer's obsession with trophies I could see him wanting to win something especially if Miami's season looks like a lost cause.

 

[mike412]

I see the Saudis raised their offer to $1.5 Billion. I don’t think it matters.

Messi is a real family man. He is married to his girlfriend from when he was 12 years old and still living in Argentina. He is devoted to his family. Other than a few soccer players like Aguero and Suarez, his closest friends are primarily the husbands of his wife’s best girlfriends. She pretty much controls their social calendar. He basically had moved his entire family — and hers — to Barcelona by the time he was 18.

When they were all at Barcelona, he and Suarez were always together. Suarez bought the house next door to Messi in Casteldelfels. Their wives are close. The other star of M-S-N, Neymar? Maybe a Christmas card. Not a lifestyle Messi enjoys or frankly respects.

Messi went to La Masia, where three languages are required: Spanish, Catalan and English. Other guys in his class at La Masia, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique for example, are fluent in all three. Fabregas is fluent in at least 5 languages that I know of. Messi never really picked up Catalan or English. If he had mastered English he would have made a lot more money doing commercials than he has. When he does them he seldom (never) has English lines to say. He apparently is very conscious of that and he wants his children to be multilingual. One of the reasons the MLS appealed to him is it opens English up for his kids. (Remember, Pep took one or two years off from coaching to live in New York so he and his family could perfect their English.)

Messi likes money. Maybe not as much as his father, who theoretically now is his agent. (A way to support your family and get a tax deduction.) His father might urge him to take the $1.5 Billion. I don’t think he will.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

He was legitimately sick. He did not need to play but felt obligated to. No one would have faulted him for not playing if he was sick especially in the run up to the World Cup.

I'm guessing before the Hounds would have moved the game they would have asked Miami whether he was gonna play or not. Also given soccer's obsession with trophies I could see him wanting to win something especially if Miami's season looks like a lost cause.

We can agree to disagree. If the game vs Miami was in Miami, I would say maybe he comes on late. I just dont see him making that flight and staying at the Sheraton Station Square. These Euro stars HATE the MLS travel/long flights. We think that non-stop to FLA is a breeze. But 2.5 hours on a plane to them is a chore. Its like a Champions League match in Eastern Europe.

Also, unrelated, how are they not moving games to the Dolphins' stadium. I forgot that their stadium was a temportary/sorta portable stadium. Play it at the Dolphins and they get 60K every night.

Inter Miami player says club is 'not ready' for Lionel Messi's arrival in damning interview

Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman says the MLS club aren't ready for the arrival of Lionel Messi.

www.sportbible.com

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I see the Saudis raised their offer to $1.5 Billion. I don’t think it matters.

Messi is a real family man. He is married to his girlfriend from when he was 12 years old and still living in Argentina. He is devoted to his family. Other than a few soccer players like Aguero and Suarez, his closest friends are primarily the husbands of his wife’s best girlfriends. She pretty much controls their social calendar. He basically had moved his entire family — and hers — to Barcelona by the time he was 18.

When they were all at Barcelona, he and Suarez were always together. Suarez bought the house next door to Messi in Casteldelfels. Their wives are close. The other star of M-S-N, Neymar? Maybe a Christmas card. Not a lifestyle Messi enjoys or frankly respects.

Messi went to La Masia, where three languages are required: Spanish, Catalan and English. Other guys in his class at La Masia, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique for example, are fluent in all three. Fabregas is fluent in at least 5 languages that I know of. Messi never really picked up Catalan or English. If he had mastered English he would have made a lot more money doing commercials than he has. When he does them he seldom (never) has English lines to say. He apparently is very conscious of that and he wants his children to be multilingual. One of the reasons the MLS appealed to him is it opens English up for his kids. (Remember, Pep took one or two years off from coaching to live in New York so he and his family could perfect their English.)

Messi likes money. Maybe not as much as his father, who theoretically now is his agent. (A way to support your family and get a tax deduction.) His father might urge him to take the $1.5 Billion. I don’t think he will.

It’s easier to turn down a billion when you have a billion.

I posted last year that Fabregas was rumored to be coming with Messi then and it was due to the wives being tight. Of course the timing wasn’t right I guess and Messi didn’t come. If Cesc comes over now, sign me up as a Miami fan.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I see the Saudis raised their offer to $1.5 Billion. I don’t think it matters.

Messi is a real family man. He is married to his girlfriend from when he was 12 years old and still living in Argentina. He is devoted to his family. Other than a few soccer players like Aguero and Suarez, his closest friends are primarily the husbands of his wife’s best girlfriends. She pretty much controls their social calendar. He basically had moved his entire family — and hers — to Barcelona by the time he was 18.

When they were all at Barcelona, he and Suarez were always together. Suarez bought the house next door to Messi in Casteldelfels. Their wives are close. The other star of M-S-N, Neymar? Maybe a Christmas card. Not a lifestyle Messi enjoys or frankly respects.

Messi went to La Masia, where three languages are required: Spanish, Catalan and English. Other guys in his class at La Masia, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique for example, are fluent in all three. Fabregas is fluent in at least 5 languages that I know of. Messi never really picked up Catalan or English. If he had mastered English he would have made a lot more money doing commercials than he has. When he does them he seldom (never) has English lines to say. He apparently is very conscious of that and he wants his children to be multilingual. One of the reasons the MLS appealed to him is it opens English up for his kids. (Remember, Pep took one or two years off from coaching to live in New York so he and his family could perfect their English.)

Messi likes money. Maybe not as much as his father, who theoretically now is his agent. (A way to support your family and get a tax deduction.) His father might urge him to take the $1.5 Billion. I don’t think he will.

That's so much money though. I think if I were him, I would have done 1 year in Medieval Times for $1 billion or $750 million then went to MLS.

 

[mike412]

Cesc is the only Barca player I ever have met in person. A great guy. Smart, thoughtful, soft spoken, well-mannered. If I had a daughter…

The first match I ever saw in person was against Malaga before they got relegated. Messi didn’t play. Barca won 5-0 and Cesc scored a hat trick.

He played for arsenal and Chelsea, right? The English they teach at La Masia, he told me, is with a “modified” American accent. He said Pique told him that playing in Manchester had ruined his accent. I think he had spent 8 years at Arsenal before I met him and I didn’t detect any British accent to his English. I think he has been playing at Como. If you have to play in a lower division, not a bad place to play. And, Italian is his fourth language.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Cesc is the only Barca player I ever have met in person. A great guy. Smart, thoughtful, soft spoken, well-mannered. If I had a daughter…

The first match I ever saw in person was against Malaga before they got relegated. Messi didn’t play. Barca won 5-0 and Cesc scored a hat trick.

He played for arsenal and Chelsea, right? The English they teach at La Masia, he told me, is with a “modified” American accent. He said Pique told him that playing in Manchester had ruined his accent. I think he had spent 8 years at Arsenal before I met him and I didn’t detect any British accent to his English. I think he has been playing at Como. If you have to play in a lower division, not a bad place to play. And, Italian is his fourth language.

He’s had a very interesting career. Of course he won a World Cup with Spain and came up through Barcas academy…but his trophy case isn’t as grand as someone like a Pedro because when he did make it to Barcelona as a senior player, I think those were 3-4 lean Barca years by their standards. He joined a team at Barca that had just won 2-3 champions leagues and then I don’t think he ever won one as a player.

He’s considered a chelsea legend even though he had more appearances at Arsenal. He won two premier league titles and a couple other trophies at Chelsea but I don’t think he won a European trophy. He certainly didn’t win champions league. He remains very connected at Chelsea. He mentored Touchemeni and was brokering his move to Chelsea but then Putin happened, chelsea had all those internal ownership issues that put everything on hold and then Madrid stepped in and now the kid is in Spain.

Interesting thing about his time at Arsenal. He was young and not ready to break into the team. Afterall, he had to sit behind a legend like Patrick Veira. Cesc “played” for Arsenal the year they went undefeated, but he only made league cup appearances and did not get a premier league medal that year because he did not play one minute in the league. So he was on that great team but only along for the ride. I’m sure he learned a lot watching Veira though. When Veira moved on to Juventus, Fabregas moved into the lineup and became central to the team and eventual captain. Not sure how many trophies he won at arsenal. Probably not many. It’s arsenal afterall. Maybe a domestic cup or two. Then moved to Barca for a few years. Not sure what he won there but I’m sure he didn’t win Champions League.

He is one of my all time favorite players and the best passer I’ve ever seen. My favorite goal came off one of his assists. I’ll dig it up.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

My favorite goal

 

[Fk_Pitt]

My favorite Cesc story, as told by him. And of course it’s even better for those who understand the Diego Costa/Antonio Conte dynamic. Enjoy.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

 

[mike412]

I believe PSG sold $300 Million in Messi merchandise in the first 90 days after he signed. Of course Paris is a much bigger city, but he was competing with Mbappe in merchandising.

I assume InterMiami is Nike because Messi is a Nike guy.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I believe PSG sold $300 Million in Messi merchandise in the first 90 days after he signed. Of course Paris is a much bigger city, but he was competing with Mbappe in merchandising.

I assume InterMiami is Nike because Messi is a Nike guy.

Your factoid is Probably even a better measurement that the guy could have used instead of the guess he made. He looked at Messi’s Barca sales and simply took a guess, accounting for the fact that not everyone buys a new Messi Barca shirt each year. And his number was the same as yours.

I think all of MLS is still adidas.

 

[mike412]

One of the comments was that the sales will slow because most people don’t buy a new jersey every year. Au contraire. That’s why teams change their jerseys every year. It’s also why they have third jerseys. I’ve got Barca jerseys going back to the 1899-1999 centennial jersey (which still is my favorite). Not every year (only because of the Qatar sponsorship years) but almost.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

One of the comments was that the sales will slow because most people don’t buy a new jersey every year. Au contraire. That’s why teams change their jerseys every year. It’s also why they have third jerseys. I’ve got Barca jerseys going back to the 1899-1999 centennial jersey (which still is my favorite). Not every year (only because of the Qatar sponsorship years) but almost.

Barca sells jerseys all over the world and my guess is a majority of people can’t afford a yearly jersey. I’m thinking your 300 mil estimate is likely a good one.

 

[mike412]

So, the reports out of Barcelona are that Busquets is joining Messi in Miami. He now is vacationing with his family, on Safari in Kenya, and assuming a lion doesn’t get him, he will sign with Miami when he gets back.

Jordi Alba had a well-deserved day yesterday, being the captain of Spain for the first time because Busquets retired from international play. He got handed the trophy, which I actually teared up watching. He still can play. Especially in the attacking end. He has the second most lifetime assists to Messi. He supposedly also will join him at Miami.

Both of them still can play. They just don’t have the pace anymore needed on defense against top European sides. Both also are stripped of the ball more often than they used to be. But, Busquets made some of the prettiest passes you will ever see this year from 40 meters out. And, Alba still knows how to make pinpoint crosses. The problem this year was that Ferran and Raphina bottled them too often.

I even have heard reports that Cesc might go to Miami.

It looks like Miami might be in danger of becoming Barca West. Not that that is a bad thing as long as Messi is Messi.

One more thing: Messi had zero to do with Barca’s financial mess. They made money on him every year no matter how much they paid him. Merchandising and ticket sales more than paid his salary. They have averaged more than 7500 less per game since he left. At an average ticket price of $125 that’s a lot of money. Plus, there was increased attendance wherever he played.

I went to see a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven. Barca won 4-0 and Messi had a hat trick. We walked to the Metro Station with a lot of fans wearing PSV jerseys or scarves or hats or all 3. Almost all had been drinking and I remember thinking this could be an interesting train ride. But, almost to a man, they were happy. Yes, PSV had lost; but they had witnessed Messi scoring a hat trick in person. That was a story they could tell their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers forever.

I mean, I have been a Barca fan for 49 years and a Messi fan since he scored his first goal on an assist from Ronaldhino. But, I never realized the magnitude of the impact he has on people until I started coming here regularly back in 2012.

The man primarily responsible for Barca’s financial mess is the former president, Josep Marie Bartemou. If there is any Justice he will end up in prison.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

So, the reports out of Barcelona are that Busquets is joining Messi in Miami. He now is vacationing with his family, on Safari in Kenya, and assuming a lion doesn’t get him, he will sign with Miami when he gets back.

Jordi Alba had a well-deserved day yesterday, being the captain of Spain for the first time because Busquets retired from international play. He got handed the trophy, which I actually teared up watching. He still can play. Especially in the attacking end. He has the second most lifetime assists to Messi. He supposedly also will join him at Miami.

Both of them still can play. They just don’t have the pace anymore needed on defense against top European sides. Both also are stripped of the ball more often than they used to be. But, Busquets made some of the prettiest passes you will ever see this year from 40 meters out. And, Alba still knows how to make pinpoint crosses. The problem this year was that Ferran and Raphina bottled them too often.

I even have heard reports that Cesc might go to Miami.

It looks like Miami might be in danger of becoming Barca West. Not that that is a bad thing as long as Messi is Messi.

One more thing: Messi had zero to do with Barca’s financial mess. They made money on him every year no matter how much they paid him. Merchandising and ticket sales more than paid his salary. They have averaged more than 7500 less per game since he left. At an average ticket price of $125 that’s a lot of money. Plus, there was increased attendance wherever he played.

I went to see a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven. Barca won 4-0 and Messi had a hat trick. We walked to the Metro Station with a lot of fans wearing PSV jerseys or scarves or hats or all 3. Almost all had been drinking and I remember thinking this could be an interesting train ride. But, almost to a man, they were happy. Yes, PSV had lost; but they had witnessed Messi scoring a hat trick in person. That was a story they could tell their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers forever.

I mean, I have been a Barca fan for 49 years and a Messi fan since he scored his first goal on an assist from Ronaldhino. But, I never realized the magnitude of the impact he has on people until I started coming here regularly back in 2012.

The man primarily responsible for Barca’s financial mess is the former president, Josep Marie Bartemou. If there is any Justice he will end up in prison.

The Barca Over 40 team? I'm good with that.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

So, the reports out of Barcelona are that Busquets is joining Messi in Miami. He now is vacationing with his family, on Safari in Kenya, and assuming a lion doesn’t get him, he will sign with Miami when he gets back.

Jordi Alba had a well-deserved day yesterday, being the captain of Spain for the first time because Busquets retired from international play. He got handed the trophy, which I actually teared up watching. He still can play. Especially in the attacking end. He has the second most lifetime assists to Messi. He supposedly also will join him at Miami.

Both of them still can play. They just don’t have the pace anymore needed on defense against top European sides. Both also are stripped of the ball more often than they used to be. But, Busquets made some of the prettiest passes you will ever see this year from 40 meters out. And, Alba still knows how to make pinpoint crosses. The problem this year was that Ferran and Raphina bottled them too often.

I even have heard reports that Cesc might go to Miami.

It looks like Miami might be in danger of becoming Barca West. Not that that is a bad thing as long as Messi is Messi.

One more thing: Messi had zero to do with Barca’s financial mess. They made money on him every year no matter how much they paid him. Merchandising and ticket sales more than paid his salary. They have averaged more than 7500 less per game since he left. At an average ticket price of $125 that’s a lot of money. Plus, there was increased attendance wherever he played.

I went to see a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven. Barca won 4-0 and Messi had a hat trick. We walked to the Metro Station with a lot of fans wearing PSV jerseys or scarves or hats or all 3. Almost all had been drinking and I remember thinking this could be an interesting train ride. But, almost to a man, they were happy. Yes, PSV had lost; but they had witnessed Messi scoring a hat trick in person. That was a story they could tell their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers forever.

I mean, I have been a Barca fan for 49 years and a Messi fan since he scored his first goal on an assist from Ronaldhino. But, I never realized the magnitude of the impact he has on people until I started coming here regularly back in 2012.

The man primarily responsible for Barca’s financial mess is the former president, Josep Marie Bartemou. If there is any Justice he will end up in prison.

Ha! I was just thinking of you. Someone from Miami tweeted a picture of three jerseys in lockers with the caption “soon”. We know that one is for Messi and one is busquets. And if the Alba rumor is true, then I’m disappointed that there isn’t a 4th jersey for Cesc. I always thought he was coming.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Ha! I was just thinking of you. Someone from Miami tweeted a picture of three jerseys in lockers with the caption “soon”. We know that one is for Messi and one is busquets. And if the Alba rumor is true, then I’m disappointed that there isn’t a 4th jersey for Cesc. I always thought he was coming.

Will these guys play for Miami's MLS or TST team?

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Will these guys play for Miami's MLS or TST team?

They are inspired to play in the last US Open Cup that MLS plays in before the MLS player union negotiates their exit from the competition forever.

 

[mike412]

I was thinking Cesc as well. It’s like everyone Messi every played with is rumored to Miami. Except Ronaldhino. At least not yet.

Since Cesc is playing in the Seria A B league, he hasn’t been on TV and I don’t know how good he still is. But, he is the same age as Messi and younger than Busi. Also, an excellent passer. Miami needs someone in the MF to feed Messi.

If they got Cesc and Suarez, they could just call it Casteldefells West. They all lived within a couple of blocks of each other.