A man in his late 30s took a long drag from his cigarette outside the rustic entrance of Madam Sofia's restaurant. He was dressed in loose black pants, a crewneck grey t-shirt, and olive Adidas Campus 80s. The man had been standing there for a couple of minutes now, running his hand across his stubbled chin. He turned towards an ordinary storefront opposite the restaurant. Above the entrance, the sign read 'Llibreria de Fantasia'. The man scrutinized the bookstore for some time. Then, in an abrupt movement, he flicked his cigarette and turned to walk inside.
…
"Mister Rinaldi, here!" Ferran rose from his seat and waved at the man who had just entered. Jordi was intrigued by his mysterious energy. More than that, Jordi was fuming that he was made to wear a suit when this man was dressed so casually.
He took his time walking up to the table, scanning the entire restaurant in the meantime.
"Ferran, how are you?"
The man reached out his hand to Ferran, who shook it emphatically. He then turned to Jordi and studied him head to toe. His mouth rose into a satisfied grin. Only after he was satisfied with his unknown inquiry did he extend a hand to Jordi.
"Jordi Lloret, hunh? You look different today."
Jordi shook the man's hand, but for some odd reason, he had the urge to forgo the kind manners he usually adopted.
"Better or worse?"
"Just different. I like seeing the boy who is free as an eagle on the pitch. That is when you are truly Jordi Lloret," the man turned towards Ferran, "You know what I mean? There is a certain delight in witnessing the harmony of a man doing what he is meant to, that is what I believe."
Ferran chuckled wryly and shook his head. He was familiar with the antics of this man.
"Jordi, this is Alessandro Rinaldi. He is Adidas's Commercial Director for the Iberia region."
Jordi looked at Alessandro with an appreciative look. The 14-year-old boy felt vindicated that this man thought he was meant to play football. Jordi felt the euphoria of a man who confirms his lover to be his soulmate.
"Jordi, I'll tell you a story. I was a scout for Adidas in 2004. I was a young man back then, 26, I think. One day, I went to La Masia. At that time, it was the old farmhouse next to the Camp Nou. I tell you, Jordi, my life changed that day. I saw Leo Messi play that day."
Jordi sat straighter in his seat, and his arms slid closer to the center of the table. Ferran, a hardcore culé, leaned in as well. Alessandro did not notice the two. His eyes were fogged over and aimed at nowhere in particular.
"Immediately, I ran back to the office and dialled the headquarters in Germany. I tell you, I screamed and shouted at many people that day, trying to convince them to steal the little boy from Nike. It is a wonder that I was not fired there and then. Well, everything worked out when we signed him 2 years later, but it was an excruciating wait."
Alessandro turned back to Jordi and studied him again. His eyes carried the look of a novelist on the verge of inspiration.
"Jordi, I'm sure there are many who have made comparisons and given you all sorts of compliments. Maybe the Nike and Puma people. Coaches and management at La Masia as well. I'll give you a compliment so foolish that anyone who listened in would scoff at me."
Suddenly, Alessandro's energy turned anxious. His eyes shifted back and forth. His right leg jumped up and down at an alarming speed. This was a man of God in his first moment of disbelief. He could no longer avoid committing an act he felt was blasphemous.
Alessandro leaned in and whispered, "Jordi, you can surpass Leo."
Alessandro looked to Jordi, awaiting some sort of validation, or even forgiveness. Jordi, however, was too stunned to respond. How could this man speak such nonsense? All he could do was sputter out a weak laugh and turn to Uncle Ferran, who was faring no better. Ferran's mouth was wide open, and his eyes were peeled back to a comical extent.
"Mister, this is too much. How can you even— "
"Jordi, I can say with absolute certainty that I have missed fewer than 10 matches of Leo since he debuted. I am infatuated with Lionel Messi as no one else can be. Do you know why? Because he showed me what football really is. Messi plays football, Jordi. He plays football like… like…"
"Like it was always meant to be played."
Alessandro slapped the table, "Exactly. You get it, little friend!"
Alessandro settled himself before fetching a cigarette from his pocket. He placed it in his mouth but did not light it upon realizing their setting. The cigarette was soon back in his pocket.
"Jordi, I have seen you play several games. You play the same football, Jordi. However, there is something more as well. You have a stronger personality. At only 14, you are already dictating the game. You are a narrator on the field."
Alessandro turned towards Ferran, "Ferran, I want to be a part of Jordi's journey. He will change this game, and I want to be there to witness it. I want to help him write the destiny of football."
Ferran wanted to call out Alessandro for his act because that was the only explanation he could come up with. Why else would this guy speak this way?
"Mister Rinaldi, what deal do you suggest?"
"Ah, yes. We can talk that out first. Whatever is the best offer you have gotten so far, we will match that. No! Adidas will improve on that. More importantly, I, as the Commercial Director, will be constantly by your side for the future."
"Are you sure, Mister? Don't you have to consult with others?"
"Of course not. I have struggled to reach my position over many years. Now I have the power to ensure no one messes this up. This is too important."
"Mister," Jordi spoke up, "would I have any obligations?"
"Absolutely not! All you have to do is play your football and travel your own path. Adidas will not even think of marketing you before you have established yourself. And when we do, you will love the ideas I have. Trust me on that, Hahaha."
Alessandro laughed an evil-sounding laugh, which weirdly made Jordi trust him more. Jordi turned towards Uncle Ferran and nodded.
On 16 August 2017, Jordi Lloret signed a non-exclusive deal with Adidas, signifying a partnership that would grow to become one of the most iconic footballing sponsorships in history. Jordi Lloret also found a man who would become a close confidant and a pivotal part of his journey.