August 30, 2020 - The Bombshell
The football world stopped.
Lionel Messi wanted to leave Barcelona. After twenty years, the greatest player in club history wanted out.
The Bayern humiliation. The board's mismanagement. The lack of direction. Messi had had enough.
Ethan received a text: We need to talk. Can you come over?
At Messi's house, the Argentine looked exhausted.
"I'm leaving," Messi said simply. "I can't stay anymore. This club is broken. The board doesn't care about football. They only care about money and politics."
"Where will you go?" Ethan asked.
"Manchester City, probably. Guardiola wants me. They have a project."
Ethan felt the weight of the moment. Messi leaving. The end of an era.
"What should I do?" Ethan asked.
Messi looked at him seriously. "Stay. This is your club now. You're twenty-one years old. You have fifteen years to make Barcelona great again. Don't run away like I am. Be the leader they need."
"But without you—"
"You don't need me. You're already world-class. Champions League winner. World Cup winner. You've scored ninety-five goals in a calendar year. You're ready to be Barcelona's main man."
September 2020 - Messi's Departure
After weeks of legal battles, Messi left for Manchester City. €150 million. The end of an era.
Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as manager. A new project. Youth. Energy. Rebuild.
Koeman called Ethan into his office.
"You're the face of this club now. Number 10. Captain's armband. The responsibility is yours."
Ethan stared at the legendary number 10 jersey. Messi's number. Ronaldinho's number. Maradona's number when he played at Barcelona.
"Can I handle this?" Ethan asked.
"You're a two-time Champions League winner, a World Cup winner, and you've been the best player at every club you've played for. Yes, you can handle it."
End of Chapter 29