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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111
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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111
Lionel Messi playing for three different clubs was beyond everyone’s imagination. The Argentine superstar was expected to remain a one-club man at FC Barcelona. However, things took a drastic turn, and he eventually went on to play for PSG and now Inter Miami. His shock exit two years ago may have dealt a significant blow to both Barcelona and the league. But the Spanish League president doesn’t feel the same way.
Subsequently, over the years, other big names including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez have also left the Spanish First Division.
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La Liga president doesn’t see the absence of Lionel Messi as a setback
Messi’s departure from Barcelona sent shockwaves through the world of soccer, leaving fans, pundits and officials alike wondering about the future of La Liga. Fast forward two years, and we find ourselves reflecting on the league’s journey since that fateful moment. Spanish League President Javier Tebas recently spoke out about how La Pulga’s departure wasn’t really a setback.
During a soccer congress in Argentina, Tebas provided an evaluation of the Spanish league’s performance following the departures of big names like Messi. While speaking to CNN, he said, “Messi is gone but we continue to grow.”
The 61-year-old also felt the same in the case of Ronaldo’s exit from Real Madrid back in 2018.
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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF shake hands prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
In fact, Tebas asserted that the absence of the Argentine or Portuguese star has not hindered their progress. He insists that the league has continued to flourish and expand. The president also emphasized the league’s ongoing commitment to secure top-tier players. These are indeed some huge claims from Mr. Tebas.
Popularity-wise, it’s quite doubtful if La Liga has flourished after their post-Messi and Ronaldo era. However, there has certainly been an emergence of new faces in the league.
The new faces of La Liga
There’s no denying that Barcelona’s MSN (Messi, Neymar, Suarez) and Real Madrid’s BBC (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano) were the face of La Liga. However, as of today, neither of these stars plays in Spain anymore. Following the departures, both teams desperately tried to replace their respective departed stars.
Today, Barcelona has Robert Lewandowski, İlkay Gündoğan, Joao Cancelo, Pedri and Joao Felix at their disposal.
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MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 15: Jude Bellingham, new Real Madrid player, is unveiled at Valdebebas training ground on June 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 15: Jude Bellingham, new Real Madrid player, is unveiled at Valdebebas training ground on June 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Madrid has Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, David Alaba and Rodrygo. Meanwhile, their city’s arch-rivals Atletico Madrid also have Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata.
Furthermore, there are some other renowned names from other teams, like Sergio Ramos, who returned to Seville, and Mason Greenwood who was signed by Getafe. Certainly, these names do make the Spanish league heavyweights among the top five leagues in Europe.
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What are your thoughts on league president Javier Tebas’ claims? Let us know in the comments!
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