Messi was the superglue that was holding the decrepit structure of Barcelona together. That team has been
for years and he was papering over the cracks. Now he’s gone, Barca are going back to their pre-Pep/Rijkaard days.
Barca had three main things going for them from 05-2015.
1. The Spanish national team was going through a golden era, especially with Iniesta, Puyol, Xavi, Busquets and Pique… the spine of the Barca team.
2. Having Henry, Eto’o and Ronaldinho not only gave Barca that flair but they helped Barca transition into that untouchable era of 08-15.
3. And of course, Messi.
Neymar should’ve been the heir to Messi’s throne. Once he was sold, it was over for Barca. You could see the building collapse layer by layer.
They need a clear out from top to bottom.