‘It’s like the space race’: Clubs scramble to tempt Lionel Messi on social media
The news that Lionel Messi is attempting to leave Barcelona has, unsurprisingly, sent social media into a frenzy – with clubs across the sporting world scrambling to tempt the superstar into their colours.
With his club heavily linked with the maestro, former Oasis singer and Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher likened the rush of transfer speculation to “the space race”.
“The messiah on his way to Manchester City fc c’mon you know… I’m getting my Lionel’s out,” he tweeted.
It’s like the space race first country to land on the moon first club to sign the messi
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 26, 2020
Others displayed even more optimism.
Grimsby fan and comedian Lloyd Griffith appeared to take it upon himself to try and broker a deal for his club – sharing an old photo of himself shaking hands with the superstar and asserting: “I’ll sort this”.
In response, the Mariners joked: “We told you to start discussions with him secretly… not leak it to the world press.”
We told you to start discussions with him secretly @LloydGriffith...Not leak it to the world press 🤦🏼♂️ #GTFC https://t.co/MUS467KE2M
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 25, 2020
In Canada, the Vancouver Whitecaps quipped that their negotiations had already begun with the player.
A screen capture showed someone from the club messaging the forward on Instagram, typing: “Hear me out.”
— X - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) August 25, 2020
Some teams even wondered if Messi, 33, was ready to swap sports altogether.
How about Le Bron facing off against the little maestro when the LA Lakers play the Washington Wizards?
https://t.co/kkUobzi9T0 pic.twitter.com/rjYERiM25C
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) August 25, 2020
Mercedes floated the idea of a move to Formula One, asking whether Messi had ever “thought about moving to Brackley”.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 25, 2020
Minor League Baseball team the Fresno Grizzlies posted an edited image of Messi in their jersey, adding: “Wonder if Messi has ever thought of trying out baseball.”
Wonder if Messi has ever thought of trying out baseball 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zJqOQOYUlf
— Fresno Grizzlies (@FresnoGrizzlies) August 25, 2020
Even the International Triathlon Union felt it was time for a change of discipline.
“Hold the guns. We have a last-minute entry for (Hamburg Wasser) next week,” it tweeted.
Hold the guns. We have a last minute entry for @hamburgwasser next week.
— World Triathlon (@worldtriathlon) August 25, 2020
#Messi ⚽▶️🏊🏻♂️🚴🏻🏃🏻 pic.twitter.com/w6LQMZ4Dn5
Perhaps the most surprising online response to Messi’s transfer request came from his team-mates.
Barca legend Carles Puyol tweeted about his “respect and admiration” after the decision – to which Messi’s current strike partner Luis Suarez responded with clapping emojis.
Respeto y admiración, Leo. Todo mi apoyo, amigo.
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) August 25, 2020
However, for many, the most unexpected element of the whole saga was that Messi sent a fax to Barcelona to tell the LaLiga giants of his intention to leave.
Bemused by the millionaire star’s choice of dated technology, Twitter user @haa_ree0 tweeted: “Messi shut down the internet with a message sent on a fax machine.
Messi shut down the internet with a message sent on a fax machine. If this doesn't prove how big he is,idk what will.
— All Men Store. (@AllMenStore) August 25, 2020
“If this doesn’t prove how big he is, (I don’t know) what will.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
