BARCELONA – Barcelona starting to feel the impact of leaving Lionel Messi. Barcelona is predicted to find it difficult to find sponsors for the 2021-2022 season because there is no Messi figure.
Yes, the departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona caused various effects. In addition to the emotional turmoil that enveloped the hearts of fans, legends, and players at Barcelona, the departure of the Argentine striker turned out to also cause serious financial problems for the Blaugrana – Barcelona’s nickname – next season.
The Spanish giants are considered to have to act quickly and intelligently to combat the effects of Messi’s departure. Only a few days left, they have experienced a decline in commercial revenue of 11 percent.
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The club’s approach to commercial relationships and deals had to change. That’s because they can no longer rely on Messi to keep sponsors happy and interested.
“From now on, in order to retain sponsorship, the appearance of the team will be more important than the name. Messi’s departure will obviously have consequences for the club in terms of sponsorship,” said Marc Ciria, Barcelona financial expert quoted by Marca, Wednesday (11/8/2021).
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“Right now, they have to win some Champions Leagues. One face won’t be enough for them anymore.”
Ciria stressed that without Messi, Barcelona’s image has changed for sponsors. Therefore, a different strategy will be required. The trick is to win trophies and give birth to new icons in the club.
“Their sporting performance will be the key to retaining sponsorship. In the medium term, they should switch to other figures from La Masia, such as Ansu Fati. It doesn’t matter if they are not at Messi’s level,” said Ciria later.
