The Barcelona Complex: Lionel Messi and the Making--And Unmaking--Of the World's Greatest Soccer Club

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Co-author of Soccernomics and Financial Times journalist Simon Kuper narrates the rise of FC Barcelona, the world’s most successful and influential sports club, and the impending end of its golden era. With around 214 million social media followers, Barcelona rivals multinational corporations and small nations, embodying its motto, "More than a club." Over the past thirty years, it evolved from a regional team into a global powerhouse, renowned for its beautiful soccer and consistent championship victories. Kuper explores this transformation, highlighting the pivotal roles of Johan Cruyff and Lionel Messi, the latter being a defining figure in the club's history since joining at thirteen. As Messi's era concludes, the narrative reflects on the club's unprecedented success. FC Barcelona, known for its secrecy, offers limited access to outsiders, but Kuper's extensive experience in sports journalism granted him insights into the inner workings of the Camp Nou and the individuals dedicated to maintaining the club's stature. His account is erudite and personal, capturing the latest challenges while framing FC Barcelona as a significant social, cultural, and political entity beyond the realm of soccer.