Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.
After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘last dance’ with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi failed to feature in Hong Kong with the fallout still rumbling on.
So why has Messi’s no-show caused geo-political tensions to rise and is the GOAT in danger of becoming a show pony in the final stages of his illustrious career?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio to analyse the episode as well as dissect the wider impact on the growth of MLS.
Produced by Guy Clarke
Additional Production by Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Further reading:
‘A thuggish flamingo’: Why China turned on Lionel Messi - The Athletic
Hong Kong uproar, Messi injured and just one win: Inside Inter Miami’s Asian tour - The Athletic
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Why China and Hong Kong turned on Messi

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

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Soccer

On Tuesday, Mauricio Pochettino left his position as Chelsea head coach by mutual consent after less than 11 months in the job.
After a poor start he led his side to a sixth place finish in the Premier League, but the upturn in form wasn’t enough.
So, why did the Pochettino project fail, and who will Chelsea turn to next?
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Simon Johnson, Jack Pitt-Brooke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale
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Inside Pochettino’s Chelsea exit

Manchester City have created English football history by winning a fourth consecutive top flight title.
But do Pep Guardiola’s side get the recognition their achievements deserve?
Does future dominance depend on how long the manager stays and is the whole debate overshadowed by the 115 charges they face for alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Man City writer Sam Lee, senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to discuss.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Sam Lee, Oli Kay and Mark Critchley
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
Inside Manchester City’s history-making fourth Premier League title in a row - The Athletic
Manchester City’s wonderful team and the 115 charges – can the two be separated? - The Athletic
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Can Man City's dominance be separated from their 115 charges?

It’s matchday 38 in the Premier League and the title race is down to the final day with Man City taking on West Ham and Arsenal up against Everton.

The race for Europe involves the following matches: Sheffield United vs Spurs, Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Brentford vs Newcastle and Brighton vs Manchester United.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Premier League last day and race for Europe

Ange Postecoglou was clearly furious after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
But what made him so upset after what was one of Spurs’ better performances in recent months?
And was he right to be so angry?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tottenham writers Charlie Eccleshare & Jack Pitt-Brooke who are also on our Spurs pod View From The Lane..
Producer Guy Clarke
Executive Producer Adey Moorhead
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What made Postecoglou so angry?

On Monday, The Athletic reported news of Bayern Munich’s attempt to prize Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace for a hefty sum.

That’s credit to the remarkable job Glasner has done since succeeding Roy Hodgson just three months ago.

The Austrian coach has taken Palace to safety in style - but the big question is: can the club keep hold of their star players and their manager this summer?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Matt Woosnam and Dominic Fifield
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Why China and Hong Kong turned on Messi

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