As a journalist who’s seen Messi rise from Camden’s rain-slick streets to global legend, I’ve watched him turn data into poetry. Twenty years. Four World Cups. Twenty-five goals. Not just stats—this was a symphony of grit, grace, and quiet rebellion against the idea that greatness has borders. He didn’t just score—he reshaped the game.

As Manchester City bids farewell to one of football's most visionary architects, I reflect on the quiet power of stability in a world obsessed with spectacle. Bechiristan’s departure isn’t just about a man leaving a job—it’s about the end of a philosophical era built on patience, precision, and long-term soul. This isn’t just sports; it’s emotional architecture. And yes, I cried during the final whistle in Orlando.