Chapter 421: China Match: Messi and Lin Quan's Rare Photo

Chapter 421: China Match: Messi and Lin Quan's Rare Photo

With the holidays over, players began returning to Manchester City. Guardiola started implementing his training and warm-up match plans for the team.

Like last year, Manchester City participated in the International Champions Cup this summer. The event had been gaining popularity, and the number of participating teams had doubled to 16 this year. This included top-tier teams like the Spanish giants and rising European clubs like Manchester City. Additionally, teams from Serie A, such as the Milan clubs, Roma, and Fiorentina, continued their participation. Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool also joined this year's tournament. Paris Saint-Germain, eager to boost their influence, participated in the International Champions Cup for the first time.

The inclusion of so many top-tier clubs significantly increased the tournament's influence and excitement. Some fans even dubbed it the "Mini Champions League," as many participating teams were regulars in the Champions League knockout stages. Except for Bayern Munich, the other three teams that made it to the Champions League semifinals last year were all present.

The expanded influence of the International Champions Cup was a positive development, as it attracted more fans and sponsors, generating greater revenue for participating teams. However, with so many teams, even dividing them into groups like last year would stretch the schedule. Playing all the matches could extend the tournament to two weeks, disrupting summer preparations for the clubs.

Moreover, gathering so many teams in the US wasn't beneficial for promoting the International Champions Cup, given the limited soccer market. By distributing the teams across different countries, the tournament could avoid this issue and expand its influence and appeal, creating a larger "pie" for everyone to share.

Therefore, after discussions among the participating clubs and the tournament committee, two new regions were added: China and Australia. The rationale for the China region was clear. As the most populous country and with a rapidly growing economy, China's soccer market held immense potential. European clubs had always prioritized developing this market, frequently traveling to the Far East for training and friendly matches.

Rather than individual clubs visiting China for training, it made sense to set up a new region for the International Champions Cup, allowing the top European clubs to compete directly in China. Compared to friendly matches against local teams, matches between top European clubs would undoubtedly attract more Chinese viewers. Chinese fans rarely had the opportunity to watch high-quality Champions League matches live, especially between top clubs, where tickets were scarce even in Europe. Bringing these clubs to China to play would offer Chinese fans a unique chance to watch live matches up close.

This news caused a huge sensation in China.

"Wow, are the European giants really coming here to play?"

"Finally, it's not just matches against local teams. I'm tired of those!"

"You said it! Our league teams are terrible, with lousy performance. Playing against European giants is a one-sided affair, not worth watching at all!"

"Exactly. Even with all substitutes and letting up, they can easily beat us. Such one-sided matches aren't exciting at all!"

Over the years, many teams had come to China for training, and local fans had grown accustomed to their money-making tactics. They would buy expensive tickets, eager to watch the matches, only to see uneventful games where the European giants didn't play their best players, leading to disappointment.

However, European giants clashing in competitive matches, especially those determining a champion, still attracted significant support. The Italian Super Cup held at the Bird's Nest Stadium a few years ago was a massive success. While the International Champions Cup didn't have the same prestige, its match quality was far superior to regular money-making games. Thus, there was no concern about ticket sales for such an event in China.

...

Guardiola initially planned to continue in the US but changed his mind due to the high number of teams there. Instead, he chose Asia for the training. Hence, Lin Quan and Guardiola returned to China a month and a half later, this time with their club teammates.

Knowing Manchester City chose the China region, other teams also registered. Real Madrid and Barcelona both chose China, too! So, the three teams set to play in China were Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona! This lineup thrilled Chinese fans. These three were among the top European teams and last year's Champions League contenders. Moreover, their matches had historical rivalries, whether it was City against Madrid or Barca, or the El Clásico between Barca and Madrid. Any of these matches promised excitement and quality.

Consequently, tickets for these matches sold out quickly, even before the games started.

On July 25th, the first match in China took place at Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Starting with El Clásico was a brilliant move by the organizers to attract attention.

The match did not disappoint. Though officially a friendly, there was no such thing as a friendly in a Barcelona-Real Madrid clash. Their longstanding rivalry meant they couldn't afford to lose. Initially, both teams fielded mixed lineups of substitutes and starters, but as the game progressed, they played with increasing intensity. Eventually, both teams fielded their strongest lineups, turning the match into a thrilling battle.

The fans loved it. Many had watched La Liga and Champions League games on TV, so they were familiar with Barcelona and Real Madrid's matches.

However, watching a match live in the stadium and watching it on TV are completely different experiences. The impact and feelings from watching live are much stronger. For fans who are used to watching the Chinese Super League, this kind of match opened a new world for them—realizing how exciting matches between top teams can be.

"It's like all the matches I've watched before were a waste!"

While Guangzhou fans were still reveling in the high-quality Spanish derby, fans in Beijing and Shanghai were eagerly awaiting their turn, enviously shedding tears.

"I wish I could watch the Spanish derby too!"

"Unfortunately, Barca and Real Madrid aren't coming to our city."

"It's okay. The next match is ours, and we can see Lin Huang (Lin Quan) play up close!"

Given Lin Quan's immense popularity in China, the organizers scheduled Manchester City's matches in the two largest stadiums.

On July 28, at Shanghai Stadium, which holds 72,000 seats, every seat was taken, and even the aisles were crowded with fans. Despite the official capacity of 72,000, it was clear that the actual number of spectators far exceeded this number due to the many standing fans.

This match attracted such a large crowd because it was between Manchester City and Barcelona, essentially a replay of this year's Champions League final. The organizers knew how to draw a crowd. Manchester City's popularity in China was well-established. Barcelona, thanks to their golden era and Messi, also had a huge following. A clash between these two powerhouse teams was bound to be a massive draw.

The turnout showed that the organizers' expectations were met. Both teams fielded their strongest lineups right from the start, not to please the Chinese audience, but because they had their own objectives.

Guardiola wanted to test his players' form after the long break, using a strong opponent to do so. Meanwhile, Barcelona, buoyed by their recent 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Guangzhou, aimed to maintain their momentum and exact revenge on Manchester City.

Neymar, who was still with the team but knew his departure was imminent, played with intense determination, showing his best form and tirelessly attacking and defending. His performance energized the entire Barcelona squad, who quickly dominated the match.

In the first half, Manchester City's performance was noticeably inferior to Barcelona's. The players seemed out of form, with several coordination errors. Additionally, City's full-backs were repeatedly outplayed by Neymar. In the 32nd minute, Neymar cut inside from the wing and scored the opening goal, sending the crowd into raptures, especially the Barcelona fans, who jumped and cheered with excitement.

"With the MSN trio, who can challenge us? Even Manchester City has to bow down!"

Manchester City fans, on the other hand, were worried. The team's form seemed far from their Champions League final performance, and Neymar was on fire. Managing Messi was hard enough, but dealing with an on-form Neymar too? It seemed overwhelming.

As people watched the match, many believed that Barcelona would have a strong new season, unaware that Neymar's departure in a few days would shatter their dreams before they even began.

Guardiola didn't mind the score but was dissatisfied with his players' form. He decisively substituted the underperforming players with younger, more energetic ones. While these young players might not match the skill level of the starters, their hunger for the game and glory far exceeded that of the already decorated veterans.

However, relying solely on young players to beat an in-form Barcelona was unrealistic. Despite City managing to equalize in the second half, Messi and Suarez each scored, extending Barcelona's lead. In the dying moments, Lin Quan's volley rekindled the suspense, making Barcelona's goal seem under siege.

During injury time, facing City's relentless attacks, Barcelona was in disarray but managed to hold onto their 3-2 lead until the final whistle. After the match, Lin Quan, hands on hips, looked at his teammates and shook his head in frustration. He felt something was missing in their performance, unlike Barcelona, who showed a fierce desire to win.

"Lin, can we swap jerseys?"

While Lin Quan was lost in thought, Messi approached him.

"Sure, of course!"

Lin Quan quickly took off his jersey and exchanged it with Messi.

"How about we take a photo together later?"

Messi, in good spirits, suggested.

"A photo? Why?"

"Well, it's a rare occasion. I thought it would be nice to have a memento."

Messi smiled, implying this was his first time beating Lin Quan on the pitch and wanted to commemorate it.

"Okay, wait a moment. I'll borrow a camera."

Lin Quan nodded, walked to the sideline, and asked a nearby journalist, "Excuse me, can I borrow your camera for a moment?"

"My camera? Of course!"

The journalist, surprised by Lin Quan's request, handed over the camera nervously.

"Thank you very much!"

Lin Quan took the camera, returned to the pitch, and asked a teammate to take a photo of him and Messi. Messi, mindful of his image, put on Lin Quan's jersey for the photo to avoid being photographed shirtless. Seeing this, Lin Quan did the same.

Thus, a rare photo of Messi in a Manchester City jersey and Lin Quan in a Barcelona jersey was created!

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