In today's TAFC newsletter, a look at what makes the Africa Cup of Nations so compelling, plus Messi's enduring influence at his old club

From conquering the world with Barcelona to taking over the United States with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s career has been nothing short of astonishing.

With just over a year to go before the FC Barcelona presidential elections, the name of Lionel Messi is once again bursting onto the political scene at the club. Marc Ciria, a new

Sala Bikini was one of the trendiest clubs in Barcelona in the 1990s and 2000s. The venue peaked in 2006 when a masked Ronaldinho was found playing the bongos on stage during a gig by Brazilian band Samba Tri.

Lionel Messi meant everything to one era of the club, while Lamine Yamal is beginning to define a very different chapter—one rooted in reconstruction rather than supremacy.

The Spain star becomes the youngest player to reach 150 appearances for Barcelona in La Liga at the tender age of 23 years and 18 days. He beats the record previously held by a certain Lionel Messi, who was 23 years and 121 days when he hit the landmark against Real Zaragoza.

World champions Argentina face European champions Spain in March Finalissima at Lusail, staging the first competitive meeting between Messi and Yamal.

Former Manchester City assistant coach Mark Bowen, who worked under Mark Hughes, revealed in December 2024 that they sent a stunning offer to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona.