Cherish the Feel-Good Stories. They Won’t Last.

Enjoy the underdogs now, because money will restore Europe’s usual order soon enough.

At Barcelona, a Feeling Worse Than Sorrow: Pity

The Camp Nou’s reaction to a humbling defeat in the Champions League was a measure of how far and how fast a mighty team has fallen.

Soccer’s New Rich Leave the Old Guard Looking Beleaguered

European soccer’s summer trading window closed this week, with teams backed by nation states and the super rich cementing their dominance.

UEFA Plans $7 Billion Pandemic Relief Fund for Clubs

European soccer’s governing body will give cash-strapped teams access to their future earnings from club competitions like the Champions League.

Messi’s Departure Is a Mess Everyone Could See Coming

F.C. Barcelona announced that league rules were forcing a breakup between Messi, the world’s greatest soccer player, and the club he has played for since he was 13. Could it really be that simple?

Lionel Messi Tries to Slay His Ghosts

Saturday’s Copa América final against Brazil is another chance to deliver the title that Messi and Argentina have chased for a generation.

Pep Guardiola and the Ones That Got Away

One of soccer’s most successful coaches hasn’t been to the Champions League final in a decade. But as Manchester City meets Chelsea, he has a chance to reclaim the trophy he values most.

In Spain, Title Race Could Be the Start of Something Better

Atlético Madrid is positioned to lift the trophy in La Liga this weekend, but like Real Madrid and Barcelona, it should view the end of the season as an opportunity.