"Well, look, if Vinícius doesn't win the Ballon d'Or, I'll celebrate. Neither the world of soccer nor our children who see themselves reflected in footballers deserve to see an arrogant, provocative and rude snob win.
Oh! And neither does the fight against racism."
This is the message published by economist Xavier Sala i Martín on X to discredit and, incidentally, insult Vinícius Júnior.
Xavier Sala i Martín, a controversial economist with as many supporters as detractors, is a newcomer in the world of soccer. Joan Laporta, a good friend of his, wanted to include him in his board of directors when he took office in 2003.
Very Modest Pedigree as a Barcelona Player
But it wasn't possible because he didn't have the two years of seniority required according to the wording of the club's statutes.
Later, at the end of Laporta's first term, he joined the Barça board. It was a dark period in which the president, entrenched, governed with the support of the general manager Oliver and Sala i Martín himself. The others didn't count.
It was the time when he never missed a Barça tour of Asia or the United States accompanied by his family. He did so for the good of Barça's economy.
As the person in charge of the financial sector, Sala i Martín allowed and applauded many of the atrocities committed by Joan Laporta. He later became the president of the board that governed the club. Now he limits himself to applauding what his friend the president does, disavowing anyone who doesn't share his opinion.
A Minute of Glory at the Expense of Vinícius
His tantrum against Vinícius expresses nothing more than the president's feelings. Although he is considered a good economist, as a soccer fan he's notmuch, not cut out for a much deeper analysis.
Sala i Martín attacks Vinícius in Barcelona because he knows that this wil spark sympathy for him. For a populist like him, sympathies are essential.
Laporta's friend has lived his minute of glory at the expense of Vinícius.
Meanwhile, he continues to wear his quirky jackets that he made popular during his time as a club director.