Griezmann-Messi, a final that points finger at Barcelona's bad business

What divine designs life has for us! And for football! At the Lusail Stadium, two teams whose star players both belonged to Barcelona until recently will take to the pitch in the World Cup final.

Lionel Messi was thrown out of Barcelona a year and a half ago, after a lifetime at the club. He went to Paris Saint-Germain for free and, after a difficult first year, is now living his second youth in the Parc de les Príncipes and has been able, at the age of 35, to lead Argentina to the World Cup final -- the second of his career in search of the only trophy he lacks.

France's Antoine Griezmann is the beacon of the current world champion who want to retain their title. The star is Kylian Mbappe, but the player who commands the field is Griezmann. It has also been a year and a half since he was at Barcelona, who sent him back to Atletico Madrid because they did not know what to do with him.

Griezmann's salary was an issue, as was the lack of a natural fit on the pitch at a club that always thought they had a striker on their hands only for France to show that he is also a midfielder.

Barça had two stars in their ranks, but they did not know what measures to take to keep them from losing so much quality. It ended up affecting the team and they were forced to pull financial levers this past summer, selling club assets to be able to sign eight players to strengthen. They did not give Griezmann away, but of the 120 million euros invested, they recovered only 20 million.

A club like Barça needs world stars so that they remain attractive for brands and fans. And on Sunday, the two references in the World Cup final are not at Barça.