Rubbing Shoulders with FC Barcelona

By: Dave Martinez | August 6th, 2008

It was an afternoon of fun and surprises as Barcelona, teaming with the AYSO and MalariaNoMore.org, took part in a 4 v 4, eight team tournament titled “More Than A Game,” to benefit their work in Africa and abroad. Each team consisted of 2 Barcelona players, a rank amateur (Fernando Fiore of Republica Deportiva was one – funny guy!), and/or an AYSO youth player.

Press pass around the neck, I trotted into a footie fans wonderland. Almost straight out of a movie, as I walked into the gate, Barcelona decided to get off the bus and into the field through the same door. Caught like a deer in headlights, I was stepping on Bojans foot (and I am a 250lb man here! That could have been a career ender!), bumping shoulders with Xavi and Puyol, mistakenly ramming shoulders into Thierry Henry and his sizeable bodyguard (dumb) – it was like a million dollar mosh pit.

As the field cleared, and they approached their bench, things calmed tremendously – until the media was herded together. And the mosh pit returned, with cameras mobbing players, beautiful women luring ballers just to take out a tape recorder and attempt to steal an interview, fat old guys pulling coaches aside to talk some footy – a multimedia free for all.

<Obviously, though light hearted and fun loving, the games had their moments. Splitting the eight teams in groups of 4, both fields featured some good action. Bored watching Thierry Henry taking on Alves? Take a walk down ten steps to see Rafa Marquez get his pass picked off by an 8 year old kid (literally). Or watch Guðjohnsen get tackled down by a big fat guy (props to Chris Sullivan who was MCing the event for saying the following “Hey! Don’t injure that guy! He is worth millions in transfer money!”)

I was able to pull a couple of people aside during the game and get some memorable (and not so memorable) quotes. Have a laugh, check it out:

Barcelona President Joan LaPorta

On working with AYSO and MalariaNoMore: This event, we reached a partnership with Malaria no More and our organization, “More than A Game” in order to fight malaria, which is killing thousands of children around the world, especially in Africa. And (AYSO) are doing things very well with both, doing a lot in this fight against malaria.

On MLS/Barcelona and the future of American Soccer: As you know, we are trying to promote ourselves in the States and trying to give a nice football here in the states for everyone. We try to promote our club as a pioneer in solidarity and social causes as well. But um, MLS, you know, they are cooperating with us to organize this tournament and we are very satisfied because they are doing things very well. Two years ago, they did it, and this year, again. They are developing football in the states, step by step, with great responsibility and great intelligence. Statistically, they are starting to compete with the many other sports in the united states . . hockey, basketball, baseball. It isnt easy. In the college, they play very well. And enjoy the work they are doing.

On Leo Messi: “We will wait for tomorrow and will abide by what the decision will be.”

On his clubs feelings towards the Messi situation: “We are simply trying to protect our interests. That is all.”

Thierry Henry

Me: Hey Thierry, got a second to speak to The Offside? Henry!

Thierry: *silence, bodyguard positioning his way between Titi and my recorder*

Me: With how consistently your name gets brought up with MLS and the Red Bulls in particular, would you like to elaborate on the rumors?

Thierry: *silence, fish eye to the bodyguard to create a further wall*

Me: Come now Thierry! Give me something!

Thierry: I did a press conference yesterday. (*bodyguard whisks Henry away to the other side of the field)

Me: Thanks.

Rafa Marquez (in a press mob)

I ask about Sven Goran Eriksson: I am only here to speak on the dangers of Malaria, and the ability to combat its devastating effects.

Spanish media asks about his Wife: I am not here to speak on my personal life . . .

Univision asks him if he is a womanizer: *chuckles* Next?

On Barcelona and the Champions League: We will be working on getting important titles this season, and with a great team. (Champions League) is of the most important to us right now.

Michael (The tournaments MVP was the AYSO player who stole a pass from Marquez and slide tackled his shot as well. Sign him up to the USMNT!)

How did you like being out there with all those World Class Stars?: Good.

And you played very hard as well!: Yes.

What was it like for you buddy? It was a dream come true.

And did you like stealing a pass from Rafa Marquez?: Yes.

This little kid was all one word answers, star struck at what he had just done. Cute kid. Bob Bradley better be keeping an eye on little Michael!

What can I say? I got to see Marquez schooled by an 8 year old, got snubbed by Henry, stepped on million dollar toes, and spoke to a Spanish broadcasting legend. It was a memorable day at the park to say the least, and all for a good cause.

I encourage you all to help the fight against Malaria by donating what you can to this organization. Seeing them in action first hand, you immediately get the feeling that they deeply care for their work.

Click here to learn more about MalariaNoMore.Org.