What's Messi worth? Bitter end to PSG stint fueled by Qatar-Saudi rivalry

We also ask about the kingdom’s bid, for which he is an ambassador, and whether it and the purchase of surging Newcastle sportswash away questions over human rights the way they did for Qatar – whose legacy, after all the accusations of slave labour and white elephant eco-unfriendly construction, was a thrilling tournament.

More broadly, how much soft power does sports buy Gulf states and American billionaires? The robber baron tycoons of the turn of the 20th century built museums and funded universities. Ultimately, does it matter how your favourite team lifted that trophy?

Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Josephine Joly and Imen Mellaz.

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