no, Leo, you didn’t have to know. Nobody expects a football genius like you, who gave us so much joy, to be aware of the political complexities of every corner of the world. But this time, they took advantage of your greatness for a play that, sadly, was not the happiest.
Lionel Messi, our eternal idol, loved on and off the field, was once again in the news in the last few hours. this time not for a goal,a Ballon d’Or or a gesture of solidarity,but for something a little more strange: accompanied by Luis Suárez,Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets,he visited Azerbaijan on a tour organized by Adnán Ahmadzada,a businessman linked to the state oil company SOCAR and which is part of the political and economic power of the country.
Ahmadzada, who appears in the scandalous money laundering investigations pointed out by the Consortium of Journalists, surely presented the idea of the fleeting trip as a simple protocol act, but the Azerbaijani regime used it to legitimize its international image.
Authoritarians don’t like this
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a essential pillar of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe they are the owners of the truth.
Among the activities carried out, they paid tribute to Heydar Aliyev, former president of that country, placing flowers at his mausoleum. What might seem like an innocent gesture was actually a calculated move by Azerbaijan’s propaganda machine.
Heydar Aliyev is not the “Soviet hero” they may have mentioned to you, Leo. He was an authoritarian leader who ruled Azerbaijan with an iron fist, first as a figure in the Soviet Union and then as president of the independent republic. under his rule, the first Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) war broke out, a conflict that left deep scars in the region. It was also the period in which pogroms against Armenians where perpetrated in Azerbaijani cities such as Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad, forcing thousands to leave their homes in a climate of violence and hatred.
The current regime, led by his son Ilham Aliyev, continued that legacy with a policy of internal repression against any voice raised against his government. Moreover,in 2020 a war began with more than 7,000 soldiers killed and which culminated in 2023 with the total displacement of the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh. While the international community looks the other way, Azerbaijan continues to occupy karabakh, holding hostages and prisoners of war in Baku.
In that context, your visit, Leo, was a great goal for their strategy. The mausoleum, the photos, the “Karabakh horses”, the children and the entire setup were part of a campaign to whiten the image of a consolidated authoritarian regime, a petrostate with power concentrated in a single family that has been around for more than five decades. ruling the country.
Some more data: there are at least 23 journalists imprisoned in Azerbaijan, and in the Press Freedom index prepared annually by Reporters Without Borders it ranks 164 out of 180.Freedom House qualifies the country as “one of the least free in the world.” and is ranked 154 out of 180 in the corruption perception index prepared by Transparency International.
We know of your good intentions and the example you represent for millions of people, Leo. The truth is that this time they turned you into a propaganda tool, something deplorable and malicious on the part of those who organized the visit.
We love you, Leo, it’s okay. We continue to admire you. We just wanted you to know that behind that flower crown there was something more than a ceremonial act and that those who organized your visit to azerbaijan took advantage of your bonhomie and your global prestige.
* Director of the Armenia Newspaper.
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How can public figures like Messi navigate the political implications of their global engagements?
Time.news Interview: The Intersection of Sports and Politics
Editor: Welcome to this special interview on Time.news. Today,we have a distinguished expert in sports ethics and political influence in the international arena,Dr. Elena Martinez. We’ll be discussing the recent visit of global football icon Lionel Messi to Azerbaijan, which has raised some eyebrows. Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Messi visited Azerbaijan accompanied by fellow football stars. on the surface, it truly seems like a harmless promotional tour, but what are the underlying implications of such visits?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely,it’s essential to look beyond the surface. While Messi and his companions are celebrated sports figures, their presence can inadvertently lend credibility to regimes with questionable human rights records. in this case, the Azerbaijani goverment is known for its authoritarian practices. Hosting well-known personalities like Messi can be a strategic move to enhance its international image, despite the political reality on the ground.
Editor: It sounds like a classic case of using fame to legitimize a regime. What do you think the motivations were behind Messi’s participation in this tour, especially given the controversies surrounding the businessman involved, Adnán Ahmadzada?
dr. Martinez: Messi’s motivations might potentially be more personal than political; athletes frequently enough seek to engage in global outreach,hoping to use their platform for good. However, they may not always be aware of the deeper political complexities at play. Ahmadzada’s connections to the state oil company and his involvement in money laundering investigations suggest that the visit was perhaps manipulated for political purposes. Sadly,it places Messi in a position where he is inadvertently used as a pawn in international politics.
Editor: It raises the question of obligation for public figures. Should athletes like Messi be more mindful of the political climates where they choose to engage?
Dr. Martinez: Definitely. While there’s a strong case for compassion and engagement, public figures have a social responsibility to understand the full implications of their actions. They have access to resources and advisors who can help them navigate these situations. While Messi has provided joy through his football, he must also consider the implications of associating with regimes that may not align with the values he embodies on the pitch.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Given the global influence of sports figures, how can fans and the public hold them accountable while also respecting their autonomy?
Dr.Martinez: It’s a delicate balance. Fans have the power to voice their opinions through social media, campaigns, and boycotts if necessary. By fostering conversations about the ethical responsibility of athletes and the impact of their actions, fans can create an environment where celebrities feel encouraged to act with greater awareness of their global influence. Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture that embraces accountability without stifling personal expression.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what lessons should other athletes take from this situation?
Dr.Martinez: Athletes must recognize that their platform is powerful,and even seemingly benign actions can carry notable weight.They should engage with organizations that specialize in political risk assessment and human rights to gain deeper insights before participating in overseas events.Maintaining a critical eye and aligning with ethical standards should become a priority, especially when engaging in regions with complex political climates.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your valuable insights. It’s crucial that we continue to examine the intersection of sports and politics, notably how they can impact society at large.
Dr. Martinez: thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep this conversation alive.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, stay informed and engaged!
