The Financial Times reporter could almost conclude on the spot: Deng Kai had won!
He had crushed Clarín.
As a competitor, although revealing this matter would damage Argentina's overall image, the Financial Times could use this opportunity to attack Clarín and seize market dominance.
This was a golden chance to take down an old rival!
At worst, they could apologize to Deng Kai on behalf of the country afterward.
After gaining such massive benefits, they even felt like thanking Deng Kai.
And so, the hottest news in Argentine football that year was born.
"I am Lionel Messi—the first recipient of the Deng Kai Children's Football Foundation!"
Boom!
Like thunder striking!
Argentine football was completely stunned.
The news quickly spread across Europe, and major media outlets rushed to report it.
The twists were even more dramatic than a blockbuster movie.
"So it's him! The player funded by Deng Kai is actually Argentina's most gifted young talent!"
"Fans surpass idols! Messi admits he is supported by Deng Kai, admires his play, and is inspired by his spirit!"
"Ultimate self-own! The player used by Argentine media to question Deng Kai turns out to be funded by him!"
"The perfect slap in the face! Messi reveals his social account—he's a die-hard fan of Sporting Lisbon's Deng Kai!"
"Why did Deng Kai endure global criticism instead of revealing Messi's identity? The truth is heartwarming!"
"Growth hormone deficiency! Messi reveals his condition to defend his idol Deng Kai!"
"What kind of idol, what kind of fan! Deng Kai endured abuse to protect Messi's condition, while Messi risked his future to speak out!"
"What is growth hormone deficiency? Messi may not even reach 1.6 meters!"
"High treatment costs! Messi's family couldn't afford it, clubs gave up—but Deng Kai sent life-saving support from afar!"
Messi's father: "I almost wished Messi were really Maradona's son—at least we wouldn't have worried about medical bills. We had already given up treatment, but Deng Kai's help saved us."
Deng Kai: "Messi is a genius. But instead of using him to attack me, I hope Clarín would help solve his problems first. After their report, many people praised Messi—but who actually cares about him?"
"Is this how Argentinians treat their heroes? This would never happen in Portugal or China!"
KO!
All of Clarín's arguments were based on two points: that Deng Kai never supported any Argentine player, and that Messi was far superior to him.
Now both points had completely collapsed.
The Financial Times stepped in as the "voice of reason" in Argentina—well, officially to restore order.
They represented the so-called "mainstream opinion" of the Argentine people and issued a sincere apology to Deng Kai.
They also donated €20,000 to the Deng Kai Children's Football Foundation and to Messi personally.
On behalf of the public, they condemned the Argentinians who had taken Deng Kai's seat and tarnished the country's image.
It was reported that those people were even beaten in their hometowns.
Because they had disgraced Argentina.
Some of them even received death threats. Although the police later confirmed they were just jokes, it still showed the pressure they were under.
Their lives might have been permanently affected by this incident.
As a result, Clarín's credibility collapsed domestically, and its sales were cut in half.
And not just once—three months in a row!
A simple seat dispute had nearly destroyed a major newspaper.
At the same time, the stereotype of "Argentinians being unreasonable and lacking manners" began spreading across Europe and Asia.
It was a heavy blow.
In Argentina, some people initially criticized Messi, saying he had encouraged foreign arrogance.
But after Maradona stated that "Messi did the right thing" and "seeing Messi is like seeing my younger self," public opinion shifted.
However, a very real problem remained.
Because Messi had stepped forward, his condition—growth hormone deficiency—became known worldwide.
Even with treatment, he might only grow to around 1.7 meters.
A shadow loomed over his football future.
Before the first match of the new season, Deng Kai sent Messi a message:
"It's okay. Your talent has already attracted many clubs. You can try your luck at Barcelona next year."
Messi: "I don't like Barcelona."
Deng Kai: "?"
Messi: "Their fans always say they don't welcome short players."
Deng Kai: "Then conquer them. Become their king!"
Messi: "Like you—become a Caesar to those who doubt you!"
Deng Kai: "That's right, keep going!"
…
"The ball is in! Incredible! Cristiano Ronaldo completes a hat trick!"
"After moving up to U17, Ronaldo shows no need to adapt—he's already the king at this level!"
"Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first player in Sporting Lisbon U17 to score a hat trick in his debut!"
"Deng Kai also contributed—two goals and one assist!"
"They've completely crushed their opponents!"
"Some people previously claimed that adding Chinese players would weaken Sporting Lisbon U17, but clearly, it has had no negative impact."
"Kai seems very comfortable in the right midfield position."
"Head coach Trigueira is preparing substitutions. It looks like he wants more players to gain match experience. The players warming up are Yu Shihao, Hao Junmin, and Shao Jiawei from China!"
"We may witness four Chinese players and one Chinese-Portuguese player on the pitch at the same time today!"
After Ronaldo scored, Deng Kai ran over to celebrate with him.
But Ronaldo's mood was strange today—he refused the celebration.
"Are you targeting me?" Deng Kai noticed Ronaldo high-fiving others.
"Yes," Ronaldo replied bluntly.
"Why? Is it that time of the month?" Deng Kai looked confused.
"The way you talk to Messi makes me sick," Cristiano Ronaldo said arrogantly. "So Messi is your best friend now? Go celebrate with him!"
Pfft!
Deng Kai laughed: "No, Luo, are you that insecure? You're my teammate—he's just my fan. Totally different."
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