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For Americans in 1776, partition evoked the fate of one country above all: Poland.

In 1772, barely four years before the U.S. declared independence, the European powers of Austria, Prussia and Russia used force and law to dismember the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

At the time, Poland-Lithuania was Europe’s largest state, covering over 280,000 square miles. (The 13 American colonies in 1776 were more than 50 percent larger but more sparsely populated.)

Its extensive aristocracy dominated its society and economy. Its neighbors greedily eyed the vulnerable state: Poland-Lithuania should be consumed “like an artichoke, leaf by leaf,” Frederick II wrote menacingly.

Memories of Poland’s recent fate loomed large in British America. In 1775, Pennsylvania loyalist Joseph Galloway noted ominously that “the practice of conquering and dividing territories and kingdoms, is become fashionable in Europe” and could soon arrive in America.

It may sound strange given he is considered the greatest player of all time, but as this summer’s World Cup drew closer, Lionel Messi felt the need to prove to himself that he could still make the difference for Argentina.

Those around him were incredulous. In their opinion, Messi would not only still be good enough. He'd be the best player for Argentina and the best player at the World Cup.

With five goals in two matches, he has already made a compelling argument. Not that he needed to.

In the first of three columns for The Athletic, Xavi praises the “incomparable, almost inhuman” Lionel Messi.

■ Hansi Flick’s “special request” after Champions League match-up
■ What happened with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Chelsea interest?
■ Why did Barca want to move so fast?
■ Was this always in Newcastle’s plans?

Anthony Gordon’s €80million Barcelona transfer was wrapped up at an incredible pace.

Chris Weatherspoon, Pol Ballús, George Caulkin, Seb Stafford-Bloor, and James Pearce tell the story of how it was done.