The Messi Layoff and a Larger Problem in Sports Journalism: Access The recent layoff of Lionel Messi by the Miami Herald has left many wondering how one of the world's top soccer players didn't warrant dedicated coverage from a major metropolitan newspaper.
The answer lies not with Messi himself, but with the complex web of access issues plaguing sports journalists.
The Access Problem: A Barrier to Journalism Access is a term often used in journalism, but its nuances are frequently misunderstood by readers.