Mean

Mean

To intend.

One of my favorite first-listen bars from Scorpion was a delusion. 33 seconds into Blue Tint, an auto-tuned Drake seems to say “I look like Ronaldo”, referencing Cristiano’s iconic free-kick set-up and conjuring the image of a flexing Drizzy, feet a shoulder’s width apart, standing over the rap game. A quick visit to genius.com disintegrated this glorious picture and replaced it with a simple comparison of wealth, distinctly unimaginative. “Look” or “live”, my experience was enriched by a misunderstanding, evidence that art isn’t bound to an artist’s definition—interpretation is as powerful as purpose.

Mean

To matter.

The UEFA Nations League is a healthy sprinkling of salt before the first bite, an uninformed attempt to add flavor to something without first tasting its nuances. Infusing the international break with “competitive significance” misunderstands the purpose of friendlies and undercuts the emotional magnitude of a national call-up. Competition is always present at the international level—not always between nations, but inside them. Fans get their favorite players year round—these precious, albeit dull fortnights are the only chance international coaches have to rework their system and forge a long-term identity. The invented sense of importance might motivate top players who feel secure in their roles, but it is likely to deprive managers an opportunity to take risks and experiment with youth.