Trying to decide on a Liga club to support & Barça is no longer your preferred choice (as a new/curious fan)?
Maybe due to Messi leaving, maybe it's poor leadership? Maybe you've realized their "unique" identity is less genuine, more like false advertising?

Here's some advice.

—You love a heavy focus on youth, a distinct cultural identity, & commitment to values>profit-first model? Support Athletic Club.
Barcelona is only perceived to be the same and not as similar as implied, like a franchise copying the small business owner for branding purposes.

—Tired of financial mismanagement, sacrificing club values for constantly increasing profits, and short-term planning? Support Villarreal. Long-term model of sustained progress, hometown club, principled business model.

—You want a high chance of winning silverware pretty much every season? Switch to Madrid, that's you're only other option in Spain.

—You kinda like the shitshow and find community in being mocked for supporting a poorly-run club? Valencia is for you.

—You want a low chance of corruption & don't like ties to wealthy titans? Like "clean" business principals w/healthy finances, a strong focus on youth development, amazing local fan involvement, and a long-term vision of sustained, locally-defined success?
Support a German club.

—You're not a fan of playful sarcasm that actually has some decent suggestions you might want to take (even if I'm not being fully serious)? My account might not be for you.