Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid colleague of Courtois, received the individual award for helping Real Madrid to its 14th Champions League triumph and the La Liga victory.
Thibaut Courtois in action against Erling Haaland on May 17. Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola opined that although Benzema was also a deserved winner, Courtois deserved one as well.
“If they had given the Ballon d’Or to Courtois last year, it would also have been deserved,” as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Courtois 2022 achievements
The Belgian shot-stopper was Los Blancos best player after Benzema, as he conceded only 46 goals in 52 appearances, as captured by Transfermarkt. He put on major performances, especially in the Champions League final against Liverpool, where he bagged the man of the match.
He was gifted the Yashin trophy for being the best goalkeeper of the season but bizarrely finished in seventh place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Guardiola made these comments after watching his team dump Real Madrid out of this season’s Champions League.
Despite conceding four goals, Courtois was the best player in Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he pulled off a string of decent stops to maintain a respectable scoreline.
He particularly thwartedErling Haaland’s efforts, who had at least three decent chances to get on the scoresheet.
Messi vs Haaland Ballon d’Or rankings
This Ballon d’Or debate comes at a time when Haaland closed the gap on Lionel Messi by qualifying for the Champions League final.
Messi again? Or Haaland takes it this time
As Sports Brief reported, apart from Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League, the Argentine delivered for his country in Qatar.
He played a role in almost every game, bar their opening match against Saudi Arabia.
He may still be the front-runner, with the World Cup lending him significant weight, but his 2023 form, coupled with disciplinary issues, could stand between him and another title.
If Haaland completes a treble with Manchester City this season, it would be hard for him to be overlooked in this year’s award.
Credibility concerns surround Argentina’s potential success in the 2022 World Cup, as former Uruguayan international Sebastián Washington Abreu has raised questions about the penalties awarded in favor of the South American team.
Argentina’s tally of five penalties awarded during the tournament reportedly exceeds the number given in any World Cup edition since 1966, according to The Athletic.
Sebastián Washington Abreu has raised questions about the penalties awarded in favor of the South American team.
As per PSG Talk, Abreu has highlighted the discrepancy in the refereeing decisions, pointing out that fouls inside the penalty box were called in Argentina’s matches while similar incidents in other games were not treated with the same standard.
“They had different criteria with some penalties. If you have a little bit of common sense, taking off your fanaticism and your shirt, now the fact is done, and no one is going to take the World Cup from you.
“If you analyze some penalties, here they were charged and in other games, they were not used the same criteria.”
Lionel Messi guided Argentina to lift the 2022 World Cup for the first time since Diego Armando Maradona guided the South American giant to the 1986 title.
Abreu slams criminal treatment of Messi
Meanwhile, Sebastian Abreu has lambasted how Paris Saint-Germain fans have treated Lionel Messi after the Argentine received boos from the club’s supporters, Sportskeeda reports.
Lionel Messi looks certain to leave PSG this summer
Abreu noted that he would love Messi to end his career at Barcelona and has called for the seven-timeBallon d’Or winner to return to Camp Nou at the end of the season.
Messi has failed to fulfil PSG fans’ expectations since his move to France as the club has failed to progress beyond the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Al Hilal set to hijack deal for Messi
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi will have to decide which is more important, money or staying in Europe, after Saudi Pro League team, Al-Hilal raised their offer to sign the Argentina superstar.
Messi travelled to Saudi with his family and it was rumoured that he went due to Al-Hilal’s interest in him
The 35-year-old forward and Paris Saint-Germain are set to part ways at the end of the season after two mixed seasons with the Ligue 1 giants, whom he joined in 2021.
Al-Hilal have increased their offer by an extra €100 mil after initially tabling a €400 mil two-year deal for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Argentine superstar is poised to secure his second Ligue 1 title before departing.
Following financial complications that led to his departure from Barcelona, Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract.
His arrival in Paris was met with high expectations from the fans, as the club hoped his presence would propel them to their maiden UEFA Champions League victory.
Since joining PSG, Messi has amassed 31 goals and 34 assists in 72 appearances across all competitions.
Messi has 495 goals just like Ronaldo
Additionally, he recently clinched the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in December.
Here, Sports Brief analyses how PSG has fared since signing the veteran as a free agent in 2021.
PSG and Messi in 2021/22
PSG have not necessarily been betterwith Messi in the team. The club’s supporters are turning on the Argentine superstar and calling for him to leave after protesting at PSG’s headquarters.
The superstar’s first season was hampered by a niggling knee injury and a bout of COVID-19. The Parisians averaged 2.12 points in Ligue 1 with the Argentine in the team.
In all competitions in the 2021/22 season, PSG played 34 matches with Messi and won 20 matches, lost 7 and drew 11, Ligue 1 reports.
They managed an average point tally of 2.03, despite scoring a total of 74 goals and conceding 36 while the Barcelona legend was present in the first team.
Without Messi, PSG had a better average point tally, amassing 2.53 points in the 15 games played without the Argentine. They scored 38 times and conceded just 12 goals.
PSG and Messi in 2022/23
This season, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has only missed six games in Ligue 1 and nine in all competitions- and PSG have missed him when he hasn’t been around.
The Parisians have an average of 2.45 points per game with Messi, and 1.67 without him in the first team. They also average one more goal per game.
Messi has also scored 15 goals, created 15 assists in Ligue 1 alone, and was the club’s top scorer in the Champions League group stages. He scored six goals before they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich.
As can be seen above, PSG remains marginally better without Messi over the last two seasons, even if there has been a significant uptick in his performances. They average marginally more points and score slightly more.
What’s next for Lionel Messi?
Messi remains a world-class player – perhaps the greatest ever – and he will continue to make good on the above numbers, but his time at PSG appears to be over.
According to Sky Sports, Messi will leave Parc des Princes at the end of the season, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly not planning to offer him a new contract.
Messi remains confident in his ability to play at the highest level in Europe, and Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to re-sign him this summer.
It remains to be seen whether they can afford to offer him a new contract, but at this point in his career, he is far more likely to stay in Europe than move to Inter Miami (or any other MLS club) or Saudi Arabia.
Midfielder for Manchester City, Bernardo Silva,has been chosen by Paris Saint-Germain as Lionel Messi’s ideal successor and is already part of the French champions’ succession plan.
Messi joined the Parisians in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and he has had two exciting seasons with the team.
However, when his contract ends at the end of the current season, he wants to depart.
Silva is ready to leave Manchester City this summer for a new challenge outside of England, and according to Barca Universal, PSG and Barcelona are prepared to compete for his signature.
Bernado Silva
PSG believe they have the financial might to lure the Portuguese midfielder to the Parc des Princes Stadium this summer, unlike Barcelona, who have still not recovered fully from their financial crisis.
Silva has almost won everything during his time at Manchester City, except for the Champions League, which he stands a good chance of winning this season.
Crystal Palace unhappy with PSG
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are said to be unhappy with the French giants over their pursuit of Anglo-French-Nigerian winger, Michael Olise, All Nigeria Soccer reports.
The English Premier League club believe that the Parisian’s interest in the forward may hinder their efforts to sign Olise to a new contract, which expires in 2026.
PSG director, Luis Campos is said to have contacted Olise’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Parc des Princes in the summer, as part of an overhaul of their current squad.
Silva sends Real Madrid warning
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester City will begin their revenge mission against Real Madrid when both teams meet again in the Champions League semi-final on May 9.
The Cityzens were minutes away from reaching a consecutive Champions League final last season, before they saw their hopes erased, with late goals from Rodrygo to force extra-time.
Bernardo Silva has now stated that Man City are confident they can defeat Real Madrid this term, as they are not afraid of the Spanish giants despite their impressive UCL resume.
Football fans on social media are certain that Bernardo Silva was unfollowed by as a result of the Manchester City player’s remarks on the Ballon d’Or discussion.
After a second stint at Manchester United marred by crises, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Middle East, where he now plays for Al-Nassr, and has since slid down the pecking order.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off in an exhibition match earlier this year
When he was at the height of his powers, Silva, who shares the international locker room with Ronaldo, discussed how he used to feel when he didn’t win the most coveted individual accolade.
“I was in the selection two or three times when he won it. We congratulate him and we talk. When he doesn’t win, we’re not happy too because he’s a player who really likes to be on top. He talks to people: ‘I thought I deserved a little more’, a really competitive player, who is into this type of thing.
He likes to be on top a lot,” he said, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Qatar World Cup with Argentina, and it is believed he is already a frontrunner to win his record-extending eighth title.
It is these comments that fans believe made Ronaldo unfollow Silva.
It is not understood if he followed him in the first place, but the national team captain follows a number of Selecao regulars like Pepe, Joao Moutinho, and Bruno Fernandes.
Neville settles Ronaldo, Messi debate
Sports Brief has also reported that Gary Neville is the latest high-profile ex-footballer to weigh in on the eternal argument on who the football GOAT is between Ronaldo and Messi.
The debate over which football star rules between the Portuguese icon and his long-time Argentine adversary has frequently caused division among fans, pundits and even players.
Neville praised the legendary duo ofRonaldo and Messi as the best players of all time before seemingly basing his decision on which of the two he had personally interacted with.
The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as to who is the greatest player of all time is a long-standing and highly contested topic in the world of football. Both players have achieved incredible success and have consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout their careers.
Lionel Messi, an Argentine forward, spent the majority of his career with Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, close ball control, and vision on the field. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or, and has broken multiple records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year.
Most won Ballon d’Or players, Lionel messi and CR7
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese forward, has played for several top clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr on April 9, 2023. Photo by ABDULAZIZ ALNOMAN.
Ronaldo is known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and versatility on the field. Like Messi, he has also won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and holds various records, including being the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
The debate over who is the greatest player of all time often boils down to personal preferences and opinions.
Messi is often praised for his natural talent, exceptional playmaking ability, and consistency, while Ronaldo is admired for his incredible work ethic, physical prowess, and goal-scoring prowess.
Supporters of Messi argue that his style of play is more aesthetically pleasing, and his ability to control the game with his dribbling and passing sets him apart.
Argentine star and PSG forward, Lionel Messi
They also point to his incredible longevity at the top level and his numerous team accomplishments with Barcelona.
Ronaldo’s supporters, on the other hand, emphasize his unmatched athleticism, goal-scoring record, and versatility to excel in different positions. They argue that Ronaldo has proven himself in multiple leagues and has achieved success with various clubs, demonstrating his adaptability and impact.
When asked to choose between Argentine superstarLionel Messi and Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, Bojan Krkic has given his preference towards Messi.
Bojan had the opportunity to play alongside both football icons during his four-season stint at Barcelona after graduating from the club’s La Masia academy.
As per PSG Talk, the 32-year-old has picked Messi as the better player of the two Barcelona legends due to his prolonged success and continued dominance in the sport, having won the Ballon d’Or award seven times.
“It’s difficult to say this; I don’t think so. Probably it’s Messi because Messi is playing fantastic football for over 20 years which is something unbelievable.”
He added: “But Ronaldinho played probably two or three years at the top level, but for those two or three years, he was unstoppable.”
Messi won all there is to win at club level with Barcelona, claiming 35 trophies including four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga victories, and seven Copa del Rey crowns.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Champions League with the Catalans.
Ronaldinho was something different
Meanwhile, Krkic also admitted he was starstruck playing alongside Ronaldinho and described the Brazilian legend as ‘something different’, Talk Sport reports.
Thenow-retired Barcelona man described his ex-teammate as the most special person he played with during an interview with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent.
Before leaving La Liga giants in 2011, Krkic made 162 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 41 goals.
Guardiola makes plea to Messi
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Messi faces a decisive month, ahead of his rumoured departure from Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in the summer.
He joined the Parisians in 2021 after 21 successful years in Barcelona, as a result of the Spanish club being unable to register him due to their financial limitations.
Pep Guardiola’s message to Messi suggested he believes the veteran should choose Camp Nou, despite Al-Hilal offering him £552 million per season to join them.
Lionel Messi is set to depart fromParis Saint-Germain in the upcoming summer transfer window, but his next destination is still uncertain.
Recent reports had indicated that the Argentine football star had signed a whopping £522 million deal with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal, which would have pitted him against his old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.
However, Messi’s father, Jorge, has refuted such rumors, stating that his son has not yet reached any agreement with any club.
We take a closer look at the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s situation.
Goodbye Paris
The only thing that can be categorically ruled out at this stage is the prospect of Messi extending his stay in the French capital.
When the 2022 World Cup winner signed a two-year deal with PSG back in August 2021, expectations were high — and on the pitch, Messi has delivered.
His 20 goals and 19 assists across 37 appearances this term have been instrumental in putting Les Parisiens on the cusp of a second straight Ligue 1 title.
However, the French champions have once again failed in their pursuit of a maiden Champions League crown and recent fan anger has been directed towards the club’s highest earning stars.
A contract extension was therefore already looking bleak before last week’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia appeared to put a final nail in the coffin.
Though Messi has since apologised for the two-day visit and is back in training, the damage caused between player and club appears beyond repair.
Money talks
Lionel Messi could join his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
Fittingly, Saudi Arabia is one of the destinations that has been touted for Messi next season.
Al-Hilal, the 18-time Pro League champions, are supposedly desperate to land the megastar and pit him against his old foe Ronaldo, who plays for their domestic rivals Al-Nassr.
Adding in the fact he has an ambassadorial role with the country’s tourist board, a move certainly makes sense — though the player’s father says talk of a pre-agreement is fabricated.
Posting on social media, Jorge Messi said: “There are always rumours and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety, but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing agreed with anyone.”
American dream
Many of the footballing world’s biggest stars choose to wind down their career in America’s MLS — and Inter Miami could be a perfect fit for Messi.
Part-owned by none other than David Beckham, the Florida-based outfit were only formed in 2018 and are still very much in their development phase as a club.
Last season’s sixth-placed finish was their best league performance to date and the club’s backers are keen to build on that success with a blockbuster signing.
MLS analyst Taylor Twellman claimed this week that Miami’s offer for Messi remains “on the table”, though the club accept they are not currently at the front of the queue.
Emotional return
The ideal destination for Messi himself would likely be a return to his beloved Barcelona.
He remains the Catalan club’s all-time top scorer with a stunning 672 strikes across 21 glorious years, earning him God-like status among the club’s supporters.
It is widely acknowledged that Messi never wanted to exit the Camp Nou in the first place, only leaving due to the club’s horrendous financial situation.
Though he and Barca would undoubtedly love a return this summer, those issues still persist — making a reunion seemingly just a pipe dream.
While there remains even a slight chance, however, football romantics around the globe will be willing for the great man to return home.
His father and agent, Jorge Messi, wanted to dispel recent rumors about his son’s future.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, it was claimed that Messi had already agreed to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
The report suggested that the World Cup winner would sign a contract worth £522 million with Al-Hilal and reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s father has since shot down the rumours, saying that the media sources knowingly publishing fake news lack respect, Football Espana reported. Jorge released a statement on social media, explaining that his son has not agreed on a deal with any club.
“There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will not be made before Lionel finishes the season with PSG. Once the season is over, it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision,” part of the statement read.
The statement criticised the publications that use Messi’s name to gain publicity.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media that do their due diligence, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims,” Jorge said in the statement.
Messi’s wife hesitant about move
Lionel Messi’s potential move to Saudi Arabia has received a subtle blow, with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, reportedly hesitant about the deal.
Messi has received a mega offer from Al-Hilal in a deal believed to be valued at least 400 million euros per year to ditch European football for the Middle East.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season, Sports Brief reported.
Lionel Messi has resumed training with Paris St-Germain after being suspended for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Ligue 1 club announced on their official Twitter account on Monday that the 35-year-old Argentine player had returned to the team after being fined and suspended for visiting the Middle Eastern country without permission, as it was a promotional visit.
Messi, who is an ambassador for the Saudi Tourism Authority, was pictured in Riyadh the day after his side had suffered a surprise defeat to Lorient.
He later revealed in a video posted on his official Instagram account that he had to make the trip for contractual reasons, having previously cancelled it, and had assumed he had a day off.
Messi said: “I wanted to make this video due to everything that is happening.
“First of all, I want to say sorry to my team-mates and to the club. I honestly thought that we were going to be free after the game, as had been the case in previous weeks.
“I had organised this trip to Saudi Arabia, which had been cancelled previously and this time I couldn’t. I apologise again and I’m here for whatever the club decide. All the best.”
Thierry Henry has implied that Lionel Messi’s trip to Saudi Arabia may have caused a blow to the ego of Paris Saint-Germain’s owners, resulting in the club’s decision to fine the Argentine player and suspend him for two weeks.
The trip was taken without the permission of manager Christophe Galtier.
As per the report by Goal, Henry has further disclosed that since PSG’s owners belong to Qatar, a country at odds with Saudi Arabia, Messi’s visit to the Middle Eastern country may have resulted in the club feeling aggrieved.
“They hit a shot, maybe because he’s not going to stay. Or did the destination he went to affect their pride a little? But there were much more serious things that happened at PSG. Was Messi right? No, you don’t miss a practice.”
Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been at loggerheads since the beginning of the Arab Spring, which left a power vacuum both states sought to fill. Qatar supported the revolutionary wave and Saudi Arabia opposed it.
PSG responds to Messi’s apology
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi was excluded from Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash against Troyes this weekend despite apologising for his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia, Daily Mirror reports.
Kylian Mbappe, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz all scored for the Parisians who ran out 3-1 winners against Troyes to tighten their grip on the Ligue 1 title this season.
PSG have now garnered 78 points from 34 matches played thus far and are six points clear of second place who have 72 points from same number of matches played this season.
Messi breaks silence after being suspended
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi has issued an apology to his club teammates after he was suspended for missing training.
The Parisiens punished the 2022 World Cup winner after travelling to Saudi Arabia in a sponsored visit.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is not expected to feature in the games against Troyes and Ajaccio.
Paris Saint-Germain has denied rumours that it intends to sever ties with Lionel Messi at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season.
When his two-year contract with the Ligue 1 winners expires at the end of the current campaign, Messi, who is now serving a two-week suspension from PSG, will become a free agent this summer.
After Messi took an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia, the PSG leadership became upset, and the Ligue 1 winners punished the forward.
Barcelona, Inter Miami, Inter Milan and Al Hilal have all indicated an interest in signing Messi next season when his current PSG deal expires.
Messi’s apology changes nothing
Meanwhile, former Paris Saint-Germain player, Jerome Rothen, has described Lionel Messi’s apology to the Ligue 1 club as sad and revealed it changes nothing, Daily Post reports.
Rothen questioned Messi’s decision not to apologise to PSG supporters as he says the apology by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves a bitter taste.
Messi posted an apology video days after the 35-year-old received backlash from PSG supporters and the board and was suspended for two weeks following an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.
How PSG’s pride was damaged
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Thierry Henry has suggested Lionel Messi’s decision to visit Saudi Arabia may have hurt the pride ofParis Saint-Germain’s owners, after the Parisians fined the Argentine.
Messi was suspended by PSG and fined two weeks’ wages after he took an unsanctioned trip to the Middle East without the approval of manager Christophe Galtier.
Henry has now revealed that Messi’s decision to visit Saudi Arabia, a country at loggerheads with Qatar, where PSG owners are from must have hurt the club’s ego.
The forward was suspended and fined two weeks’ wages by the club, a move that appears to have angered the Argentine superstar and caused rifts within PSG’s hierarchy.
According to a report by Sportskeeda, Messi is reportedly contemplating terminating his contract with PSG within the next ten days.
The player, who was also subjected to protests by the club’s fans, is keen on leaving the club before they are crowned Ligue 1 champions, and is said to be doing everything in his power to force his way out.
Soccer Football – Lionel Messi visits Saudi Arabia – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – May 1, 2023 Paris St Germain’s Lionel Messi during a visit to Saudi Arabia Saudi Ministry of Tourism/Handout via REUTERS
Messi’s current deal with PSG is set to expire at the end of the season. However, the 35-year-old appears determined to leave the club as soon as possible, and is reportedly exploring all possible avenues to make this happen.
It remains to be seen whether or not PSG will allow Messi to leave before the end of the season, or if they will try to keep hold of him for as long as possible.
The situation has been made all the more complicated by Messi’s recent suspension and subsequent fine by PSG.
It is unclear at this stage whether or not these issues can be resolved, or if they will lead to Messi’s departure from the club.
Messi’s potential departure from PSG is likely to send shockwaves through the world of football.
The Argentine superstar is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
His decision to leaveBarcelona for PSG last summer was seen as a major coup for the French club, who were looking to build a team capable of challenging for the Champions League.
However, Messi’s time atPSG has been somewhat tumultuous. Despite his undoubted talent, the player has struggled to adapt to life in France, and has been the subject of criticism and scrutiny from fans and the media alike.
The recent suspension and subsequent fine have only served to compound these issues, and have led to rumours that Messi is no longer happy at PSG.
At this stage, it is unclear what the future holds for Messi and PSG. The player’s reported desire to leave the club is sure to have repercussions, both for PSG and for the wider football community.
Messi joined PSG amid fanfare in 2021 but the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has failed to replicate his best form for the Parisians which has caused fans to turn on him recently.
Mascherano warns angry PSG fans
Meanwhile, former Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has warned Paris Saint-Germain supporters that they will regret criticising Lionel Messi, Goal reports.
Mascherano insists PSG were lucky and should be grateful they had the all-time great play for their team as Messi does not deserve the treatment he has gotten from the Parisian fans.
Disgruntled PSG fans had gathered in front of the club’s headquarters in protest as they called for Messi to leave the club after it was gathered the forward did not intend to extend his current contract.
It is also alleged that , Neymar Jnr, former Barcelona star and PSG stalwart is on the verge of leaving the club as the Parisian hierarchy is willing to let the player go if a good deal is presented to them.
Manchester United is currently leading the race for the Brazilian born striker.
He has been off the pitch for sometime due to an ankle injury he suffered last February, 2023.
However, it is reported that the Parisian fans are unhappy with the Neymar anymore hence gathered outside his house protesting that he leaves for his home country.
He later confirmed in a twitter post “they just left” with a crying emoji.
Barcelona prepares two-year deal for Messi
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona have intensified their push to re-sign Lionel Messi this summer as reports confirmed the Argentine could leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.
Messi enjoyed great success with the Catalan club between 2005 and 2021, winning four UEFA Champions League trophies before leaving heartbreakingly following Barca’s failure to renew his contract.
Barcelona has been heavily linked with a move for Messi, and club president Joan Laporta is now set to offer Messi a two-year deal when he eventually leaves PSG this summer.
Reports indicate that, Al-Hilal is allegedly set to make Lionel Messi an offer to join them for over half a billion pounds. A staggering amount to knock out of the waterRonaldo’s Al-Nassr’s deal.
Sky Sports reports that the Saudi company is allegedly willing to pay the PSG star £400 million for just one season.
According to the source, Argentina is in favour of Messi joining the team since it would increase the league’s marketability.
Messi and Ronaldo
The Saudi Pro League has already gained more interest since the new year after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer.
Ronaldo signed a record deal to join Al Nassr following his exit from Manchester United.
However, Messi’s potential deal will blow that out of the water.
He has also been welcomed to the country by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the tourism minister of Saudi Arabia.
After Messi’s trip, he tweeted: “I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences.
“We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”
The Argentine is on course to leave PSG this summer once his contract at the Parc des Princes expires.
The club had previously been keen on extending his deal, but have changed their stance.
Messi is suspended from the club following an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia after a Ligue 1 loss to Lorient on Sunday.
However, fans reacted to the ban as they arrived in their droves outside of the club’s head office.
The protest saw fans ignite flares while holding up banners calling on the club’s management to resign.
Messi has also been linked with a return to Barcelona as well as to MLS side Inter Miami.
The French giants are currently five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with five games remaining.
But Barcelona’s dream of having their all time goal scoring machine back seems gloomy as it is reported that they have failed to convince La Liga over their ability to meet the forwards financial demands.
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team.
Messi is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time, having won numerous awards including seven Ballon d’Or titles.
He started his career in his native Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys before moving to Barcelona at the age of 13.
At Barcelona, he became one of the most successful players in the club’s history, winning numerous domestic and international titles.
Messi has also had a successful international career, leading Argentina to the Copa America title in 2021 and helping the team reach the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He also kept his Argentine national team at the top till they won the 2022 FIFA World Cup which was hosted in Qatar.
After the teams win, Messi gifted 14 iPhones to his team mates and all the staff of team to congratulate and applaud them for their hard work for the teams success at the World Cup.
Also, Lionel Messi is married to Antonella Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart. The couple first met when Messi was just five years old and Roccuzzo was his friend’s cousin. They started dating in 2008 and got married in June 2017 in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
The ceremony was attended by several famous footballers, including Messi’s Barcelona teammates and Argentina’s national team.
Messi and Roccuzzo have three children together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The family is known for being relatively private and keeping their personal lives out of the public eye.
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, has been given a two-week suspension by Paris Saint-Germain for making a trip to Saudi Arabia this week without the club’s consent.
The trip followed the French club’s home defeat by Lorient on Sunday, in which Messi played the full 90 minutes.
Messi will not train or play for PSG during the period of his suspension.
It is understood the 35-year-old asked permission to make the journey to carry out commercial work but was refused.
Lionel Messi: Why dream return to Barcelona looks very unlikely
Messi, who has also been fined by the club, has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia.
The World Cup winner’s two-year contract with PSG expires this summer.
Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste claimed in March that the Spanish club were in contact with Messi about a return to the Nou Camp.
Messi has scored 31 goals and contributed 34 assists in 71 games in all competitions for PSG, and won the Ligue 1 title last season.
He is set to miss matches against Troyes and Ajaccio as PSG, five points clear with five games to go, look to clinch a ninth league title in 11 seasons.
‘Messi’s PSG career effectively over’ – Analysis
Simon Stone, BBC Sport
Lionel Messi has taken a decision that effectively calls time on his Paris St-Germain career.
Yes, they have three games left after Messi’s suspension has been completed and there is work remaining to secure another Ligue 1 title, but PSG are on a different course now – and it does not involve Messi, who less than five months ago achieved the crowning glory of his stellar career by lifting the World Cup.
PSG do not view their actions as being anything extraordinary. In their minds they are effectively punishing an employee who has gone somewhere else on a work day miles away from where he is supposed to be.
But they also feel it is a statement about the future direction of the club, which they are adamant will be around younger players. It is also confirmation of their zero-tolerance approach to discipline.
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In order to visit Saudi Arabia, where he is an ambassador for that country’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the 35-year-old attacker had to first get approval from two senior PSG officials.
Messi reportedly spoke to the club’s administration before Campos and Galtier did, and they agreed to allow the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to travel to Riyadh. This is according to PSG Talk.
Messi’s move has reportedly enraged the club’s supporters, who are frustrated with PSG because players can do whatever they want without regard for the institution.
Messi is set to become a free agent in the summer when his current PSG contract expires, and Saudi top team, Al Hilal, are one of the teams interested in signing the Argentine.
UEFA declares Messi’s UCL titles
Meanwhile, Daily Post reports that UEFA has declared that Lionel Messi has won the Champions League only three times in his career.
Messi has been part of the Barcelona team since 2004 and played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Champions League victories in 2009, 2011, and 2015 but not in their 2006 success.
Barcelona’s hopes of reuniting with Lionel Messi this summer have suffered a significant setback. As previously reported by Sports Brief, the Catalan club had been hoping to bring back their record goal-scorer, who left to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. However, the club has failed to convince La Liga about the viability of their financial plan.
Barcelona is currently facing financial difficulties and has been trying to cut costs while still trying to sign Messi. But La Liga, which oversees the financial fair play of all clubs in the league, has expressed doubts that Barcelona will be able to meet their demands and targets.
Leo leaves Barca, shed tears at send off ceremony
According to reports, Barcelona’s viability plan aimed to reduce the club’s wage bill by €200 million and make savings of €300 million. The club’s failure to meet these targets has raised concerns about their ability to comply with financial fair play regulations.
The failure of Barcelona to secure Messi’s return could have far-reaching consequences for the club, given the importance of the player to the team’s success over the years. Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, scored a total of 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona.
His departure from the club last year was seen by many as the end of an era.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties have been exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the club hard in terms of lost revenue. The club’s wage bill, which was already one of the highest in Europe, has been further inflated by the signing of several high-profile players in recent years.
The club’s attempts to cut costs have included the departures of several key players, including Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, and Arturo Vidal. However, the club’s efforts to reduce its wage bill have been hampered by the high salaries of some of its remaining players, including Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho.
Barcelona has also been trying to raise funds through player sales, with the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, and Junior Firpo all rumored to be on the chopping block. However, the club has struggled to find buyers for these players, who are all on high salaries.
The failure of Barcelona to bring back Messi is likely to be a major disappointment for fans of the club, who had been hoping to see their star player return to the Camp Nou. However, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the team’s fortunes on the pitch.
Barcelona’s current squad is still packed with talented players, including the likes of Griezmann, Coutinho, and Frenkie de Jong. The club also has a number of promising young players, such as Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Ilaix Moriba.
However, the loss of Messi will undoubtedly be felt by the team, both in terms of his on-field contributions and his influence in the dressing room. The 33-year-old Argentine forward was not only the club’s all-time top scorer but also its talismanic leader, who inspired his teammates with his passion and commitment.
Despite the setback of failing to sign Messi, Barcelona remains one of the biggest clubs in world football, with a rich history and a loyal fanbase. The club will be hoping to bounce back from its recent financial difficulties and re-establish itself as a major force in the sport.
Mario Balotelli has blamed himself for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi winning so many Ballon d’Or awards.
The Italian striker, who is presently playing for FC Sion in Switzerland, has always possessed outstanding potential that might separate him apart from the countless other strikers attempting to have an influence on the game.
To fully utilise his undeniable skill, Super Mario hasn’t yet developed the right mindset.
Balotelli was once touted as a potential candidate to win the coveted diadem but some flaws have kept him from reaching his full potential and being placed among the pantheons of the game’s greats, per Sportskeeda.
Reflecting on a conversation he had with late agent, Mino Raiola, the striker admitted his lack of effort has contributed towards Messi and Ronaldo collecting 12 golden balls between them.
“Raiola always told me the same thing: If Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have so many Ballon d’Or trophies, it is your fault. He was right; too often I played at 20% of my capabilities,” he told Muschio Selvaggio podcast, as quoted by GOAL.
Balotelli ends goal drought
Sports Brief also reported on veteran Italian striker, Balotelli ending his goal drought of five months after finding the back of the net for FC Sion.
The former Inter Milan star was on target for the Swiss side during their top flight league clash against Grasshoppers on April 17.
Balotelli made a bright start to life in Switzerland with an four goals in his first six Swiss Super League matches but his scoring dried up after.
Why Balotelli owes Inter Milan
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on FC Sion forward, Balotelli paying Inter Milan tribute for the huge role the club played in his careerin his career as a footballer.
The Italian grew up through the ranks at the Nerazzurri and became one of the most sought-after youngsters due to his enormous talent.
The 32-year-old Balotelli recently revealed how the Serie A club still held a special place in his heart and he is still a huge fan of theirs.
Lionel Messi has previously hinted that a return to Barcelona may be in the works after being seen in Spain socialising with former teammates.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer, and Barcelona is eager to reunite with him and is one of the favourites to sign him.
Messi reportedly had supper with his former Barcelona colleagues Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets on Monday night before being photographed exiting a restaurant in Spain, according to Football Espana.
The PSG forward was mobbed by reporters and some of his many fans, who were all eager to take selfies and get the Argentine superstar’s signature as he left the restaurant.
It is the second time Messi has returned to Barcelona in two months, fuelling speculation that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might return to Camp Nou next season.
Defender welcomes Messi’s return
Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano defender, Ivan Balliu has welcomed the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona in the summer, Barca Universal reports.
Balliu, who started his football career at the Catalans’ academy, said the veteran’s arrival would be welcomed and would will help La Liga grow furtherbeyond its current status.
Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona after two years away, following his move to PSG in 2021 after his heartbreaking exit from Camp Nou.
Ancelotti unbothered by Messi’s return
Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Carlo Ancelotti having no issues with Messi returning to Barcelona after he was asked about the Argentine’s possible return to Camp Nou.
The veteran’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer and reports indicate both parties do not seem interested in renewing the deal beyond the current season.
Messi is considered a cult hero at Barcelona and the club’s fans have been highly anticipating his return to the team, where he spent 17 seasons before joining PSG in 2021.
Since switching from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, Haaland has been on fire, shattering nearly every goal-scoring record in England and, by extension, Europe.
According to Transfermarkt, the Norwegian goal scorer has amassed an incredible 48 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions while also dishing out six assists, underscoring his outstanding play this season.
It thus comes as no surprise that Rooney reckons that Haaland is by far the best footballer on the planet presently.
“Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now. Lionel Messi is the greatest but, at this moment, nobody is playing better than a striker who — even though I broke records in that position myself — takes my breath away with the levels he’s reaching,” the legendary Manchester United forward wrote in his column for The Times via Sportskeeda.
Rooney stressed: “He’s the best in the world because of the numbers he’s posting, the performances he’s putting in and the mentality he shows.”
Ronaldo and Messi era
The pair have shot their way to the top of the ‘greatest of all time’ conversation; no matter who you are, everyone has a preference – winning a combined 12 Ballon d’Or awards.
The 22-year-old will hope to continue his breathtaking goalscoring form for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s charges chase the treble, with the club still in contention to win the English Premier League, the Emirates FA Cup and the elusive UEFA Champions League.
Cassano contradicts Rooney, blasts Haaland
While Rooney lauded Haaland, former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has once again stirred up the hornet’s nest, this time training his guns on the Man City striker, Sports Brief reported.
The retired Italian international has claimed that the Manchester City striker does not know how to play football.
Going by Haaland’s numbers this season alone, it seems quite ironic for Cassano to level such a claim, but he insists he prefers strikers like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.
Considering that Lionel Messi’s contract withParis Saint-Germain expires this summer, a shocking return to Barcelona appears to be imminent.
According to reports, Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona this weekend with his family and “14 luggage” in tow. Barcelona has been open about their efforts to re-sign the great Argentine this summer at the Nou Camp.
After the conclusion of the current campaign, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires, and the Ligue 1 powerhouses appear to have given up on negotiations for a new one. Messi sobbed at a tearful farewell to Barcelona in 2021, the year he left the team he had joined for free at the age of 13.
He’s set to win his second Ligue 1 title with PSG as the French side sits nine points clear at top of the table with just six games remaining. But he looks set to depart the Parc des Princes stadium this summer in a sensational return to Barcelona.
Adding to the speculation of an impending return, transfer expert Gerard Romero claims Messi has arrived in Barcelona this weekend. It’s claimed the Argentina international made his trip on a ‘private flight’ and had his family with him while he was ‘hidden in terminal one’.
Messi is also said to have had ’14 suitcases’ with him, further suggesting he has prepared for a full-time return to Barcelona. The purpose of Messi’s visit is not made clear, but his arrival in Spain only adds to the speculation on his future.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted repeatedly over recent months that the club are trying to bring Messi back. “I have to find a way to improve Messi’s current relationship with Barcelona,” he said recently.
Although there has been rumour that the 35-year-old will be returning to Barcelona, the two parties have not yet reached an agreement on a new contract.
Also, Messi has been linked to high-profile transfers to teams in Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Paris Saint-Germainare willing to let Lionel Messi exit on a free transfer in the upcoming off-season, reports the Sunday Mirror.
Contract talks between Messi and PSG have stalled in the months following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, having reportedly been close to penning an extension.
The report claims PSG are “in no rush” to extend Messi’s deal as interest, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi looking to run the club in a more sustainable way, relying less on star power.
On Friday night against Angers, the Paris Saint-Germain duoLionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe once again united to irreversible effect.
Mbappe’s goal gave the Parisians the lead after just 9 minutes. Following Messi’s magnificent performance, the Frenchman wasted no time in scoring twice just 17 minutes later.
The Argentine sensation picked up the ball from about 40 yards away and was able to provide an exquisite through ball that split the Angers defence.
Mbappe took care of the rest, around the custodian before putting the ball in the back of the net without error.
Mbappe made sure to appreciate Messi’s genius and immediately joined the Argentine in celebration after scoring.
It was Messi’s 15th Ligue 1 assist of the year when he set up Mbappe.
How PSF defeated Angers
Sports Brief reported that Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain took another step towards securing the Ligue 1 title despite an unconvincing performance in beating bottom club Angers 2-1 on Friday.
Mbappe scored the opener in the ninth minute and added another before the half-hour mark to move clear as the French top flight’s leading marksman on 22 goals for the campaign.
It looked likePSG might go on to record a big victory but they eased off in the second half and relegation-bound Angers pulled a goal back late on through Sada Thioub.
Barcelona confident of signing Messi
Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona are not just itching to sign Lionel Messi to improve their results on the pitch, but also intend to use his return to Camp Nou to boost the economic growth of the club.
The Spanish coach wants to bolster his team with some top-tier players for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, he is on a tight budget and needs to earn money by selling a few players.
With this in mind, Xavi has resorted to signing three free agents, Lionel Messi, central defender Inigo Martinez and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. All three players will come as free transfers as they will be out of contract at their respective clubs by the end of June.
According to a report by the Mirror, the signings would see Xavi move to a narrow formation or use Pedri and Gavi as wide midfielders.
However, as per the report, the move will come at the cost of French winger Ousmane Dembele, who will have to drop out of the starting XI despite being in solid form this season.
Lionel Messi’s move back to the Catalan club is still not sure, given the wages he will command. But the club and La Liga are working towards an arrangement that will make it financially possible for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to join the club.
Meanwhile,Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has not decided where he wants to play next season, although he is open to moving to Spain. But Barcelona and Inigo Martinez have reached an agreement that will see the Spanish defender join in the summer.
Xavi’s dream staring XI at Barca next season:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Gavi, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski.
Lionel Messi will make a triumphant homecoming to Spain after spending two uncertain years at PSG, when he won the Ballon d’Or once and Ligue 1 hopefully twice.
While Messi joining the Catalans may not be the most lucrative move for the PSG forward, it might be a game-changer for them as they greatly increase their chances of securing unmatched sponsorship deals and strengthen their attacking strategy.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are a massive draw to attract sponsorship deals. Yes, Lewandowski could be included in that list, but Barcelona’s current financial state needs someone of Messi’s stature.
If the Argentine signs the deal this summer, Barcelona would be guaranteed larger-than-life sponsorship deals.
Another areaLionel Messi can help with is Barca’s front half on the pitch. While Barcelona has been a force of nature this season when it comes to defending, according to their manager they still lack scoring goals and require someone to gel the front three perfectly.
We definitely know who he’s referring to.
Due to conflicts with Laliga’s financial fair play rules, Joan Laporta had to release Messi from Barca despite telling everyone that he’ll renew the Argentiine’s contract. This infamous time in Barcelona’s history led fans to turn against the higher management.
Laporta bringing back Lionel Messi would definitely improve that relationship.
Barca supporters understand that this is going to be decade-defining summer. Either they can win the race in signing Lionel Messi or let him go to Saudi Arabia or Inter Miami in the USA.
As discussions for Lionel Messi’s new contract stagnate, French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly interested in signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer.
If Spurs don’t make the Champions League, the 29-year-old England captain, who only has one year remaining on his contract, may want to leave North London at the end of the current campaign.
Le Parisien says that the Ligue 1 champions would make the No. 10 their priority objective as they try to retool their team in preparation for the 2023–24 season.
Rumours have linked Messi with a sensational return to Barcelonaafter the Argentinian icon was forced out of the Camp Nou due to the club’s financial issues two years ago.
But Kane is considered by club chiefs to be the perfect partner for Kylian Mbappe, who is keen to win the Champions League with his hometown club.
The Three Lions ace has bagged 23 goals in the Premier League for Spurs this season despite their struggles under Antonio Conte.
Now managerless, the eight-time FA Cup winners sit three points off Newcastle in fourth and a loss to the Magpies on Sunday would all but kill their hopes of competing in Europe’s top competition next term.
Kane is said to be open to discussing a new contract at his boyhood club, but may choose to depart in search of silverware that would be almost guaranteed at PSG.
Lionel Messi’s potential return to Barcelona has been welcomed by Ronald Koeman, who also thinks the Argentina great is still the best player in the world.
Before Messi made an emotional departure on a free transfer to French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, the former Barcelona manager was in charge during Messi’s final season with the Catalan club.
Barca sacked the Dutchman in October 2021 after a poor run of form with the 60-year-old now returning to manage the Netherlands national team following the retirement of Louis van Gaal after the World Cup in Qatar.
Koeman himself will not be returning to Barcelona any time soon, but he still holds out hopes that Messi will make a romantic return to the club, amid speculation such a move is in the works.
“Messi is the best player in the world and when he left it was difficult,” he said at the Koeman Cup, a charity golf and paddle event.
“The team that has him is going to be stronger. His departure from Barca was a very bad day.
“If I see Leo with another shirt it hurts me. It’s his home, where he needs to be. It was not good that the board did not give him the possibility to stay, but I am in favour of Messi being a Barca player.”
Since his sacking, Koeman’s successor Xavi has led Barcelona on an inspired league run this season with the side 13 points clear at the top of LaLiga with just 10 games remaining.
“With Xavi they have improved and will surely win the league,” Koeman said of the head coach.
“It’s a much-improved squad. A coach is good or bad depending on his players. For me, we have to celebrate this league in a big way because we are talking about several previous seasons that Barca has not won anything.
“Barca are there for their own quality and for their defence. It should be noted that they have only conceded nine goals. It is deserved and if the others have not been at this level, it is their problem.”
On Saturday in Ligue 1,Paris Saint-Germain defeated Nice 2-0 thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.
At Allianz Riviera, Messi scored after 26 minutes, and Ramos added a goal in the second half by supplying the cross from a corner.
After two losses, Christophe Galtier’s team won for the first time in three games, however they owed as much to Gianluigi Donnarumma as they did to Lionel Messi.
Nice peppered the PSG goal either side of half-time, only to come away empty-handed against their former coach, suffering their first defeat under Didier Digard.
PSG had started the brighter,knowing a victory was required to restore a six-point cushion to second-placed Lens, and went close to an opener when Danilo Pereira’s header beat Kasper Schmeichel but bounced back out off the post.
Four minutes later, Messi made the breakthrough when he finished into the roof of the net from Nuno Mendes’ square pass inside the area.
Nice refused to back down, however, and Donnarumma made excellent saves to deny both Nicolas Pepe and Terem Moffi late in the first half.
That momentum continued into the second half, with Dante agonisingly close to a deserved equaliser when the ball bounced down off the crossbar and back out via the post without fully crossing the goal line.
Further Donnarumma saves followed, including another notable stop from Pepe shortly after Dante’s effort, and Nice were made to pay for their profligacy when Ramos rose highest at the other end to meet Messi’s corner.
Danilo then headed against his own crossbar in the closing stages, summing up Nice’s rotten luck.
What does it mean? PSG snap losing streak
With defeat to Rennes in their final game during March and a loss at the hands of Lyon upon their return to action following the international break, PSG had been enduring a tough spell.
They got their title defence back on track here, however, even if they did so in a fashion that again did not always reflect the wealth of talent they had on the pitch.
Mbappe made to wait once more
It has been nearly a month since Mbappe last scored in Ligue 1, leaving him still on 138 goals for PSG in the top flight.
He needs only one more to surpass Edinson Cavani as the club’s outright all-time leading scorer in the competition, but chances were few and far between in this game. The forward blazed over in the closing minutes but was ruled offside.
Nice denied despite chances
With 21 shots to 13 from PSG, Nice will wonder how they did not find the net.
A large part of that was down to Donnarumma, who made seven saves – his joint-most in the league since eight against Lille back in August.
Key Opta Facts
– PSG have won their last three Ligue 1 away games (3-0 against Marseille, 2-1 against Brest, 2-0 against Nice) after losing three of their first four in 2023 (W1). – The capital club faced 21 shots against Nice, their second-highest tally in a Ligue 1 game over the past five seasons, behind the 24 against Reims in October 2022 (0-0). – Messi has been involved in 11 goals in 2023 in Ligue 1 (seven goals, four assists), trailing only Wissam Ben Yedder (12). The PSG forward has scored and assisted in the same league game on six occasions this season, the highest tally in Europe’s top five leagues. – Mbappe attempted just one shot in this game, his joint-lowest tally over the last two seasons when playing 90 minutes in the league, along with the game against Auxerre in November 2022.
What’s next?
Nice are in Europa Conference League action against Basel on Thursday, while PSG have a table-topping Ligue 1 clash with Lens next Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain’s performance has been deemed “unacceptable” by Christophe Galtier as the champions attempt to keep their lead atop Ligue 1 from being reduced once more.
PSG, who has already been eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich, is only six points ahead of Lens in second place after losing their previous two home games against Rennes and Lyon.
Galtier has made his feelings known to PSG’s star-studded team ahead of a trip to his former team Nice, who haven’t lost since early January.
“We have prepared well for Nice,” he said at a press conference. “I spoke to my players the day after the [Lyon] game and I asked them to be more committed and show more personality.
“We also need to be more respectful of instructions during games. That relates to our setup and commitment, which were not enough.”
He added: “We know we need to do more, and I mean everyone, including me. We need to do much more. We need to play better football and show more personality.
“We also need to be proud because at PSG, we need to perform well in every game, and the current situation is unacceptable… When the players are on the same page and are fully committed throughout the game, we know we can perform very well.”
8 – Paris have lost eight of their 18 games in 2023 in all competitions, their highest tally of defeats after 18 games in a calendar year since 2001 (9). Drifting. #PSGOLpic.twitter.com/3Li3apWw95
Having only lost four games in the whole of 2022, PSG have already been beaten eight times in 2023, leaving Galtier’s future shrouded in doubt.
But the 56-year-old insists he is not feeling the pressure.
“Of course, when we lose, and that was the eighth one and it was a significant one, it is not about pressure,” he said. “It is about analysing that moment and getting the analysis right so that there are no excuses.
“As to whether I feel comfortable, I do. But we need to get out of this spiral and put some wins together. We are after our 11th league title and this is what I said to the players as well. We have a six-point lead which may seem like a lot, but it can change quickly in football.”
Galtier also drew a line under Kylian Mbappe’s unhappy reaction to being used by the club in a promotional video for season ticket renewals without his knowledge.
“It is very difficult for me to talk about that,” he said. “Kylian Mbappe has a relationship with the club and this morning he was very smiley and committed as always.
“He also has had a small hip problem, but that will not affect him playing on Saturday against Nice.
“Everyone has their own way of reacting. Kylian has been talking to the board and if we call that an incident, maybe there has been a misunderstanding, which has now been put to bed.”
The ongoing debate about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over who is the greatest player of all time in football has recently gained a new celebrity voice in Jude Bellingham.
As Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for almost 20 years, winning numerous titles and individual awards, there are now fans in both camps of their rivalry.
According to Sportskeeda, Bellingham has now revealed his GOAT to be ‘Messi’ as he describes then five-time Ballon d’Or winner as not human due to his abilities.
“Messi for me. He has a good mix of numbers and the watch factor. You just watch him and think ‘How does he do that?’
Every time I watch him, he does something and I think ‘he can’t be human.” Messi won a club-record 34 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues and has added a Ligue 1 title in his first season with Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi set to reject PSG
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is increasingly likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract runs out this summer, Sky Sports reports.
PSG considers the signing of Messi as a free agent in the summer of 2021 to be a success on and off the field, but some of the club’s fans have turned against him since they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last month.
Messi’s representatives have been in talks about a contract renewal with PSG, but the Argentine appears to have made up his mind now to leave the Ligue 1 champions in the summer.
Louis Van Gaal ends GOAT debate
Earlier, Sports Brief reported former Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal has heaped praises on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best players of their era.
Van Gaal, 71, then disclosed his preference for the Portuguese legend in the GOAT debate.
Louis van Gaal is among a number of high-ranking members of the football fraternity who have now delved into the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate.
Argentine superstar and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) playerLionel Messi reportedly received a staggering offer worth €400 million from a Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal.
The news comes amid persistent rumours that World Cup winner Messi will leave PSG this summer rather than agree to a new contract.
If the legendary player accepts what is being termed as “mother of all deals” it would give a new boost to Saudi Arabia with having two soccer greats playing in their professional league tournaments as Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the Al Nassr club after completing $75 million per-year move last year.
The bumper offer from the Riyadh club includes all the advantages set for the player, and meets the demands of the best FIFA men’s player of the year 2022 and captain of Argentina, the 2022 Qatar World Cup Champions, Okaz/Saudi Gazette cited sources as having said.
Meanwhile, Jorge Horacio Messi, father and business agent of Messi, has been spotted in Riyadh in recent days, sparking speculation that he could be negotiating a deal for his son.
In his capacity as tourism ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Messi traveled to the Kingdom on several occasions for promotional activities.
If Messi departs, PSG would likely be doubly determined to keep hold of Kylian Mbappe for at least one more season, a year after persuading the France striker to sign a new deal and turn down overtures from Real Madrid.
As well as the uncertainty over Messi’s future, there are doubts about coach Christophe Galtier, who was only appointed last July but has come under intense pressure following recent results.
Since joining Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has maintained fantastic fitness.
The former Manchester United forward has been on fire, and Al-Nassr is in a strong position to compete with Al-Ittihad for the Saudi Pro League championship as a result of his outstanding play.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continued his incredible run in front of goal against Al-Adalah on Tuesday night at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium.
Manchester Evening News reports that the Portuguese star added to an impressive goal tally during the clash as he netted a brace to inspire Al-Nassr to a 5-0 epic win over the hosts.
Ronaldo netted his first from the penalty spot moments before the break and added the second in the second half.
Ronaldo destroys opponent
Apart from Ronaldo’s two goals, one other outstanding thing from his performance against Al-Adalah was his insane skill that left his opponent in the dust.
GiveMeSports reports that the 38-year-old showed an impressive turn of pace to leave an opponent in the dust before he fired a fierce left-footed shot at goal.
The forward’s incredible skill in the run-up to the sent fans into a meltdown, with some taking to social media in praise of the Portugal international.
One posted: “Fair play, good goal.” A second noted: “With his weak foot…. Goat forever.” Another added: “I love this.I cant remember how many of this kinda goals have seen. Happy for my man. A Goated G.O.A.T.”
Barcelona has demanded the resignation of LaLiga president Javier Tebas after it was alleged that he provided false evidence against them.
According to a report from La Vanguardia published on Monday, Tebas provided prosecutors with documents that purported to implicate the club and two former presidents in the ongoing Negreira case.
It has been claimed Barcelona made payments in excess of €7million to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira’s company – DASNIL 95 SL – for written reports and DVD assessments of referees for the club prior to games. The payments were allegedly made between 2001 and 2018, when Negreira was vice-president of Spanish football’s refereeing committee.
According to the report, the documents issued by Tebas were part of another case, not linked to either of Barcelona’s former presidents and were decades old, something the LaLiga chief called “false” on social media.
However, Barca are keen for a deeper explanation from Tebas and want him to issue his resignation.
“Barcelona, as president Joan Laporta has said in recent weeks, feel the victim of a media lynching based on events that have never occurred: Barca have never bought referees,” a statement read.
“It is not the first time the president of LaLiga has used his media machinery to attack Barcelona but, aside from his usual nonsense, we could never have imagined he would have hoped to incriminate our club with false evidence.
“The news published by La Vanguardia is of such severity that it should alert all LaLiga clubs, as they are practices that should have no place in the functions attributed to the president of LaLiga. For this reason alone, but also out of dignity and respect for the presidency of LaLiga, Mr. Tebas should resign from his position.
“However, knowing his obsession with persecuting Barcelona and constantly showing his aversion and antipathy towards our club, we understand that he will persist in his behaviour of continuing to harm our club.”
Lionel Messi, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, has been encouraged to think about making a fantastical comeback to FC Barcelona.
Thierry Henry wants Messi to visit his old haunts this summer. Messi and Henry were teammates at Barcelona from 2007 to 2010.
Messi’s current contract with PSG expires this summer, but talks between the player’s entourage and the team have hit a snag.
The uncertainty surrounding his future in Paris has prompted Barcelona and a host of other clubs to lure the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, among Messi’s tall list of suitors, the Catalan giants have been favoured to land the 35-year-old’s signature, per MARCA.
Speaking about Messi’s possible destination in the future, Henry, who was on punditry duty for PSG’s home game against Olympique Lyon, said, as quoted by PSG Report: “Leo Messi should return to Barça, for the love of football and because he didn’t leave as he should have.
Henry continued: “I would like to see him [Messi] finish his career at Barcelona.”
Pique sends Messi warning to Barcelona
Meanwhile, former Spain and Barcelona defenderGerard Pique has urged the Catalan giants to be circumspect about bringing Lionel Messi back to the club.
Pique’s caution comes off the back of Barcelona’s attempts to re-sign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Messi’s current deal with PSG expires at the end of the season. As a result, the 35-year-old has been linked with a potential return to his old stomping grounds.
But the 2010 World Cup winner, who runs his own league after calling time on his career, has urged fans of the club to be coy about the potential return of Messi.
Online videos have surfaced showingLionel Messi’s response to the heckling of Paris Saint-Germain supporters.
Prior to the club’s Sunday night home loss in the French top division, Messi was the target of jeers and whistles from the supporters.
Since their club’s round-of-16 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has drawn the ire of some fans.
According to the supporters, Messi underperforms for Les Parisiens when compared to his performance for Argentina, according to ESPN.
At the start of PSG’s first league game since the international break, whistles and boos greeted the veteran’s name during the team’s lineup announcement over the loudspeaker, talkSPORT reports.
It proved to be an omen for a fourth defeat in Ligue 1 since the turn of the year, as Bradley Barcola’s early strike in the second half inflicted the latest loss for PSG at the Parc des Princes.
How Messi reacted to jeering
Since then, a video of how Messi reacted to the fan outrage has now surfaced online. In the clip, the veteran forward took it in his stride by simply laughing.
Meanwhile, the club is racing against time to tie the Argentine to a contract extension before his current deal runs out this summer.
His situation has prompted keen interest from a variety of suitors, including Barcelona.
PSG fans boo Messi again
Sports Brief also reported on PSG fans continuing to register their displeasure with Messi by jeering the 2022World Cup winner.
The 35-year-old has been subjected to boos by supporters, who claim he does not do enough when turning up for the Parisians.
Prior to the international break, Messi endured a similar treatment by fans after PSG’s surprise home loss to Rennes in Ligue 1.
Laurent Blanc, the manager of Olympique Lyon, has explained why Paris Saint-Germain has had trouble since their Champions League round-of-16 exit.
By handing PSG their second straight home loss in Ligue 1 on Sunday, Blanc, who led PSG from 2013 to 2016, added insult to injury.
The loss to Lyon brings PSG’s total number of losses in the French top division to five, as their season is still in trouble.
Trying to make sense out of the Parisians’ sudden slump of form, especially since the turn of the year, Blanc intimated the club turns to lose focus when they miss out on their Champions League ambitions.
“The problem with Paris [PSG] is that when the number 1 objective is no longer accessible, it seems that the season no longer exists,” he said as quoted by PSG Report.
Blanc continued: “If the UEFA Champions League continues, everything is fine.
The Champions League stops, then everything stops and everything is over.
It’s difficult to remobilize.”
PSG’s Champions League collapse
The Parisians have craved Europe’s premier club competition since the takeover by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011.
However, winning the big-eared trophy has proved extremely elusive despite the massive cash injection into revamping the squad, per Sporting News.
The 2019–20 season saw PSG reach the Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Lisbon.
That was the closest PSG has ever came to winning the competition.
PSG stumble to another Ligue 1 setback
Sunday, April 2, saw Paris Saint-Germain lose at home for the second time in a row, falling 1-0 to Lyon, with their World Cup-winning superstar Lionel Messi being jeered by some fans, Sports Brief reported.
Bradley Barcola of Lyon handed PSG their most recent defeat at the Parc des Princes, two weeks after they lost 2-0 to Rennes at home.
Barcelona has been forewarned by Gerard Pique that pressuring Lionel Messi to return to Camp Nou might be “counterproductive.”
Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain after being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to a financial crisis, is nearing the end of his two-year contract with the Ligue 1 powerhouse.
The World Cup winner’s future is uncertain because Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, is eager to entice him to the Major League Soccer, while Barca frequently seem interested in moving for their all-time leading goalscorer.
While PSG head coach Christophe Galtier revealed the club were planning discussions with the 35-year-old, Blaugrana vice-president Rafael Yuste admitted he would “love” to see the forward return to Camp Nou.
Pique, who announced his retirement from football earlier this season, won eight LaLiga titles alongside Messi at Barca, as well as three Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups.
But the former defender insists a potential reunion between his old club and team-mate must happen naturally.
“He knows Yuste and is a wonderful person who will always tell you what you want to hear,” Pique said during an interview with Gerardo Moreno.
“Forcing the situation, however, can be counterproductive.Things have to move naturally. If it has to be done, it will be done. When there is a desire on both sides, an operation in football can always succeed.”
After being forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to a financial crisis, Messi signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain and is now nearing the end of it.
This season, the World Cup winner has tallied 18 goals and added 17 assists, but with PSG losing in the Champions League, questions have been raised about his future in the French capital.
While David Beckham-owned Inter Miami are keen to take Messi to MLS, Barcelona have often been linked with a move for their all-time leading goalscorer, and Yuste refused to rule out a reunion on Friday.
“Of course we are in contact with Messi,” Yuste said on Friday. “Leo and his family know the affection I have for him, that we have them.
“I participated in the negotiations that did not come to fruition two years ago. I have that thorn stuck in me, and if we talk about La Masia, we talk about Leo.
“I would love for him to come back and I think the fans would too, because beautiful stories in life have to have a happy ending.
“We are in love with Messi and I think Messi is in love with Barca and the city of Barcelona.”
Any potential return for Messi may be dependent on Barca’s ability to cut their wage bill, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas claiming they must save €200million to meet the competition’s regulations for next season.
If the required savings can be made, Yuste believes a move for Messi is possible, adding: “Mateu [Alemany] and Jordi [Cruyff] have to present the viability and income plan to Tebas in two months.
“If all the conditions are given, we would explore that possibility. The president [Joan Laporta] was with Leo’s father recently and there is a good relationship.
“Of course, there is no attack plan because I do not want PSG to take it as that. If this happens, it will happen because destiny makes you go back to where you have to go back.
Argentina defender, Nicolas Otamendi has unveiled a stunning tattoo dedicated to Lionel Messi. Otamendi paid special thanks to his captain, whose seven goals inspired La Albiceleste to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar last December.
The celebrations following that victory in the Middle East have continued for several months, with unflappable centre-half, Otamendi the most recent to receive a permanent memento of what Messi accomplished.
Otamendi gets Messi-inspired tattoo Otamendi’s amazing tattoo was unveiled in a heartfelt video shared on social media, per GOAL.
The clip showcases the full production process, which was accompanied by one of Argentina’s most famous World Cup anthems.
Nicolás Otamendi has dedicated his latest set of tattoos to Lionel Messi 🐐🏆🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/eaPnt2pOyi
In an interview, the 35-year-old defender revealed he had developed a love for tattoos as a teenager. “People always ask me about them.
I had my first done when I was 14, and each one has some significance to it” he said, as quoted by bodyartguru.
Fans rush for Messi tattoo
In a related article, Sports Brief also reported on Argentina fans lining up in Buenos Aires to get tattoos of their champion captain, Messi and the World Cup trophy the nation won.
According to tattoo artist, Esteban Vucinovich, the trophy is most requested for skin art, followed by Messi and Emiliano Martinez, La Albiceleste’s game-winning goalkeeper.
The body art of Argentine athletes like Angel Di Maria, who most recently wore aWorld Cup tattoo on his right thigh, have inspired a lot of followers to get tattoos of their own.
As Barcelona inches closer to winning LaLiga, Xavi argued that now is not the time to discuss a potential reconciliation with Lionel Messi.
Barcelona currently holds a commanding 12-point lead in La Liga and a 1-0 lead over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal.
The club has already won the Supercopa de Espana, its first trophy since Messi left the team in 2021.
The possibility of a treble still exists for Xavi’s team, but with Messi entering the final stages of his PSG contract, there is an increasing demand for the World Cup champion of Argentina to return to Camp Nou.
Despite his understandable desire to bring his former teammate back to Barcelona, Xavi is more concerned with upcoming games than potential transfer activity.
“I think this is not the time to talk about Messi’s return. I talk to Leo often, I have a friendship, but this is not the time,” he told reporters ahead of facing Elche.
“Neither for his sake nor for that of the club. It is a subject that is being discussed, I have a lot of contact with him.
“Hopefully, we can see him again here, I would be the first one who would be made happy. He is the best player in history, but boy, it’s not the time.
“We are a month away from winning two titles, and it’s time to focus.
“It doesn’t depend on me, it depends much more on what Leo wants to do.He’s done everything in football, he’s won everything; it depends on his happiness.
100 – Messi 🇦🇷 alcanzó los 100 goles con @Argentina. Desde septiembre, Leo jugó 12 partidos con la Albiceleste y solo contra Polonia no pudo anotar, convirtiendo en los 11 restantes. Descomunal. pic.twitter.com/ABsrGzQCnU
“I have a great relationship with him, and if he has the decision that he wants to come back, we will listen to him and be delighted.
“We’re going to listen to fate. Let’s see what happens, there’s nothing yet. Let’s see the will he has.
“We do a disservice to Leo, the team, the club. We are one step away from achieving success in the post-Messi era that scared us so much. This is success.”
Pressed further onMessi and next season, Xavi again sought to shift the focus towards the push for further silverware in this campaign.
“We haven’t talked about next year with the board,” he said. “We are one step away from winning titles and you talk to me about signings next year. You are specialists in changing the subject.
“On Wednesday, we can go to the Copa final. Everything is to be won.
“Sometimes I do not understand you [the media]. All year round, the talk is to win titles, and now that we are one step away, we talk about players for next season. Let’s focus on Elche.”
The Ligue 1 club is reportedly reluctant to renew the Argentine’s contract after this season, so Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain appear destined to part ways at the end of the campaign.
Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2021 when he transferred from Barcelona, but his time in Paris has fallen short of expectations after two consecutive losses in the UEFA Champions League.
Sportskeeda reports that PSG believes Messi’s attack-partnership with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar has harmed the team’s balance, and the club is now looking for a change.
The Parisians are said to want to build a project centred on Mbappe, whose contract expires in June 2024, because he is their most consistent performer.
Messi is currently the only member of the trio who can make way this summer, as Neymar is keen to remain with the club at least until June 2025 when his PSG contract expires.
‘Messi should stay at PSG’
Meanwhile, Messi has been advised by Argentina legend, Mario Kempes to remain at PSG to boost his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup, Goal reports.
Kempes believes remaining in France would leave the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner better prepared to help Argentina defend their title at the next tournament. Messi’s current contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of the season and the Argentine is yet to pen a new deal with the Parisians, despite an offer reportedly being placed on the table by the Ligue 1 giants.
Messi wants European stay extended
In related coverage, Sports Brief reported on Messi being keen to remain in Europe next season as he chases anotherBallon d’Or title.
The veteran Argentine has won the prestigious award a record seven times and is looking to extend that record with another win.
The Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the favourites to win the award given his success with his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi hopes the “craziness never ends” after scoring his 100th goal and ninth hat-trick for his country amid Argentina’s homecoming World Cup celebrations on Tuesday.
La Albiceleste routed Curacao 7-0 in Santiago del Estero, with Messi’s 20th-minute opener bringing up his 100th international goal, joining only Cristiano Ronaldo (122) and Ali Daei (109) in achieving that feat.
Messi became the first world champion to score 100 international goals, and he showed no signs of stopping there with further first-half strikes for a treble, taking him to 102.
The milestone came as Argentina rounded out their first two games back in their homeland since December’s World Cup triumph with wild celebrations, initially in Buenos Aires for Thursday’s 2-0 win over Panama.
The players emulated their celebrations from Qatar after the Curacao game, hoisting the World Cup trophy again after it came down from the stadium roof and doing a lap of honour to greet the supporters.
Messi was also presented with a plaque by Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia to acknowledge his 100th goal.
“What a nice way to close these dates, impressive today all the people in Santiago del Estero,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“I wish we can continue to share together many moments like these and that this craziness never ends!!!”
Messi’s achievement comes after netting 21 goals in his 14 games for Argentina, along with seven assists. That has taken him to 156 goal contributions, which is the most in international football.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 29, 2023
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni added: “As for Lionel Messi, what I want is for him to be on the pitch and be happy.”
He added: “These days were different to the previous friendlies because the players were allowed to be with their people.
“We felt that they had that desire to go out to contact the outside, although that meant that it was difficult to prepare these two games. But in the end we got them through by playing with intensity.”
Lionel Messi scored his 100th international goal before capping his performance with a first-half hat-trick as Argentina routed Curacao 7-0 during Tuesday’s friendly in Santiago del Estero.
Messi came into the game on 99 international goals but did not need to wait long to bring up triple figures, netting a 20th-minute opener, in a lopsided match-up where the world champions raced to a 5-0 half-time lead.
The Argentinian captain played the entire 90 minutes, scoring three goals within 17 devastating first-half minutes, while he also laid off the assist for Enzo Fernandez’s powerful strike among the flurry.
After Lautaro Martinez’s glaring second minute point-blank miss, Messi was denied by Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room’s sharp save, but soon after Giovani Lo Celso found him in space inside the box, setting him up to jink past two defenders and fire in a low right-foot shot for his 100th Argentina goal.
Nicolas Gonzalez added a second in the 23rd minute when he out-jumped Room to head home from a corner, before he played provider for Messi’s second with a neat left-foot finish in the 33rd minute.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 29, 2023
Two minutes later, Messi held up the ball and dished out a deft pass for Fernandez to lash home, with the Paris Saint-Germain star wrapping up his hat-trick when he raced on to Lo Celso’s lofted pass and coolly converted after taking two touches.
Room brilliantly denied Martinez twice early in the second half, while Leandro Bacuna fizzed Curacao’s best chance over the bar from a 63rd-minute free-kick on the edge of the box.
Substitute Angel Di Maria added a sixth goal from the penalty spot in the 78th minute after Cuco Martina’s handball, with Gonzalo Montiel side-footing home another from Paulo Dybala’s cutback in the 88th minute.
What does it mean? Argentina’s happy homecoming
Argentina’s World Cup homecoming celebrations continued, following Thursday’s 2-0 win over Panama in Buenos Aires, with Messi taking centre stage with his latest feat in the country’s north.
It was the first time Argentina had scored seven or more goals since a 7-0 friendly win over Bolivia in September 2015.
Messi brings up eighth Argentina treble
Argentina’s captain grabbed all the headlines, with his latest treble marking his eighth hat-trick for La Albiceleste.
Half of those hat-tricks have come against CONCACAF teams (Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Curacao), with three against CONMEBOL nations (Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia) and one against a UEFA team (Switzerland).
Messi’s six-month surge for 100
Messi has surged to 100 international goals over the past six months, netting in 11 of the 12 games he has played for Argentina since September. The only time Messi failed to score was at the World Cup in a 2-0 win over Poland. He has scored 16 goals in his past 12 Argentina appearances.
What’s next?
Despite being world champions, Argentina still need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their campaign commencing in September with games against Ecuador and Bolivia.
With his strike against Curacao on Tuesday, Lionel Messi reached another landmark by scoring 100 goals for Argentina.
The 35-year-old brought up the milestone in style, receiving a 20th-minute pass from Giovani Lo Celso before jinking past two Curacao defenders and rifling in a low right-foot finish.
The man considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time had come in for some criticism over the years for his performances at international level.
That was until he led Argentina to Copa America success in 2021 and followed that up at last year’s World Cup, starring as La Albiceleste recovered from a shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to beat defending champions France in the final on penalties.
Of course, the sheer volume of his goals has been breathtaking, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Ali Daei scoring more in international men’s football.
But we have picked out five individual strikes that were particularly memorable.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 28, 2023
Argentina vs Mexico (July 11, 2007)
Having only just turned 20, Messi was expected to win the Copa America for his country in 2007.
Ultimately, Argentina were beaten in the final by Brazil, but not before Messi had graced the stage with a sumptuous lob in their 3-0 win against Mexico in the semi-finals, being fed on the right of the penalty before an outrageous lob over Oswaldo Sanchez into the far corner.
Argentina vs Brazil (June 9, 2012)
The two great rivals faced each other in New Jersey as they prepared for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and a topsy-turvy contest had already seen Messi score twice.
In the 84th minute and with the score tied at 3-3, Messi went as trademark as possible, picking up the ball on the right just into the Brazil half before dribbling for goal. He cut inside the nearest defender on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top-left corner of the net.
Argentina vs Paraguay (September 7, 2012)
Just a few months later, Messi was at it from distance again, this time even further out as he showed off his supreme free-kick taking ability.
With Argentina leading Paraguay 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier, Messi lined up a set-piece effort a little over 30 yards out, whipping the ball over the wall and in off the goalkeeper’s left-hand post.
Argentina vs Iran (June 21, 2014)
In their second group game of the 2014 World Cup, Argentina had struggled to break down a resolute Iran side who were on the verge of securing a famous 0-0 draw and valuable point.
That was until Messi picked up the ball on the right in the 91st minute in Belo Horizonte. He darted inside, as he so often does, and curled a sumptuous effort past Alireza Haghighi from some 25 yards, the ball nestling in the bottom-left corner.
Argentina vs Mexico (November 26, 2022)
Having already lost to Saudi Arabia in their first game at the 2022 World Cup, Argentina could not find a way past Mexico in the first hour of their second encounter either.
Or, they couldn’t until their captain stepped up.
With raucous fans urging them on at Lusail Stadium, Messi received a pass from Angel Di Maria before hitting a shot from outside the box low and hard to Guillermo Ochoa’s left, lighting the touchpaper that would ultimately end with the trophy in his hands at the end of the campaign.
Argentina has named their training facility after their talismanic captain, Lionel Messi, in recognition of his World Cup heroics.
Argentina’s national team setup is housed in Casa de Ezeiza in Buenos Aires, but it will now be known as Lionel Andres Messi.
The Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) president, Chiqui Tapia, tweeted on Saturday to confirm the information.
“I want to thank all the managers, players and employees of @afa for having been with us.”
Messi dragged Argentina to glory in Qatar last year, emulating the success of the late Diego Maradona as La Albiceleste claimed their third world title, and first since 1986.
“This recognition is one of the nicest I’ve ever received,” Messi posted on Instagram. “A great honour, thank you very much!!!”
Messi scored the 800th goal of his stellar career in Argentina’s 2-0 friendly win over Panama on Thursday. The 35-year-old’s next goal on the international stage will be his 100th for his country.
On Thursday, Messi scored the 800th goal of his professional career against Panama, bringing him one goal shy of 100 for the national team.
The Argentine sensation became the second-most prolific goal-scorer in history, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo by 30 goals.
Following Argentina’s victory in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup in December, many football fans and pundits dubbed him “the greatest of all time.”
But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to convince the Italian tactician, who has named three football greats who are ahead of Messi. “Messi the best in history? He’s a great player but I can’t say who’s been the best,” Ancelotti was quoted as saying via GOAL. “There have been so many wonderful players… Maradona, Di Stéfano, Cruyff.. I don’t know.”
Van Gaal picks Ronaldo over Messi Louis van Gaal is among a number of high-ranking members of the football fraternity who have now delved into the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate.
Speaking on the legendary duo, the former Netherlands coach heaped praises on the two iconic superstars as the best players of their era. Van Gaal, 71, then disclosed his preference for the Portuguese legend in the GOAT debate.
“And the big question, Messi or Cristiano? The best players of this period are Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Choosing between them is difficult,” Van Gaal told Onda Cero, via Sportskeeda.
Gary Cahill speaks on GOAT debate
Elsewhere, former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has weighed in on the Ronaldo versus Messi debate but struggled to choose the better player.
Cahill’s indecision looks quite honest as the two are close first and second in most football metrics and hard to separate.
The two are defying age and going strong.
Both scored freekicks for their countries, Argentina and Portugal, in their last international games against Panama and Liechtenstein.
Heinze snubs Messi in GOAT debate
Sports Brief earlier reported that Gabriel Heinze snubbed Messi in the GOAT debate and instead went for Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Argentina international played with Ronaldo for three years at Manchester United and with Messi in the national team but ignored his compatriot.
The 42-year-old said Ronaldo could not get better as he is already next to God in his abilities.
Lionel Messi’s future has been a source of contention in recent months, with the Argentine superstar reportedly yet to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain despite having only a few months left on his current deal.
Barcelona has been pushing for a reunion with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who left the club in heartbreaking circumstances in 2021 after 17 seasons at Camp Nou.
According to the Daily Mirror, ex-Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has revealed that Messi is likely to return to Barcelona to finish his career.
“I think Leo Messi should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home and he should finish his career there. My feeling is that there is a 50% chance that he will return.”
PSG are still hoping to convince the veteran to renew his contract at the club beyond 2023 while Saudi Arabia top club, Al-Hilal and MLS side, Inter Miami have also indicated their interest in signing the World Cup winner.
Messi gives Barcelona return conditions
Meanwhile, Messi reportedly wants a portion of the income Barcelona would get for the tribute being prepared for him – if he is to return to Camp Nou, Daily Post reports.
The 35-year-old was said to have given this as one of the conditions for making a sensational move back to the Catalan giants after he left in 2021 after 17 seasons.
In related coverage, Sports Brief reported that PSG could let Messi go at the end of the 2022/23 season when his contract with the Ligue 1 giants expires.
The club and the player have been in negotiations over a contract renewal but talks have since paused, with the club said to be reconsidering the deal.
PSG are unsure on whether they want to keep Messi at the end of the season and some in the club’s hierarchy believe the squad needs to change.
Lionel Messi struck the 800th goal of his remarkable career and lifted the World Cup trophy one more time in Buenos Aires, telling all of Argentina to enjoy this footballing prosperity while it lasts.
His landmark strike came in a 2-0 friendly win against Panama on Thursday at El Monumental, as Argentina played their first game since triumphing at Qatar 2022.
They showed off their World Cup spoils after the final whistle, with Messi addressing the crowd and saying it was a moment he had dreamt of throughout his life.
Messi, who turns 36 in June, delivered another inspired performance for his country, hitting the crossbar with two free kicks before sending another into the top corner in the 89th minute.
That brought up the 800 for club and country and sealed Argentina’s win, after Thiago Almada bagged the opener in the 78th minute. It was also Messi’s 99th goal for Argentina.
With a microphone in his right hand, and his left placed on the trophy, Messi told the crowd: “I want to thank you for all the love we are receiving, not just for winning the World Cup but from before, when we won the Copa America.
“I always dreamed of this moment, being able to celebrate with you in this country. Let’s enjoy it because we spent a long time to win it, and because you don’t know how long it will take until we win it again. Let’s enjoy the third star.”
#SelecciónMayor 🎙️Lionel Messi: "Primero que nada, darles las gracias a todos por el cariño que venimos recibiendo. Hace tiempo decimos que íbamos a hacer todo lo posible por ganar un Mundial". pic.twitter.com/Ufo1GayjTO
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 24, 2023
Paris Saint-Germain’s former Barcelona star won the Golden Ball at the World Cup for his efforts in captaining Argentina to glory. That is the trophy awarded to the player of the tournament.
Argentina won the World Cup previously in 1978 and 1986, with a 36-year wait coming to an end when La Albiceleste beat France on penalties in the December 18 final, after a 3-3 draw.
Messi will almost certainly have retired from international duty by the time the next World Cup rolls around in 2026, marking the end of a storied era.
He was keen to spread the latest acclaim throughout the Argentina ranks.
“I know that today is our day, but I don’t want to forget all those colleagues I had before, who also did everything possible to get this one, and unfortunately it didn’t happen to us, we were very close,” he said. “They also deserve respect and recognition.
“We were going to do everything we could for this. I always dreamed of this moment, being able to come to my country and lift the World Cup. It was shown that it is very difficult to achieve this, it depends on many things. Sometimes due to small details it gets away from you.”
Another week, another landmark for Lionel Messi as the Argentina superstar scored his 800th career goal in Thursday’s friendly against Panama.
It’s been an almighty journey for the all-time great, who has basically won everything on offer and claimed a record haul of seven Ballons d’Or along the way.
The player regarded by many as the greatest ever, Messi reached his latest milestone with a picture-perfect free kick in the 89th minute against Panama, curling one into the top corner after crashing two prior free kicks into the crossbar.
Although Messi hits new landmarks so frequently, at the age of 35 he is approaching a point where such achievements will become a little rarer.
With that in mind, it’s worth celebrating Messi and his feats while we still can – therefore, Stats Perform has delved into the Opta data behind his latest accomplishment.
On the receiving end
It’s nearly 18 years since Messi’s first goal in professional football. Then a floppy-haired 17-year-old, he latched on to a Ronaldinho pass before lifting a clever lob over Albacete goalkeeper Raul Valbuena on May 1, 2005.
That goal has since become famous given its significance in marking the arrival of Messi – it also left a mark on the career of Valbuena.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 24, 2023
“The press calls me every time he’s broken a record or achieved something important, especially press from Catalonia,” he told Marca nine years later. “To me, it’s a funny anecdote in my career as a goalkeeper.”
Well, it’s all right for some. Many goalkeepers have had to contend with Messi smashing past them a few more times than Valbuena’s single concession.
In total, 232 goalkeepers had let in a goal against Messi before Thursday. No one conceded more than Diego Alves, however, with the Brazilian beaten 21 times. Iker Casillas is a close second (19).
Returning the favour
Of course, over his career Messi has also become synonymous with creativity, routinely setting up goals for his team-mates.
But, given how many he’s scored, he’s also had to benefit from plenty of service from his colleagues as well – when he’s not doing it all himself.
There are several players with whom he’s struck up particularly effective on-pitch relationships.
For years, his combination with Dani Alves was unrivalled, the Brazilian setting up 42 of Messi’s goals, but then along came Luis Suarez.
Suarez, Messi and Neymar were a revered and feared front three, their understanding on the pitch so deadly. The Uruguayan ended up assisting 47 goals for Messi across their six years together, with no one else teeing him up more often.
Messi also has his favourite clubs to score against. Impressively, Real Madrid (26) are right up there – but there are four teams he has punished more.
That same season he also started playing for Barça C and Barça B, making 37 official appearances and scoring 35 goals. He also won the league with the U18B team and played for the 🇦🇷 U20 national team👏 pic.twitter.com/h7ZK7edF6W
Athletic Bilbao (29), Valencia (31) and Atletico Madrid (32) all struggled against him, but if there has been one team who have resembled lambs to the slaughter when facing Messi, it’s Sevilla (38).
Heights few have reached
The world of football numbers can be a little muddy. What constitutes an official goal? What’s an official competition?
As such, there has been lots of confusion regarding the ‘official’ goals hauls of players down the years – we’re looking at you, Pele and Romario.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) considers Cristiano Ronaldo to be the world record holder, stating in December 2021 that the Portugal forward was the first player to reach 800 official career goals.
This makes Messi the second to reach that figure, with Opta corroborating his career record. There remains a possibility he will eventually reach 1,000. No one is expecting him to get there soon, though.
After all, as good as he remains, achievements like scoring 91 times in a calendar year – as he managed in 2012 – appear to be beyond him these days.
That was his best ever year, which – perhaps unsurprisingly – coincided with his most prolific season (2011-12), when he scored 82 goals.
Still, the 35 goals he plundered in 2022 wasn’t a bad return, especially given that haul included seven en route to World Cup success with Argentina.
Still to come?
There aren’t many records at Barcelona that don’t already belong to Messi. Top scorer? Done. Most appearances? Completed it. The most-photographed person at Camp Nou? Probably.
It seems unlikely Messi will be around at PSG long enough to have the same kind of impact there, but he certainly still has career targets in sight.
There’s the aforementioned 1,000 goals landmark, though before then he will have his eyes on more international achievements.
In 2004/05 he alternated between Barça B and the first team. He made his competitive debut against Espanyol and scored his first goal against Albacete at the Camp Nou ✨⚽ pic.twitter.com/nXZzxLJA2h
Messi’s free kick to seal Thursday’s 2-0 win left him just one from reaching 100 with Argentina, and after that he’ll perhaps have designs on usurping both Ali Daei (109) and Ronaldo (120), the two highest-scoring players in men’s international football.
Similarly, with Ronaldo now out of the way in Saudi Arabia, Messi could also take his record for the most Champions League goals (140) –Messi is on 129.
But regardless of what else he does or doesn’t go on to achieve, Thursday’s milestone is just another reminder of how fortunate we’ve been to witness Messi’s truly remarkable career.
Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel Messi, asserted that “false news” is being circulated regarding the future of the star striker at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi, a player for Argentina, will have his contract at the Parc des Princes expire at the end of the current season, which will further fuel speculation about where he will play next in his career.
This week, reports stated Messi is seeking for €600 million to join the Saudi team Al Hilal and that PSG are unwilling to meet his wage demands under a new contract.
Also, it was said on Friday that Messi skipped a training session this week as a result of a dispute with head coach Christophe Galtier.
However, Jorge Messi took to social media on Friday to denounce all three articles.
“When will you stop lying?” he posted on his personal Instagram account, alongside screenshots from the three articles.
“Where’s the proof? Oh, it’s all false. OK. No matter how loud it is called. Do not believe it. We will no longer tolerate fake news to gain followers.”
Messi has 18 goals and 17 assists in 31 games for PSG this season, but he came in for criticism for his displays in their Champions League last-16 elimination to Bayern Munich.
Asked about the World Cup winner’s future at a press conference on Friday, Galtier said: “I know that Leo Messi and the board have been in talks.
“As for whether Leo Messi will be here next season or not, I have said that it is about desire. I know people are discussing it, but Leo Messi is happy in the dressing room.
“He has 18 goals and 17 assists this season. I know there was some criticism about the [Champions League] game against Bayern Munich, but he wasn’t the only one.
“As for his future, it is too early to know what will happen.”
Messi, who has also been strongly linked with a move to Major League Soccer, is in line to start PSG’s Ligue 1 meeting with Rennes at Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola engaged in a sombre “argument” following his removal from the lineup during their decisive victory over RB Leipzig on March 14.
Haaland scored five of the seven goals Manchester City scored against their German opponents to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.
After an hour had passed, Haaland was taken off the field to a standing ovation from the fans at Etihad Stadium and his manager, who congratulated him. He joined Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano as the only players in Champions League history to score five goals in a single match.
But as the Norwegian later revealed, he questioned Guardiola as to why he had denied him the opportunity to complete a double hat-trick. Haaland was of the idea that had he been accorded a few
However, Guardiola downplayed the incident, revealing his satisfaction with his striker who has now broken the record for most goals for Man City in a single season. “If he achieved this milestone at 22, 23 years old, it will be boring, his life. Now he has a target.
That’s why I make the substitution,” Guardiola said as quoted by the Independent. The Spanish manager also admitted he had no idea about Messi’s record when he took the Norwegian off.
Sports Brief also reported on football fans on social media being unable to understand Guardiola’s decision to sub Haaland in Man City’s 7-0 thrashing of Leipzig on Tuesday.
The Norwegian scored five goals with only 30 touches with his hat-trick being completed before half-time, but the 22-year-old was keen on more goals when he was hooked off.
Haaland missed out on the chance to achieve another special milestone after his manager,Guardiola substituted him in the 64th minute in an act of mercy towards the Germans.
The 2023 award is in danger of being rocked by allegations of favouritism and daylight robbery because previous events like 2013 and 2010 are still being questioned.
Lionel Messi remains the front-runner to win a record eighth title when the ceremony goes down sometime in October this year. His World Cup heroics with Argentina have given him a perfect head start.
Second on the list is Kylian Mbappe, who nearly led France to a lone World Cup victory.
All of this occurred prior to Bayern Munich’s merciless elimination of Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League.
The World Cup dilemma
Even though the Ballon d’Or award is frequently decided by individual merit, the Champions League typically has a significant impact on the outcome.
In the case of a World Cup year, the once-in-four-years competition takes precedence over any other trophy – Luka Modric is a witness.
Questions have already started streaming in on how this year’s award will be determined by a ‘seven-game tournament.’
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