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Tag: Lionel Messi

  • Messi, Modric hoping to cement their legacies with World Cup glory

    There shouldn’t be any debate over Lionel Messi’s place in the hall of fame.

    The argument over whether he is the greatest player of all time (GOAT, as the hip kids say) or simply one of the best players to ever play the beautiful game will likely never end.

    Some have frequently cited Messi’s failure to win the World Cup to argue that he cannot be regarded as the greatest player to have ever lived.

    The 35-year-old has stated that this World Cup will be his last, so what better way to go out than by steering Argentina to victory?

    Certainly, Messi is driving the push. He seemed to be possessed, single-handedly advancing Lionel Scaloni’s team through Australia in the round of 16, then displaying his combative side in the triumph against the Netherlands on penalties after assisting in both of Argentina’s goals during regulation time.

    Another evergreen star who is supposedly in the twilight of his career is still glowing brilliantly while the world waits for Messi to eventually win the title.

    The Croatian team led by Luka Modric was not expected to match its performance from four years prior, when it reached the final in Russia before falling to France.

    Yet after overcoming favourites Brazil on penalties, it is Croatia and Modric, 37 years young, who will vie to deny Messi his fairy-tale ending.

    Tuesday’s semi-final at Lusail Stadium might just boil down to two of the game’s very best.

    Messi magic Argentina’s saving grace

    After winning the Copa America last year, Argentina were always going to be among the favourites in Qatar. News of Messi confirming this would be his final shot at becoming a world champion only seemed to strengthen La Albiceleste’s claim.

    They went into the tournament on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run and they were facing Saudi Arabia in their Group C opener – surely, that streak would be extended to 37? Well, it wasn’t. Messi scored, from the penalty spot, but Argentina slumped to a 2-1 defeat.

    It left them needing to beat Mexico and Poland to ensure progress, and they did just that, if far from convincingly, at least against Mexico when Messi, again, was the difference-maker, this time with a low shot from the edge of the box, placed with delicate precision into the bottom corner, and then an assist for Enzo Fernandez’s superb effort.

    Messi scored Argentina’s opener against Australia and then managed the match in the closing stages as Scaloni’s team saw out a nervy 2-1 win after Fernandez’s own goal gave the Socceroos hope.

    Against the Dutch, Messi assisted Nahuel Molina’s opener with the pass of the tournament – a defence-splitting, eye-of-the-needle throughball – before scoring a 73rd-minute penalty. It should have seen Argentina through comfortably, but they capitulated in the closing stages before rediscovering their composure in the shoot-out (Messi scored in that, too).

    As they always do with Messi, the statistics speak for themselves.

    Messi’s six goal contributions (four goals, two assists) in this tournament trail only his Paris Saint-Germain club-mate Kylian Mbappe (seven). To further prove his importance to Argentina, he has been involved in 39 shot-ending sequences in open play at this World Cup, 15 more than any of his team-mates.

    Source: Livescore

  • No reason to fear Messi if Croatia repeat Neymar tactic- Dalic

    Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic insists his team will have no reason to “fear” Lionel Messi in the World Cup semi-finals if they repeat the defensive approach that limited Neymar’s influence against Brazil.

    A 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over the Selecao on Friday following a 1-1 draw after extra time at Education City Stadium secured Croatia successive World Cup semi-final appearances.

    Neymar did give Brazil the lead in the first half of extra time at the end of a brilliant move, before Bruno Petkovic’s deflected strike took the game to penalties.

    But Brazil’s talisman otherwise struggled to penetrate the Croatian defence.

    Occupying a slightly more central position inside Vinicius Junior on the left, the two players managed just one key pass and five completed dribbles out of 14 between them as Mario Pasalic, Josip Juranovic and Luka Modric worked tirelessly to pressure them.

    Life will not get much easier for Croatia in their next game as they face Messi and Argentina, though Dalic is confident in their ability to keep him quiet.

    “We need to guard against Messi, but not in a player-on-player style, as we didn’t [do that] in

    our last meeting,” he said.

    “We know how much he runs, how much he likes to play with the ball at his feet and the key to our defensive phase will be discipline.

    “If we repeat the same thing as against Brazil, which is that we are close [to him], that we stand by the player, we have nothing to fear.”

    Dalic was keen to stress Messi cannot be their sole focus.

    However, he believes Croatia should be able to take encouragement from Argentina’s struggles against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

  • Messi showed he is ‘best of all time’ after Van Gaal ‘attack’ – Scaloni

    Lionel Messi was motivated to lead Argentina past the Netherlands due to feeling “a little attacked” by Louis van Gaal’s pre-match comments, Lionel Scaloni said.

    Messi is enjoying an outstanding World Cup and continued in that vein on Friday as he scored one and created another in a 2-2 quarter-final draw with the Netherlands.

    Argentina advanced after a penalty shoot-out, recovering after Wout Weghorst’s dramatic double had denied them victory in normal time.

    There had predictably been plenty of focus on Messi heading into the match, with Netherlands coach Van Gaal suggesting Argentina were relying too heavily on their captain in attack while he would not be asked to defend.

    Messi appeared to gesture in Van Gaal’s direction on multiple occasions, including after scoring, cupping his ears in an apparent reference to Juan Roman Riquelme’s own celebration.

    Van Gaal and Riquelme were at odds during their time together at Messi’s former club Barcelona.

    “I’m not going to give Van Gaal advice, but it’s not easy to make [Messi] play angry,” Argentina coach Scaloni told TyC Sports.

    “I don’t know if he was angry, but to make him play the way he played today… it’s exciting.

    “These are things that happen on the pitch and stay there. But we didn’t play with one less when we didn’t have the ball, we played with 11.

    “I think with Leo he felt a little attacked and showed that he is the best of all time. We are happy to have him.”

    After a last-16 win over Australia, in which Messi was similarly influential, team-mate Alexis Mac Allister had explained how the legendary forward was inspired to perform.

  • Messi’s best international moments for Argentina

    When considered separately, Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina has been extraordinarily successful.

    He is, after all, the player with the most caps for his country as well as La Albiceleste’s all-time leading scorer.

    Messi has had such success at the club level, first with Barcelona and most recently with Paris Saint-Germain, that his international career does, nevertheless, seem quite insignificant in contrast.

    His journey to Argentina has undoubtedly included highs and lows. Major awards have been received, but there have also been a lot of heartbreaks and finals defeats.

    We look back on Messi’s international career’s high points as he makes what may be his final try to win the World Cup.

    Sent off on debut

    Messi was the focus of an international dispute between Argentina and Spain when he was a youngster.

    At the 2005 South American Youth Championship, he opted to play for his country and did so, scoring the game-winning goal against Brazil in the championship match.

    Later that year, in a friendly match against Hungary, Messi made his full debut for his country. The 18-year-old player replaced another player in the second half, but he did not have the impact that everyone had hoped for.

    His debut lasted just two minutes before he was dismissed for striking the full-back with his arm while trying to avoid Hungarian defender Vilmos Vanczak.

    Copa America losses

    Despite a rocky start to his international career, Messi quickly cemented his place as a fixture in the Argentina team.

    He participated in the 2006 World Cup and started for a team that was predicted to win the 2007 Copa America. He would win the award for the best young player, but Argentina fell to Brazil 3-0 in the championship game.

    In 2015, eight years later, they made it to another Copa America championship game. La Albiceleste lost a penalty shootout against Chile 4-1 after a 0-0 tie, with Messi scoring the sole goal.

    The next year, the competition was organized once more to commemorate its centennial.

    Again Argentina met Chile in the final and again the match ended 0-0 and went to penalties. This time Chile won the shootout 4-2, with the talisman missing the opening kick.

    Olympic champion

    Lionel Messi was a gold medal winner at the Olympics
    Lionel Messi was a gold medal winner at the Olympics

    One year after that first Copa America final defeat, Messi tasted international success at senior level but only after the intervention of his club manager.

    Barcelona did not want him to play for Argentina at the 2008 Olympics as it clashed with their Champions League qualifiers.

    They even took legal action to prevent him joining the squad until the newly-appointed head coach Pep Guardiola persuaded the club to relent.

    Messi starred in a team that went all the way to the final in Beijing, beating Brazil in the semi-finals.

    A 1-0 victory against Nigeria secured gold for Argentina — four years after being crowned champions at the Athens Olympics.

    World Cup defeat

    The Copa America is not the only international tournament where Messi has suffered plenty of heartbreak.

    Argentina were knocked out of both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups at the quarter-final stage by Germany. In the latter tournament, a tactically naive team managed by Diego Maradona were thrashed 4-0.

    Four years later in Brazil, the pressure was on Messi to repeat the accomplishments of Maradona as a player and lead the nation to World Cup success.

    He scored four goals to help the team through to the 2014 final, where they would once again play Germany.

    For the third World Cup in a row, the Germans beat Argentina. Messi spurned several scoring opportunities and Germany eventually edged it 1-0 in extra-time.

    The Golden Ball award for best player was controversially awarded to Messi but provided little consolation.

    Copa success

    Lionel Messi finally got to hold the Copa America trophy in 2021
    Lionel Messi finally got to hold the Copa America trophy in 2021

    Messi’s long streak of international heartbreak finally came to an end in 2021 at the Copa America in Brazil.

    Argentina and Colombia were meant to be co-hosts, but the coronavirus crisis saw Brazil step in. On home territory, the Selecao were hot favourites to win the tournament.

    Messi and Argentina had other ideas. This was a much less star-studded side compared to the ones that had tried and failed to win past editions and they were perhaps all the better for it.

    A defensively solid team built around their star man would beat Brazil 1-0 in the final.

    Messi was key to the victory, finishing as top scorer and being named Player of the Tournament.

  • Messi’s legacy to be intact even without World Cup trophy, Guedioura says

    According to Adlene Guedioura, Lionel Messi does not require a World Cup victory to establish his legacy.

    Messi, a seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, has eight league championships and four Champions League trophies to his name.

    Messi hasn’t had much luck with Argentina’s international teams, though he did win the Copa America last year after three previous runners-up finishes.

    Messi came very close to winning the World Cup in 2014, but Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner ended up being La Albiceleste’s final heartbreak.

    Some have claimed that the 35-year-failure old’s to win international football’s greatest honor will damage his legacy in comparison to players like Pele and compatriot Diego Maradona.

    Messi may have one more chance to win the World Cup at the current tournament in Qatar, where his Argentina team will play the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on Friday.

    Guedioura is of the opinion that Messi’s legacy will not be damaged even if Argentina fails in their quest to win a third World Cup in Qatar.

    Asked if he feels the potential gap in Messi’s trophy cabinet will impact how he is remembered, the former Algeria midfielder told Stats Perform: “Not at all. We’ve enjoyed him for such a long time with [Cristiano] Ronaldo.

    “I think, of course, a title with Argentina will put him on the top of everything. But watching him in Barcelona and with Paris Saint-Germain is something special.”

    Argentina came into the tournament on a run of 36 matches unbeaten, but that streak came to a stunning end when they were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener.

    La Albiceleste have steadied the ship, though, finishing top of Group C and beating Australia in the round of 16 to set up the meeting with the Netherlands.

    Despite Argentina’s improvement, Guedioura highlighted rivals Brazil as the team more likely to take the trophy back to South America, explaining: “Argentina started poorly with Saudi Arabia.

    “Maybe, it was a little accident or a little warning for them. But compared to Brazil, I feel Brazil they are stronger than Argentina.”

    Guedioura played for Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, and though his nation failed to qualify this year, fellow African sides Senegal and Morocco made it to the knockout stages, with the latter set to face Portugal in the last eight.

    The Al-Duhail midfielder thinks African nations pull together at tournaments in a way that is not replicated across other regions of the world. “This is maybe a difference when you have England or Scotland,” he observed.

    “When Scotland is not qualified, it’s like they don’t want England to do well. For us, I don’t think it’s like this. Any team that does well, all of Africa support them because they are the hope for the country and for the continent really.”

     

  • World Cup 2022: Argentina forward Lionel Messi sad to see Uruguay exit tournament

    Argentina forward Lionel Messi is disappointed that Uruguay have crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite beating Ghana in their final group game on Friday.

    Ghana skipper Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute as his kick was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet following a foul on Mohammed Kudus.

    Uruguay went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Giorgio de Arrascaeta in the 26th and 32nd minutes of the game but it was not enough as teams went out of the tournament.

    “It was sad that they were left out the way they were,” Lionel Messi said.

    “It’s football, it happens, and you have to think about what’s coming, just like we do in the Netherlands.”

    Uruguay and South Korea both ended with a zero goal difference, but the side from Asia netted a total of four goals in their three games, with the South American team scoring just the two they managed against the Black Stars.

  • Player of the Tournament Power Rankings: Bruno, Mbappe and Messi among the early frontrunners

    GOAL runs through the leading contenders for the most prestigious individual honour on offer in Qatar.

    Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane – some of the biggest names in football history have illuminated the game’s grandest stage. But who will be named the tournament’s best player this year?

    Two former winners will be present in Qatar, of course, with Lionel Messi again leading Argentina and Luka Modric captaining Croatia.

    But could the prize go to one of the young guns, such as Kylian Mbappe, Gavi or Jude Bellingham?

    Below, GOAL runs through all of the leading contenders in the tournament’s player rankings…

    • Theo Hernandez France Player Card

      10Theo Hernandez

      Theo Hernandez may not be the greatest defender in the world but he’s absolutely outstanding going forward, as he’s already emphasised in Qatar. His debut may not have come in ideal circumstances, with the AC Milan attacker brought on against Australia after his brother Lucas had suffered a tournament-ending injury. But Hernandez has made the most of his opportunity, creating the crucial equaliser for Adrien Rabiot against the Socceroos, before then combining with Kylian Mbappe to break the deadlock in the 2-1 win over Denmark. With Hernandez now in the starting line-up, France’s left flank now looks like an absolute nightmare for opposition back-lines. Indeed, he’s already joint-top of the chances created charts, with nine.

    • Mohammed Kudus Ghana Konami Getty

      9Mohammed Kudus

      Ajax fans have long been frustrated by Alfred Schreuder’s sparing use of Mohammed Kudus, and it’s easy to see why. The 22-year-old has already made a massive impact on this turn. He showed off his pace and dribbling skills against Portugal but there was no end product. All that changed against South Korea, with Kudus scoring twice to earn the Black Stars a vital victory and establish himself as one of the competition’s breakout stars.

    • Richarlison Brazil Konami Power Rankings HIC 16:9

      8Richarlison

      So, that’s why he’s Brazil’s No.9! Richarlison is not everyone’s cup of tea. He’s a divisive character and his record at club level is unimpressive. However, he’s a different beast for Brazil. Richarlison’s showcased his predatory instincts in pouncing on a rebound to break the deadlock in the Selecao’s win over Serbia, before then sealing victory with a spectacular scissors-kick. He drew a blank against Serbia but the fact remains that nobody’s scored more goals for Brazil since Richarlison made his international debut in September 2018 (19), and he should add to his tally as this tournament goes on.

    • Enner Valencia Ecuador Qatar Konami 16:9Getty

      7Enner Valencia

      The Ecuador captain enjoyed a record-breaking night against Qatar. In coolly converting a penalty that he won himself, the 33-year-old became the oldest player to score the opener at a finals. His opening-night double also made him the first man to score five tournament goals in a row for a South American side. In extending that record to six with the crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Netherlands, Valencia emerged as an unlikely contender for the top scorer award. However, Ecuador’s elimination signals the end of his challenge, and he’ll soon lose his spot in our top 10 too.

    • Antoine Griezmann France Konami card

      6Antoine Griezmann

      Still without a goal but Antoine Griezmann, with his wonderful work-rate and terrific technique, is one of the main reasons why France are through to the last 16. Mbappe may be Les Bleus’ star but Griezmann is the man that makes their forward line function. Everything goes through him, he is the creator-in-chief, as underlined by the fact that no player has created more chances at this tournament to date than Griezmann (11).

    • Marcus Rashford England KonamiGetty

      5Marcus Rashford

      Fair to say Marcus Rashford is back to his very best. The Manchester United attacker began this tournament on the bench but scored as a substitute in the 6-2 win over Iran on matchday one and then made the most of his first start, bagging a double in the 3-0 rout of Wales that sealed England’s place in the last 16. And with that, Rashford has gone from a reserve to a certain starter, not to mention a top-scorer contender.

    • Lionel Messi Argentina Konami Player Card

      4Lionel Messi

      The man is human, as his penalty miss against Poland underlined, but Messi’s influence on Argentina on 34 years of age is super-natural. As well as effectively turning their campaign around with his stunning opener against Mexico, he’s now also joint-second in the overall standings for both chances created (nine) and dribbles completed (eight) after a typically influential display against Poland. In that 2-0 win, he also became the oldest man to complete make at least five dribbles and fashion five-plus openings in the same game. The previous record holder? Diego Maradona, naturally. Messi may not have been able to beat Wojciech Szczesny on the night he now looks primed to make a serious run at a second successive player of the tournament award.

    • Cody Gakpo Netherlands Ecuador Konami HIC 16:9

    • 3Cody Gakpo

      How much is Cody Gakpo worth now?! The PSV winger was a man in demand even before the tournament began, with talk of a move to England intensifying after a fine start to the season. He certainly seems destined to play for one of Europe’s elite after underlining his class with three goals in three games in Qatar.

    • Bruno Fernandes Portugal Konami Player Card

      2Bruno Fernandes

      Cristiano Ronaldo may be hogging all the headlines but it’s already become clear that Bruno is Portugal’s most important player. He’s been decisive in both of their games so far. Against Ghana, with the game tied at one goal apiece, it was the Manchester United man who proved the Seleccao’s difference-maker, creating goals for Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. He then bagged both goals in the 2-0 win over Uruguay that sealed the Seleccao’s place in the last 16. Bruno brings a combination of industry and innovation to the party that few other players in this tournament can match.

    • Kylian Mbappe France Konami 16:9Getty

      1Kylian Mbappe

      A man who considered quitting international football a year ago now looks set to write more history with France. Indeed, against Australia, he became the youngest Frenchman to reach five tournament goals. He’s now up to seven, after a devastating double in the 2-1 win over Denmark that saw Les Bleus become the first side to reach the last 16. He may not have managed a goal during his cameo in the 1-0 loss to Tunisia, as Didier Deschamps looked to protect his most valuable player, but he still provoked panic in the opposition defence when he came on. Indeed, right now, Mbappe looks a cut above every other single player at this tournament.

  • ‘Maradona would be super happy’ – Messi reacts to breaking Argentina legend’s World Cup record

    Lionel Messi thinks Diego Maradona ”would be super happy” to have seen him break an Argentina World Cup record previously held by the national icon.

    WHAT HAPPENED? Despite Messi missing from the spot, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez sealed a 2-0 victory against Poland on Wednesday that saw Argentina progress to the 2022 World Cup knockout stages as winners of Group C. When Messi took to the pitch he set another record as he became Argentina’s most-capped player in the World Cup with 22 appearances, surpassing Maradona. The Paris Saint-Germain forward had a wonderful relationship with Maradona and he believes the late Argentine great would be ”super happy” with his latest achievement.

    WHAT THEY SAID: “I learned it recently, I didn’t know it. It’s a pleasure to be able to continue to achieve these kinds of records,” Messi said when quizzed on the record after the Poland win. ”I think Diego would be super happy for me because he always showed me a lot of affection, he was always happy when things went well for me.”

    THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi missed the chance to increase his tally of World Cup goals to nine after fluffing his lines from the penalty spot, but he is still in the hunt for the 2022 edition’s Golden Boot, having scored in both of Argentina’s opening group games against Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

    IN TWO PHOTOS:

    Lionel MessiGettyDiego Maradona

    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? The Argentine skipper will be back in action on Saturday when the Albiceleste take on Australia in the round of 16 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

  • ‘I lost €100 bet with Messi! – Szczesny reveals penalty wager with Argentina captain & admits he’ll ‘probably get banned

    Wojciech Szczesny has revealed that he lost a €100 bet with Lionel Messi over the penalty incident during Argentina’s win over Poland.

    WHAT HAPPENED? Messi was bailed out after seeing his penalty saved by Szczesny as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez propelled Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Poland and seal the top spot in Group C. There was much controversy around the first-half penalty decision as it was deemed that Szczesny caught Messi in the face with his arm while grabbing an aerial ball. The keeper was so confident that referee Danny Makkelie would not point to the spot after checking VAR that he went ahead and placed a €100 bet with Messi. However, Szczesny lost the bet as Makkelie gave the penalty, and he has jokingly admitted that he is now expecting to be punished.

    WHAT THEY SAID: “We spoke before the penalty and I told would bet him €100 that he [referee] wasn’t going to give it,” Szczesny told TV2.

    “So I’ve lost a bet against Messi. I don’t know if that’s allowed at the World Cup — I’m probably going to get banned for it! But I don’t care right now. I’m not going to pay him either — he doesn’t care about €100 I think he has enough.”

    THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Juventus keeper has been in fine form in this World Cup and is now up to two penalty saves, having also denied Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari from 12 yards on matchday two. Ultimately, his save against Messi turned out to be crucial for Poland in the goal-difference battle with Mexico as they also progressed to the last 16. “I was fortunate twice this competition,” he told RAI Sport. “It’s a great moment in the career of a player, the World Cup is the maximum and this is special. There’s a bit of work that goes into it, too, but in order to save a Messi penalty, you need some luck as well.”

    IN THREE PHOTOS:

     

    Wojciech Szczesny Lionel Messi Argentina Polonia Qatar 2022GettyWojciech Szczesny Lionel Messi Argentina Polonia Qatar 2022GettySzczesny MessiWHAT NEXT FOR SZCZESNY? The goalkeeper will be in action next against France on Sunday in the round of 16 tie at the Al Thumama Stadium.

  • Argentina ‘strengthened’ after penalty miss to seal last-16 spot – Messi

    Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s spirit and willpower, saying they “strengthened” after he missed a critical penalty to secure their 2-0 World Cup victory over Poland.

    After Wojciech Szczesny saved Messi’s penalty kick, Lionel Scaloni’s team advanced as the Group C champions thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez in the second half.

    La Albiceleste, who lost their opening game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, have advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds for the 13th time in their last 14 outings. On Sunday, they will face Group D runners-up Australia.

    “The team came out strengthened after that mistake of mine,” said Messi, who surpassed Diego Maradona in playing the most World Cup games for Argentina (22).

    “We knew that once the first goal went in it was going to change the game. The previous game gave us a lot of peace of mind and we went out on the pitch thinking we should win.

    “The game with Australia is going to be very difficult. Anyone beats anyone, everything is very even. We have to prepare for the game in the best way we always do.

    “We must be calm and go game by game. Now, another World Cup starts, and hopefully we can continue to maintain what we did today.”

    Nicolas Otamendi concurred: “This is a team that strengthens under pressure, it was demonstrated. Today we had a final, and we never lost focus.”

    Rodrigo De Paul praised the team’s “personality,” but Mac Allister thinks the performance will give them more confidence going into the knockout rounds.

    “I think today was a great team game, and that gives us a lot of confidence for what’s coming,” he said.

    “It was a convincing performance. We look for the goal at all times. I think we went back to being the team we used to be. We handled the ball more, we had peace of mind, and we didn’t despair. We played well collectively. It fills us with confidence.”

     

  • Barca claims Messi deserves one last dance at Camp Nou

    Lionel Messi will eventually return to Barcelona because the player and team “deserve one last dance together,” according to Jordi Cruyff, sporting director of the Catalan giants.

    Messi’s 21-year affiliation with Barcelona ended in August 2021 due to the club’s inability to pay a new contract in accordance with LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations. Messi now plays for Paris Saint-Germain.

    Messi is currently in his second season with PSG, but his deal expires at the end of the current campaign, and he has been linked to a transfer to Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer.

    Next year, when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner turns 36, Cruyff expects to see him return to Camp Nou, albeit he acknowledges it might not be in a playing role.

    “It’s clear Barcelona and Messi have to be together again one day,” Cruyff told RAC1. “It may be after his career, but they deserve a final hug, one last dance together.”

    Asked about the possibility of Guardiola managing the Blaugrana again further down the line, Cruyff said: “He’s reached the level of being able to choose his own destiny.

    “Not many have reached that point; it’s the dream of every professional. Whether he returns or not, I have no idea. I think he’s happy at City.”

  • Canelo issues Messi warning over alleged Mexico disrespect

    Following Saturday’s World Cup match, Canelo Alvarez has accusing the Argentina forward, Lionel Messi, of disrespecting the Mexican flag.

    With a 2-0 victory over Mexico, Argentina maintained their chances of winning the title. Messi scored the opening goal with an exquisite shot from outside the penalty area.

    After video of the Argentina captain was shown in the locker room during the post-match celebrations with either a Mexico shirt in front of him on the floor, Messi earned the wrath of boxing legend Canelo.

    Messi appeared to have caught the shirt with his foot as he removed his footwear, which left Canelo unimpressed.

    “Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and flag ???? I ask God that I don’t find [him]!!” he posted on Twitter.

    The Mexican fighter added: “Just as I respect Argentina, you have to respect Mexico!! I’m not talking about the country [Argentina] I’m talking about Messi because of the b******* he did.

    Canelo wrote in another social media post: “Since the Mexico shirt is on the ground, it’s already an insult. Stop b*******ing about what was or wasn’t.”

    Argentina go into their final Group C game against leaders Poland knowing a win will put them into the round of 16, while a draw will be sufficient if Mexico draw with Saudi Arabia.

    Mexico need a win to have any chance of progressing, while they also need a helping hand from Poland.

  • Scaloni: Messi ready for must-win Mexico clash

    DOHA, Qatar — Lionel Messi is emotionally and physically ready to face Mexico in Argentina’s key Group C World Cup match on Saturday, according to manager Lionel Scaloni.

    Argentina fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and need a victory against Mexico to keep their World Cup campaign on track. Scaloni said Messi, 35, trained with the rest of the team on Thursday and is ready for the challenge on Saturday.

     

    “He’s feeling well but more than ever we need everyone,” Scaloni said. “We have no questions over [Messi’s] physical level, and emotionally he’s feeling well so no problems there.”

    He added: “Leo is doing well, as our his other teammates. We know tomorrow we have an important match and most young players know that everything will be left on the pitch. Everything depends on us — that’s why we need to give everything on the pitch.”

    Scaloni said he will not rip up his Argentina blueprint after the shock defeat. “You need to rise up after a blow like that, bounce back together and think of the upcoming match — that’s all you can do,” he said. “For a long time everything was perfect for us — all joy — but in difficult moments we need everyone’s support.

    “This group is ready to rise and bounce back, we have no questions over that in that regard of how we play the game. With all the responsibility — we know there’s a whole country behind us — but everyone on the pitch will break our backs until the last second we are on the pitch so we can reverse the opening match.”

    Striker Lautaro Martinez said the opening defeat was a “hard blow” but the team is ready to bounce back. “Tomorrow’s match will be like a final as we need to win,” Martinez said.

    “It’ll be an important match for our future, not only in terms of pecking order but in terms of what we will manage to do on the pitch. We’ve proven that we have the players and the quality. We are eager and ready and eager to square up against the next opponent.”

    Martinez and Scaloni spoke to the press on the two-year anniversary of Diego Maradona’s death and Argentina are focused on delivering a performance fit to honour the 1986 World Cup winner.

    “It’s a very sad day for everyone, really,” Scaloni said. “Tomorrow we will hope to bring some joy for Maradona if he’s looking at us from the sky.

    “That’s the most important thing for us. Every time we’re reminded of him, it’s unbelievable that he’s not here with us, so it’s a sad day for us. Hopefully tomorrow will be a happy day for all of us.”

     

  • 10 Players to watch during the 2022 FIFA World Cup

    The best players across the globe will soon swap their club kits and report for international duty. To represent their countries in a fight for the greatest prize in all of soccer: the FIFA World Cup. Yes, the world’s marquee sporting event has arrived. We’re a few days away from kicking off the first ever World Cup during the winter. While most aren’t the biggest soccer aficionados, everyone tunes in to the World Cup in some capacity. From watching the matches, to keeping tabs on headlines and consuming all the content, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is finally upon us. Here is a list of some of the players, not in order, that you should watch for this tournament.

    Lionel Messi – Argentina

    Leo Messi World Cup
    Leo Messi accepting defeat at the 2014 World Cup Final. Image via Getty

    Touted as one of the greatest to most and the GOAT to many, PSG’s Lionel Messi goes into the World Cup in fine form with the best Argentina side since they made a run to the Final in 2014. In what is likely his final chance to add a World Cup trophy to all his accolades and silverware, he leads an impressive Argentina team that is on a 35-match unbeaten streak. Considered a dark horse to win the World Cup, this team always has a chance to take it all with Messi dominating the pitch with his brilliance. Expect him to pour everything he has into his final chance at locking up the glory for his country and the undisputed GOAT title.

    Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

    Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
    Image via Francois Nel/Getty

    Dominating headlines and the sport for well over a decade plus with his talent and charisma, Cristiano Ronaldo enters his final World Cup with a strong Portuguese side. Despite him not being in his best form following a major rift between him and Manchester United to start the club season, this Portugal team is in good position to make a deep run. Ronaldo is always a threat to score goals and with one of the best teams he’s lined up with in this tournament you can expect their talisman to turn it on for his country. Like Messi, his GOAT status can be secured if the Seleção das Quinas lift the World Cup Trophy in December especially after a rough stretch with Man United.

     

    Neymar Jr. – Brazil

    Neymar celebrates after a goal for Brazil
    Image via Getty/Michael Reaves

    As one of the if not the most exciting players to watch for club and country, Neymar leads Brazil into the 2022 World Cup as the favorites to win it all. He is in the form of his life at the moment, netting goals and assists for PSG with relative ease. While the favorite for the World Cup has never won it all, he looks to add to his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. If you thought his Paris Saint Germain team was stacked, the Brazil squad has the talent to win it all and then some but he is undoubtedly the best player on his team and possibly the entire tournament this year. He should be an easy favorite for the Golden Boot this tournament.

    Kylian Mbappe – France

    Kylian MBappe scores
    Image via Getty/Ryan Pierse

    With news of Karim Benzema picking up an injury just before their first group stage game, Kylian Mbappe becomes even more important for the reigning champions. They’ve suffered a handful of injuries and losing the Ballon d’Or Benz is huge but Mbappe has proven before he can carry a team with his pace, ability, and skill. The young stud has a clinical precision for goal and is considered one of the best when it comes to burying it in the net. Erling Haaland has recently taken the mantle for best young player in the world with a scorching start for Man City but with a strong run for France he can easily claim that back. It’s incredibly hard to repeat in the World Cup yet if Mbappe is in form there is no stopping his prowess on the pitch.

     

    Harry Kane – England

    Harry Kane celebrates for England
    Image via Getty/Michael Regan

    Despite never securing a trophy in his entire footballing career for club and country, Harry Kane enters the 2022 World Cup with one of his best chances. This English national team is one of their strongest sides in quite some time and the Tottenham Spurs striker should relish many goal scoring opportunities to put on for his country. Could it be coming home? That will rely on Kane putting in the finest performances of his career with a team that continues to ascend the national team ranks. He will be extremely important for England and could challenge for the Golden Boot if they make a deeper run into the knockout stages.

    Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium

    Kevin De Bruyne before a match
    Image via Getty/Dean Mouhtaropoulos

    Considered the best midfielder in the game at the moment and he hasn’t even reached his peak yet. Manchester City and Belgium’s KDB is a boss on the pitch. One of the best international teams of the decade despite not winning any major trophies, his team made an epic run to the Semis in the 2018 World Cup but lost to Croatia. Expect him to control the game for his side as the best player on the team and push the Belgians forward to and deep into the knockout stages. He is a must watch talent and one of the finest players in the entire sport.

    Christian Pulisic – USA

    Christian Pulisic playing in the World Cup tuneup vs. Saudi Arabia
    Image via Getty/Silvestre Szpylma

    Captain America debuts in his first World Cup as the USMNT returns to international football after missing out on the biggest stage in 2018. At this stage in his career, Pulisic is still fighting for first team minutes with Chelsea but he knows how to make an impact in his limited time. Yet while he plays international football, Pulisic is their most important player. He’s the leader and arguably the best player that the United States has ever produced to play the beautiful game. Yes, he’s already up there with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Will he add to his legacy? Team USA will need him firing on all cylinders to make a deeper run with their young squad and he’s more than capable as he suits up for the red, white and blue.

    Pedri – Spain

    Pedro Gonzalez Pedri of Spain looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020
    Image via Getty/Fran Santiago

    One of the game’s youngest stars suits up for one of the youngest Spanish sides the country has ever fielded for a World Cup. Arriving in Barcelona two years ago and breaking out for the club in such a short time frame, Spain’s wunderkind is oozing with talent. Despite being only 19 years old, he finds himself as his team’s most important player and one of the critical pieces to their success during this WC. Claiming both the 2021 Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, both awarded to the best player under 21, the kid has a balled out in any competition he competes in. He will shine and continue to ascend the ranks as one of the best in the game.

    Federico Valverde – Uruguay

    Federico Valverde of Uruguay celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team
    Image via Getty/Alberto Valdez

    Coming off a breakout season at Real Madrid where he’s pivoted from the midfield to the right wing for Real Madrid, it seems Fede is tapping into a new level. He’s a fixture on the reigning UCL Champs club’s starting XI and now has found himself banging screamers into the net to kick off the new season. The ever so versatile player continues to become more well-rounded with experience and will be extremely important for a true dark horse in Uruguay to win it all. Finding himself as a scorer only adds to the strong side’s chances. Look for him to break out on an international level this 2022 World Cup.

    Jamal Musiala

    Jamal Musiala runs with the ball
    Image via Getty

    Bayern Munich’s latest phenom looks to take the international stage by storm. Musiala is only 19 years old but has tallied 22 goal contributions, 12 goals and 10 assists, in just 22 games meaning he has a huge impact for Germany’s biggest football club this season.

    While the German international team is relatively experienced, the young yet gifted attacking midfielder can impact the game with just a single touch on the pitch.

    He is extremely talented, slicing through opposing defense at will and will be a menace for the opposition to contain.

    Source: Complex.com

  • 2022 World Cup: Messi sees defeat as Saudi Arabia trashes Argentina 2-1

    A bold and brilliant Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the World Cup’s biggest shocks as they came from behind to stun two-time winners Argentina in a fantastic Group C opener in Lusail.

    Ranked 51st in the world, Saudi Arabia could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside.

    Having shown their ruthlessness at one end, the Green Falcons demonstrated a ruggedness at the other, holding a stellar Argentina front line at bay to secure only their fourth World Cup win in history and throw the group wide open.

    Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites, on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run that included winning the 2021 Copa America.

    They now have it all to do to keep alive their hopes of a first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a fitting ending to what is very likely his World Cup swansong.

    They face Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia take on Poland.

  • Argentina prepare for first World Cup since Maradona death

    Argentina head to their first World Cup since Diego Maradona’s death but the Albiceleste great will be there in spirit.

    That was the message from Maradona’s former agent Guillermo Coppola at the opening of CONMEBOL’s ‘Tree of Dreams’ in Doha to celebrate South America’s rich football heritage.

    Lionel Scaloni’s side are among the pre-tournament favourites in Qatar ahead of Tuesday’s Group C opener against Saudi Arabia, searching for a first World Cup crown since a Maradona-inspired triumph in 1986.

    There has not been a South American winner of FIFA’s top tournament since Brazil in 2002, but Coppola hopes that will change for Argentina in their first outing since Maradona passed in November 2020.

    “This is going to be the first World Cup that [Maradona] is not physically with us,” said the 74-year-old. “But Diego will always be with us.

    “The most precious good for Diego was the football. It wasn’t life, which is the most precious good that human beings have.

    “It wasn’t freedom – to be able to decide and to do – which is the second one, the freedom for him was the ball.

    “Where a ball rolls there is Diego, do not forget this, when you see a ball rolling say, there is Diego.”

    Argentina ended a 28-year wait for major silverware by beating Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.

    That makes this the first World Cup they enter as champions of South America since USA 94 and former Argentina captain Javier Zanetti expects his country to come out fighting as a unified group.

    Speaking alongside World Cup winners Oscar Ruggeri and Mario Alberto Kempes, Zanetti added: “It means a lot to have a united, consolidated, solid group.

    “I trust that Argentina is a group that came to Qatar knowing well what they want.”

    While Zanetti, now Inter vice-president, acknowledged the ill-timing of the November World Cup, he has little doubt Argentina will hit the ground running.

    “We cannot know about the physical condition because this World Cup is atypical,” the 49-year-old continued.

    “It is being played in November and many consecutive games were played recently, so there is a lot of fatigue.

    “But in general, I trust that players and national teams will arrive in good condition.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Messi in great shape physically and mentally ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener

    Lionel Messi confirmed he is in a great place physically and mentally on the eve of his final World Cup.

    The Argentina captain cut a remarkably relaxed figure ahead of Tuesday’s game against Saudi Arabia in Doha, repeatedly stressing how much he is enjoying his football as his glittering career enters its final chapters.

    Messi caused alarm over the weekend by failing to show for the section of training open to the media, but he was quick to rule out any injury concerns.

    He said: “I am feeling very well physically, I’m in good condition. I come here in really good form, both personally and physically. I have no issues whatsoever.

    “There were rumours about missing part of training, but no, it was just a precaution, nothing out of the ordinary.”

    Messi accepts this will be his last realistic shot at World Cup glory, but Argentina’s Copa America win last year has lifted an element of pressure and the 35-year-old is determined to depart the global international stage with a smile.

    He added: “I don’t know if it’s the best moment in my career but I feel really well and perhaps a bit more mature, always trying to give my best and enjoying everything.

    “I think I’m enjoying it much more now. Before I didn’t think about that, I just wanted to play. Now I am trying to enjoy it, but when you play every three days it’s sometimes tough.

    “Age makes you see things differently, and maybe give more importance to small details. Perhaps before I didn’t do that. Now I try to focus on the details and enjoying it is more important than everything else.”

    The unusual timing of this World Cup has meant a different build-up, but Messi says the pre-tournament nerves remain the same.

    “It is different, we usually play the World Cup at the end of the season and we normally have a whole month to prepare,” he said.

    “Now it’s completely different. We’ve had little time to prepare, but we knew this was the situation. It’s always special.

    “We expect a tough game, we are aware of this because it’s the beginning of the World Cup. We will have to deal with the nerves the best way we can.”

    Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also pinpointed his side’s 2021 Copa triumph in Brazil – their first major title in 28 years – as a key factor in why they have arrived in Qatar with a quiet confidence.

    He said: “The reality is we now play in a much more calm way, we don’t have that weight on our shoulders.

    “We are always calm when we go on the pitch and like to feel that freedom. And then it comes down to details. Emotionally we are far more assured and that allows us to play our football.

    “But a nation like Argentina always has pressure and if the results are not the best it’s obvious that we have criticism.

    “We knew about the journey we had to take and we need to keep doing that. We think that’s the best way to do it. We respect the other teams, but we are here to be competitive.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ronaldo dreaming of World Cup final against ‘magic’ Messi

    Cristiano Ronaldo dreams of facing the “magic” Lionel Messi in the World Cup final as two footballing greats head into the twilight of their careers.

    The 37-year-old Ronaldo will hope to help Portugal escape Group H, where they face Ghana next Thursday before clashes against Uruguay and South Korea.

    Messi, 35, heads to Qatar with one of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina, who start Group C against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with meetings against Mexico and Poland to follow.

    Having battled for centre stage against former Barcelona star Messi for numerous years, ex-Real Madrid forward Ronaldo admitted he would love to face his old foe in the World Cup showpiece on December 18.

    “It’s too good, too good of a dream,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan on TalkTV in his wide-ranging interview, in which he criticised Manchester United, senior figures at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

    The pair share 12 Ballon d’Or titles between them, with Messi’s record-breaking seven two more than Ronaldo’s haul, surmising a dominant period in elite football between the evergreen duo.

    Messi now plays his club football with Paris Saint-Germain, while Ronaldo’s time at United appears to be heading to an abrupt end amid the furore of his scathing interview on his current employers.

    The Portugal international, despite the revered battles between the pair throughout their respective careers, assured he has a “great relationship” with Messi, who he would like to sit down for a meal with.

    “He is an amazing player, he is magic. As a person, he is top. We shared the stage for 16 years, imagine,” he added.

    “I have a great relationship with him. I’m not a friend of him in terms of the guy who is at your house, speaking on the phone, no, but he is like a team-mate.

    “He’s a guy that I really respect the way he always speaks about me. Even his wife or my wife, my girlfriend, they always respect and they’re both from Argentina.

    “What I am going to say about Messi? A great guy who does great things for football.”

    Blaugrana legend Messi has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer or a fairytale reunion with Barca, who he left amid well-documented financial difficulties at Camp Nou in August 2021.

    The future of Ronaldo appears unlikely to remain with United, though he suggested he would like to call an end to his playing career aged 40.

    “I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum,” he continued.

    “I want to finish at 40. I think 40, will be a good age… But I don’t know, I don’t know the future.

    “Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as have said many times, life is dynamic. You never know what’s going to happen.”

  • Poch claims Messi needs World Cup win to confirm world’s best status

    Mauricio Pochettino believes Lionel Messi needs to win the World Cup with Argentina to “confirm” his status as the best player in the world.

    Messi has won 11 league titles and four Champions League trophies over an illustrious club career.

    However, international success has largely eluded Messi, having lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and finishing as Copa America runner-up three times.

    Though Messi finally did win the Copa America in 2021, Pochettino feels the 35-year-old needs to win international football’s premier prize to certify him as the greatest player in the world.

    “Like [Diego] Maradona or Pele, you need to confirm with the trophy,” Pochettino told The Athletic. “When you lift the trophy, it’s like, ‘okay, he is the best in the world.’

    “It is the only thing missing for Messi, to lift the World Cup, and I hope in Qatar that it happens.

    “Because I am Argentinian, and of course my desire is for Argentina to win the World Cup, and to confirm Messi is one of the best, in the same place as Maradona and Pele.”

    Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona in 2021, giving Pochettino an opportunity to watch him up close as his head coach.

    It also allowed Pochettino to assess Messi against another Argentina great, Maradona, who Pochettino played with for a brief spell at Newell’s Old Boys.

    Asked to compare Messi and Maradona, Pochettino explained: “Both different, but both great. I don’t want to compare, because when you compare, you are trying to show one better than the other.

    “I think for me, Messi, [whether] winning or not winning the World Cup, for me needs to be on the same level as Pele and Maradona. With different energy, different style, different personalities. But both great.”

    Pochettino’s spell as PSG head coach lasted just 18 months, but during that period he also got to observe Neymar, who is hoping for World Cup success in Qatar with Brazil.

    Pochettino rates Neymar as one of the best ever, saying: “The way he doesn’t feel the pressure, he is an amazing player. Very charismatic, with an amazing energy.

    “We can say Neymar is one of the best players in the history of football. Maybe he didn’t achieve all that Messi achieved, or Cristiano [Ronaldo]. But the quality is in the same level.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Messi unsure how much longer he will continue to play

    Lionel Messi is unsure how much longer he will continue playing, but is enjoying his football following a tough period of adaptation at Paris Saint-Germain.

    Messi endured a difficult first season after swapping Barcelona for PSG last August, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances – his lowest scoring campaign since 2005-06, when he was 18 years old.

    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has looked rejuvenated this season, though, already hitting the net 12 times as well as laying on 14 assists.

    PSG team-mate Neymar and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland are the only players in Europe’s top five leagues to have matched his total of 26 goal involvements this term.

    However, speaking to Movistar ahead of Argentina’s World Cup campaign, the 35-year-old hinted the end of his playing career may not be too far away, though he expects to stay in football when he does retire.

    “I love playing and I enjoy it, the only thing I’ve done all my life is play football and I’m sure it [a future role] will be related, although I don’t know what,” Messi said.

    “I don’t think I’ll play much more. I don’t know, so many things happen. It was a dream that I always had as a child, to be able to play for Argentina.

    “But today it depends on many things. I have my family, three children, I just had a very big change in my life that cost me and my whole family a lot. Today I got over it, and we feel spectacular.”

    Asked whether he feels more comfortable on the pitch after spending a year bedding in at the Parc des Princes, Messi said: “That’s true, I am enjoying it much more, I am discovering the city and I think it’s beautiful.

    “The first year was a huge change for me, everything went wrong because it all came out of the blue and it was not a decision I was aiming for, leaving Barcelona was sudden.

    “After this long process and tough moments, today I’m happy to be living where I live, and me and my family are enjoying Paris.”

    Recalling his first season in Ligue 1, Messi said: “It was hard, we had been in the same place all our lives. I had never moved and I didn’t know how it would be, plus it was not a decision we made.

    “It came all of a sudden. We had to leave Barcelona overnight and found ourselves where everything was new.

    “We had our lives in Barcelona with friends, places and people, and you have to get to know other places, with another language, other football, other weather.

    “I suffered a lot, it was hard. But today I am enjoying everything, including football.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Dybala named in Argentina World Cup squad as Messi leads La Albiceleste to Qatar

    Paulo Dybala has overcome injury to take his place in the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup.

    The Roma forward has not played since the Giallorossi’s win against Lecce on October 9 after suffering a thigh problem, though reports had suggested he was close to a return.

    That appears to be the case as Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has named Dybala in his 26-man squad for Qatar, a list headlined by Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final World Cup.

    The 35-year-old has rediscovered his form at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 12 goals in 18 games this season, and he will be joined in attack by the only Albiceleste player to equal him for goals in qualifying (seven), Lautaro Martinez, as well as Dybala, Angel Di Maria, Joaquin Correa, Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez.

    Like Dybala, Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero has recovered from injury in time to make it, with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez also on the plane.

    However, Villarreal midfielder Giovani Los Celso has failed to make the cut after recently sustaining a hamstring injury.

    Impressive 21-year-old midfielder Enzo Fernandez earns his place in the squad after a good start to life at Benfica, while Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister has also been rewarded for his form in the Premier League.

    The two-time World Cup winners begin their campaign on November 22 against Saudi Arabia, before facing Mexico and Poland in their other Group C games.

    Argentina squad:

    Franco Armani (River Plate), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal); Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon); Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton and Hove Albion), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Leandro Paredes (Juventus), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis); Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Joaquin Correa (Inter), Angel Di Maria (Juventus), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain).

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Messi returns to training ahead of World Cup

    Lionel Messi returned to training ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s final Ligue 1 fixture before the World Cup, as Christophe Galtier insisted he will not rest players against Auxerre on Sunday.

    Messi missed PSG’s 2-1 win at Lorient as a precautionary measure after suffering from inflammation in his Achilles tendon last week, though Galtier maintained the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was likely to return before the tournament in Qatar.

    Just 11 days before Argentina begin their Group C campaign against Saudi Arabia, Messi has handed the Albiceleste a boost by joining France’s Presnel Kimpembe in returning to PSG training.

    While Galtier reiterated his desire to treat the concerns of his players seriously ahead of the World Cup, he is not planning to use Sunday’s match as an opportunity to make changes.

    “All the players are available except Fabian Ruiz,” Galtier said on Friday. “No player came to tell me that he did not want to play or that he was afraid of making this last match.

    “My door is always open. They know they can come and talk all the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if a player came to see me and told me that he was apprehensive about the last game.

    “I have an obligation to put up a very competitive team against Auxerre. If there is strong restraint, I will be attentive to the comments of my players.”

    Senegal and Bayern Munich attacker Sadio Mane became the latest big name to suffer an injury scare on the eve of the tournament this week, but Galtier is confident in his medical team’s ability to manage players’ fitness levels.

    “When I see an injured player like Sadio Mane, I’m always sad for him,” Galtier added. “The relationship is very direct between my medical staff and the medical staff of the national teams.

    “All the doctors of the teams are informed of the state of our players. Our selected players will be operational for Sunday’s match. The most important thing is to train well.

    “These players who are going to the World Cup are very high-level athletes and competitors. There may be this fear, but it is more around the environment of the players than from themselves.”


    Source: Livescore

  • LaLiga chief makes Ligue 1 jibe as he urges Messi to make Barca return

    Lionel Messi is “missed by football” because at Paris Saint-Germain he does not have the same audience as at Barcelona, according to LaLiga president Javier Tebas.

    Messi left Barca in 2020 after the club’s financial issues led to a significantly reduced salary limit in LaLiga, thus preventing them re-signing him after his contract expired.

    He moved to PSG and, after a somewhat underwhelming first season on an individual level, Messi is thriving again this season.

    But Tebas’ perception is Messi is wasted in Ligue 1 because it does not have the same global audience as LaLiga and Barcelona.

    Speaking at the Sports Summits organised by Argentinian newspaper Ole, Tebas said: “I think Messi is not only missed in LaLiga, he is missed by football because the French league is what it is, right?

    “I think that no matter how many [superstars] are at PSG, Messi is followed much less than when he was at Barcelona. Let’s hope he has a great World Cup, because there we will all be able to see him again.

    “I don’t see all the fans watching PSG against Nantes, I don’t see it. With Barca it’s the opposite.”

    Messi’s future has become a hot topic again in recent weeks, with speculation beginning to swirl regarding his next destination.

    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, PSG want to renew his contract, and Barcelona are reportedly aiming to bring him back to Camp Nou.

    Tebas could not offer any insight, but he was unequivocal in what he thinks Messi should do.

    “I don’t know if Messi will have one last show at Barca, that will depend on him,” he continued.

    “Hopefully he will come back. Above all it would also be good for him to return to Spanish football, especially to the team that has always been the team that birthed him.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo compares himself to Messi and Maradona in football’s GOAT debate

    Ronaldo Nazario ranks himself alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona as part of a “very special group” of football’s greatest ever players.

    Legendary forward Ronaldo led Brazil to their most recent World Cup triumph 20 years ago, scoring eight goals as Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team sealed the country’s fifth title in Japan and South Korea.

    No Brazilian has ever bettered Ronaldo’s tally at a single edition of the tournament, while his total return of 15 World Cup goals has only been beaten by Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16).

    While Ronaldo believes his exploits put him in the pantheon of footballing greats, he told the Guardian it was difficult to compare his abilities to those of players from different generations.

    Asked to choose between seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and another Argentina icon in Maradona, Ronaldo said: “That’s unfair!

    “I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, [Johan] Cruyff, [Franz] Beckenbauer, Pele, [Marco] Van Basten, Ronaldinho. I would include myself.

    “Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can’t rank them, can’t compare generations.

    “People call me the ‘original’ Ronaldo but there were others – and they weren’t false.

    “I’m not the only one, and more will come along and be better than me in everything. I did what I could, the best I could.”

    Brazil’s hopes of repeating their 2002 World Cup win will depend largely on the form of Neymar, who has been involved in 42 per cent of the Selecao’s World Cup goals since making his tournament debut in 2014 (8/19 – six goals, two assists).

    Ronaldo compared the abilities of the Paris Saint-Germain forward to those of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting no football fan could fail to enjoy watching him play.

    “People love him a lot,” Ronaldo added of Neymar. “If we talk specifically about football, I doubt there’s anyone who doesn’t love him. His private life transcends football, but I’m not interested.

    “He’s daring, has skill, variety, is quick, scores goals, has personality. You could compare him to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even though they are from a different planet.

    “On the pitch Neymar is one [thing], then people mix in all the other stuff.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Messi and Mbappe magic stuns Ajaccio

    Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe combined superbly to inspire Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-0 Ligue 1 win at Ajaccio on Friday.

    The defending champions were without the suspended Neymar, leaving it up to the two other stars on their forward line to send PSG six points clear at the top. They did so in style.

    Mbappe, who recently slammed reports of him wanting to leave the club as “completely false”, cut a frustrated figure for much of the game even after breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute.

    He was teed up by Messi for that opener before missing a series of chances to claim a hat-trick.

    However, a commanding PSG display was eventually reflected by the scoreline as Mbappe and Messi linked up brilliantly for the latter to make it 2-0 before the long-time Real Madrid target added further gloss with his second.

    Vincent Marchetti fired over as the hosts started brightly, but Ajaccio were punished for leaving Messi and Mbappe far too much space as the former Barcelona superstar played the France forward in for a routine finish.

    Yet joy soon turned to frustration for Mbappe, who wasted two gilt-edged chances to double PSG’s lead, blazing over on each occasion.

    Mbappe’s woes continued in the second half as he cleared the crossbar again, yet his profligacy was never likely to matter.

    He ensured it would not in a bewitching move with Messi for PSG’s 78th-minute second.

    Mbappe’s backheel return pass in their one-two was exquisite and Messi finished the move in fitting fashion by shifting the ball beyond the helpless Benjamin Leroy and tapping into an empty net.

    Messi then returned to the role of creator, teeing up Mbappe on the edge of the box, with Leroy left with no chance by a fierce finish into bottom left-corner.

    What does it mean? – PSG cruising through title defence

    While nearest challengers Lorient are at least giving the title race a veneer of competitiveness, PSG’s six-point lead over the Brittany club is not reflective of their dominance.

    They are now unbeaten in their last 21 games in Ligue 1, their joint-longest unbeaten streak, which they last set between May 19, 2018 and January 27, 2019.

    Mbappe makes his point

    Having had to deny transfer speculation and then deal with being booed in Paris at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this week, Mbappe made his point on the pitch.

    Though he could have had three more, his double made it 10 goals in 10 league games for Mbappe, putting him on pace to smash last season’s effort of 28 in 35. Six of his goals have been assisted by Messi, whose tally now stands at nine goals created.

    Quiet day for Donnarumma

    PSG have kept a clean sheet in three successive Ligue 1 games, a run of 342 minutes without conceding.

    There was rarely any danger of Gianluigi Donnarumma being beaten here, Ajaccio finishing the game with 0.2 expected goals.

    What’s next?

    PSG host Maccabi Haifa as they look to secure progression from Champions League Group H on Tuesday, before welcoming Troyes to the Parc des Princes a week on Saturday. Ajaccio visit Auxerre a day later.

    Source: Livescore

  • Watch Argentinian journalist burst into tears during interview with Lionel Messi

    Argentinian journalist, Pablo Giralt could not hold back his tears during an interview with arguably his country’s and the World’s greatest footballer, Lionel Messi.

    Giralt got emotional and burst into tears during the interview after reality dawned on him that he is having a one-on-one session with one of the World’s most adored players in the latter house.

    Messi, who was a bit startled, leaned back onto his couch and gave a hilarious smile before touching Giralt to console him.

    After the video went viral, the renowned journalist reposted it on Twitter, stating that he achieved one of his life-long dreams.

    “Grateful with life to have fulfilled one of my greatest dreams. Thank you Leo for your warmth and simplicity. You are very big. And thanks to everyone who was moved just like me and accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I love you Leo!”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Bayern legend Ribery announces his retirement aged 39

    On Friday, the former France and Bayern Munich winger announced his retirement at the age of 39, having agreed to terminate his deal with Serie A club Salernitana.

    He signed for Salernitana ahead of last season, though for the first time since the 2004-05 season, failed to score in the league.

    His sole Serie A appearance this season came in a 1-0 defeat to Roma back in August, as a second-half substitute, and in truth it was no surprise when rumours recently emerged of his imminent retirement.

    There can be no doubt, however, that Ribery will go down as one of European football’s greats of the modern era.

    In 2013, Ribery was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, finishing third in the voting behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

    Falling short against two of the best to play the game is no shame, and using Opta data, here are some of the key facts from Ribery’s glittering career.

    The ball stops. The feelings inside me do not. ✨
    Der Ball ruht. Die Gefühle in mir nicht. ✨
    Le ballon s’arrette mais pas mes sentiments pour lui. ✨
    Il pallone si ferma. Le emozioni dentro di me, no. ✨

    Thanks to everyone for this great adventure. 🙏🏼#FR7 #Elhamdoulillah pic.twitter.com/Ku4i1MeEbE

    — Franck Ribéry (@FranckRibery) October 21, 2022

    Ligue 1 breakthrough

    Having made a name for himself with Brest in Ligue 2, Ribery was recruited by Metz in 2004. He spent only half a season there and scored just one goal before joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, yet he made a big impact, with comparisons drawn to one of the club’s greatest exports, Robert Pires.

    His only goal in Turkey came in the Turkish Cup final against Gala’s great rivals Fenerbahce, in a 5-1 victory. Having claimed his first trophy, Ribery headed home to France, signing for Marseille.

    It was a messy move, with FIFA ultimately ruling in Ribery’s favour after the player claimed he had not been paid his wages by Gala, as well as alleging to have been threatened by his former agent and a club director.

    Ribery spent two seasons with Marseille and became a star, being named the National Union of Professional Footballers’ (UNFP) Young Player of the Year in 2006.

    His performances at the 2006 World Cup (more on that later) only increased his profile, with Marseille seeing off interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal and, controversially, rivals Lyon to keep hold of Ribery.

    That decision paid off for OM. In his final campaign in France, in 2006-07, Ribery provided eight assists, behind only Nancy’s Benjamin Gavanon (nine), and had the highest tally of chances created per 90 minutes (2.95) among players who had featured for over 100 minutes across the season.

    Marseille finished second, after losing in the final of the Coupe de France, and Ribery was named the French Player of the Year by France Football.

    Flourishing for France

    Ribery made his debut for Les Bleus in May 2006, ahead of the World Cup in Germany, where he truly made his name as a superstar.

    Between making his debut and playing his final international match in March 2014, Ribery featured in more France games than any other player (81) in the same period, 11 ahead of second-ranked Florent Malouda.

    Indeed, his 37 goal involvements (16 goals, 21 assists) was more than any other French player, and puts him sixth on the nation’s goal involvements list in the 21st century.

    He helped France reach the final of the 2006 World Cup, though they failed to make it out of the group stage in South Africa four years later, while success also eluded them in the Euros during Ribery’s stint on the international stage.

    Greatness in Germany

    In 2007, Bayern paid Marseille €25million for the 24-year-old. It was an investment worth every cent.

    Ribery went on to play 425 times for Bayern in all competitions, making him the non-German player with the second-most appearances for the club, behind David Alaba (431), since 1965.

    When it comes to French players, only Jonathan Schmid has made more Bundesliga appearances (296) than Ribery (273), who scored 124 goals in all competitions for Bayern.

    Since detailed data collection of the Bundesliga began in 2004, Thomas Muller is the only player to provide more assists than Ribery, who set up 92 goals.

    Ribery was at the peak of his powers in the 2012-13 season, as he helped Bayern win the treble and was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, before going on to come third in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

    That season, he provided 14 assists in the Bundesliga, a total trailing only Andres Iniesta (16) when it came to players in Europe’s big five leagues.

    Ribery left Bayern as a club great, having formed one of the all-time most fearsome wing partnerships with Arjen Robben. He won nine Bundesliga titles, a tally that trails only former club-mates Alaba and Robert Lewandowski (10 each) when it comes to foreign players in Germany’s top tier.

    Italian swansong

    After leaving Bayern, Ribery tried his hand in Italy, joining Fiorentina.

    Over his two seasons in Florence, Ribery created 70 goalscoring opportunities in Serie A, behind only Erick Pulgar (104) in Fiorentina’s squad. His dribbling ability was still top class, too, with Gaetano Castrovilli his only team-mate to complete more dribbles (123 to Ribery’s 117).

    Ribery played 51 times for Fiorentina in all competitions, starting on 47 occasions. He scored five goals, contributed nine assists and had 182 touches in the opposition’s box. Surprisingly, he played only five successful crosses, though he was often deployed in a more central role for La Viola.

    In his 25 matches for Salernitana, Ribery failed to score, though his three assists in Serie A mean he is the club’s joint-top creator of goals, alongside Milan Djuric and Pasquale Mazzocchi, in the same timeframe.

     

  • ‘Not possible’ to match Messi’s achievements, says Pedri ahead of El Clasico

    Pedri says it is “not possible” to emulate Barcelona legend’s Lionel Messi’s achievements as he prepares to face fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.

    Barca teenager Pedri has emerged as one of world football’s most talented prospects, showing maturity way beyond his years with majestic performances in the middle of the park.

    The 19-year-old Spain midfielder looks set for a long, successful career and Xavi will be expecting him to step up on the big stage again when the Blaugrana face LaLiga champions Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

    Pedri has high hopes for what he can achieve, but believes it is too much to ask that he will emulate the feats of the mercurial seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

    “I hope so,” Pedri replied when asked if he would like to be named the best player in the world as many times as Messi has. “I know how hard I need to work to try to do something like that.

    “There is only one Messi, however, and I think to repeat what he did is not possible.”

    Pedri is relishing the challenge of facing Madrid, with Barca above Carlo Ancelotti’s side on goal difference at the top of the table.

    “It’s a match where a lot of people watch from around the world,” he said. “It’s a match that I always try to enjoy and hope all the people watching enjoy too. This is why we play football – to entertain everyone and to have fun.

    “I used to go to watch the games [against Madrid] with my parents and a lot of Barcelona fans. We used to be very lucky in that we won a lot of times. That’s why we enjoyed it even more with each other.”

    – Pedri was speaking as a global brand ambassador for TCL.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Messi to miss Benfica clash

    Lionel Messi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday, but head coach Christophe Galtier expects the forward to return for next weekend’s game with Marseille.

    The Argentina international missed out on his side’s ill-tempered Ligue 1 match with Reims over the weekend with a calf injury, and was forced to watch from the sidelines as they played out a goalless draw.

    Hopes that the 35-year-old might return in time for the crucial European clash with their Portuguese visitors have been dashed now, too, with Messi set to miss out again.

    But while Galtier confirmed he would be an expected absentee, he suggested that the attacker is close to a return to action, and could well feature in Le Classique on October 16.

    “Messi felt discomfort in his calf during the first game against Benfica,” he stated. “He thought he could take part in tomorrow’s game, but in the end, he would be limited.

    “He is better, but he still has an unpleasant feeling. He preferred to abstain. We will watch his recovery, but it is very likely that he will be present against Marseille.”

    Galtier acknowledged losing Messi is a blow, with the Argentinian having rediscovered his form after a difficult first season with PSG following his exit from Barcelona, having scored five goals and added seven assists in Ligue 1 this term.

    “We know the importance of Leo to our game, his form and the connection he can have with the other players,” Galtier added. “We cannot be happy with his absence.

    “But we will have to find other solutions and other connections where we can bring danger to the Benfica defence.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Kylian Mbappe beats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to top Forbes rich list

    Kylian Mbappe has topped the Forbes list for highest-earning footballers – the first time someone other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been number one for nine years.

    Forbes estimate Paris St-Germain forward Mbappe, 23, will earn $128m (£115.2m) this season.

    Mbappe’s PSG team-mate Messi is second on $120m (£108m) and Manchester United forward Ronaldo third on $100m (£90m).

    Neymar and Mohamed Salah complete the top five.

    PSG and Brazil striker Neymar will earn an estimated $87m (£78.4m) in 2022-23 and Liverpool forward Salah $53m (£47.7m).

    The last player to top the list other than Ronaldo or Messi was former England captain David Beckham in 2013.

    Mbappe signed a lucrative new three-year contract with PSG in May, which ended speculation about a summer move to Real Madrid.

    The France World Cup winner has lifted 11 trophies at the club, including four Ligue 1 titles, since joining from Monaco initially on loan in 2017.

    Erling Haaland, who has scored 19 goals in 12 games for Manchester City since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, makes his debut in the top 10 at number six.

    The Norway striker is one of four Premier League players in the top 10 along with Ronaldo, Salah and Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne.

    Haaland and Mbappe are the only players on the list aged under 30.

    Forbes’ list of highest-paid footballers 2022
    Kylian Mbappe PSG and France $128m (£115.2m)
    Lionel Messi PSG and Argentina $120m (£108m)
    Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United and Portugal $100m (£90m)
    Neymar PSG and Brazil $87m (£78.4m)
    Mohamed Salah Liverpool and Egypt $53m (£47.7m)
    Erling Haaland Manchester City and Norway $39m (£35.1m)
    Robert Lewandowski Barcelona and Poland $35m (31.5m)
    Eden Hazard Real Madrid and Belgium $31m (£27.9m)
    Andres Iniesta Vissel Kobe and Spain $30m (£27m)
    Kevin de Bruyne Manchester City and Belgium $29m (26.1m)

    Source: BBC

  • Messi to miss PSG’s trip to Reims due to minor calf injury

    Lionel Messi will sit out of Paris Saint-Germain‘s Ligue 1 trip to Reims after suffering from discomfort in his calf, Christophe Galtier has confirmed.

    Messi opened the scoring in spectacular fashion as PSG drew 1-1 at Benfica on Wednesday, becoming the first player to score against 40 different teams in Champions League history.

    He has also been involved in seven goals in his last five Ligue 1 matches (two goals, five assists), but a medical update issued by the club revealed Messi would miss Saturday’s match despite undergoing “reassuring examinations” on a calf injury.

    “There will be changes,” PSG boss Galtier subsequently told Friday’s pre-match news conference.

    “Leo Messi will not be fit for Reims but will resume training on Sunday morning. Kylian Mbappe has angina but will be travelling to Reims.”

    Meanwhile, Galtier praised Gianluigi Donnarumma for his response to criticism of his early season performances, after the Italy goalkeeper made six saves at Benfica.

    “He works well, nobody is airtight against remarks – sometimes it becomes criticism and nobody is insensitive,” Galtier said.

    “What I could notice in this period is that he remained focused on his work, by trying to eliminate his little flaws and keep his strengths.

    “I saw nothing different in his preparation for the Benfica match. Obviously, he and the whole team, we were all satisfied with his performance in Lisbon.

    “I always pointed out his few little mistakes, whether it was a lack of concentration or other issues. He was told after Benfica that he must continue to always be efficient.”

    Should PSG win at Reims, they will have taken 28 points from their first 10 matches of the Ligue 1 campaign.

    In the 21st century, only two teams have reached at least 28 points at that stage of a Ligue 1 season, with both going on to finish as champions (Lyon – 28 in 2006-07, and PSG – 30 in 2018-19).

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Messi return to Barca possible hints VP

    Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona, claims vice-president Eduard Romeu, stating the club knows “how to perform miracles” after they announced a profit.

    The forward left last year when Barcelona were prevented from re-signing him after his contract expired because their financial struggles led to a massively reduced salary limit in LaLiga.

    He then signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain, though the relatively short-term nature of that deal meant speculation has frequently linked the veteran Argentinian with a homecoming at Camp Nou.

    Romeu suggested any decision to bring Messi back to the club is a matter for the sporting side of Barcelona, but he hinted they could make any move work financially.

    “He is an asset to the club and our doors are open,” he said. “We have shown that we know how to perform miracles.”

    His comments came as Barca posted a €98million profit after tax for the 2021-22 financial year, following several seasons of serious economic woe.

    President Joan Laporta’s activated what he called financial “levers” during the off-season to help ease their strife in the short-term. His measures included selling off 25 per cent of their LaLiga TV rights for the next 25 years.

    While critics accused Laporta of mortgaging the club’s future, they were able to build a squad that is expected to be competing for the biggest prizes in football once again, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha arriving at Camp Nou.

    Laporta’s gamble is also reflected in the club’s latest statement of profit, though whether they have enough manoeuvrability to put together a package for Messi’s return remains theoretical.

    Source:livescore.com

  • ‘Messi’s like Federer!’ – Argentina coach compares star to tennis legend amid international retirement talk

    Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni likened Lionel Messi to tennis legend Roger Federer because of the joy they bring to their respective sports.

    • Scaloni asked about Messi retirement rumours
    • Federer recently retired to great fanfare
    • Argentina coach thinks Messi will get same reception

    WHAT HAPPENED? Messi has said he will reassess his career, including his international future, after the World Cup. That has led to speculation that he may be considering international retirement, and reporters pressed Scaloni on the issue.

    WHAT THEY SAID: “What happened when [Federer] retired?” Scaloni asked reporters. “Everyone is emotional and everyone is thinking, ‘he’s not here anymore, he’s not going to play anymore’. How many of us would like to see Federer play tennis? It was wonderful to watch him play. And the same thing will happen with [Messi].”

    THE BIGGER PICTURE: Federer, 41, is at a more advanced age than Messi, 35, but they have shared dominance over their respective sports for more than a decade. At his goodbye match, Federer broke down crying with longtime rival Rafael Nadal.

    IN TWO PHOTOS:

    Roger Federer 2022

    Messi Argentina 27 09 2022

    Source: goal.com

  • Messi double extends unbeaten streak to 35 matches

    Argentina were never in any danger during their 3-0 friendly win against Jamaica on Tuesday, played at a neutral site in the United States’ Red Bull Arena.

    Alvarez opened the scoring in the 13th minute thanks to some terrific work from Lautaro Martinez, who was able to snake his way into the box, beating multiple defenders to get to the touchline and drag one back along the edge of the six-yard box for a simple tap-in.

    Argentina continued to create half-chances throughout the remainder of the first half and it was more of the same to begin the second 45, with Martinez going close after a slick one-touch pass from Alexis Mac Allister gave him some space inside the box, but he pushed his shot wide of the far-post.

    Lionel Messi was subbed on in the 56th minute and just 10 minutes later he had his first chance after a one-two on the edge of the area allowed him to break into the left-hand side of the box, but his shot from a sharp angle was easily thwarted at the near post.

    But fans in attendance would get what they came for in the 87th minute, when Messi picked up a deflected pass just outside the penalty area and fired his left-foot shot hard and low across his body into the bottom-right corner.

    Just two minutes later Argentina were awarded a free-kick in the same spot and Messi again converted, this time around the wall into the bottom-left corner.

    What does it mean? Argentina now two games away from history

    With this result, Argentina are now unbeaten in their past 35 games dating back to their loss in the 2019 Copa America semi-final against Brazil.

    Italy holds the record at 37 games without a loss – which they set just last year. Argentina’s next two games will be in the World Cup against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, and if they make it through unscathed, they will play Poland for the new record.

    Messi the supersub

    Despite only playing 35 minutes, Messi led all players with five shots, four shots on target and three successful dribbles.

    Only Alvarez (three) created more chances than Messi’s two, and he scored two goals for his second consecutive international fixture after also netting a double against Honduras this past weekend.

    Reid struggles with Argentinian physicality

    Bobby Reid had a difficult outing down the left-hand side, being credited with only two duels won from 11 tries – the lowest percentage on the pitch. He also had a passing accuracy of 77 per cent, which was one of the lowest marks from either side, while attempting no shots and creating no chances.

    What’s next? 

    Argentina will take their unbeaten streak into the World Cup, where they will play Saudi Arabia first up. Jamaica do not have any fixtures scheduled until March’s CONCACAF Nations League.

    Source: Livescore

  • Argentina star Messi says he’s finding his feet at PSG

    Argentina star Lionel Messi believes he is beginning to find his feet at Paris Saint-Germain, having required a year to settle in after his move to France.

    Messi scored just 11 goals in 34 appearances during his first season at PSG in 2021-22, but has already struck six times in 11 outings for the Ligue 1 giants this campaign.

    The former Barcelona man is also enjoying himself on the international stage, scoring twice and adding an assist as Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 34 matches with a 3-0 friendly win over Honduras on Friday.

    Messi led his team for shots on target (three), touches in the opposition box (nine), crosses (three) and successful dribbles (two) in Miami, completing the scoring with a sumptuous 20-yard chip in the second half.

    Speaking to TyC Sports after the victory, Messi compared his current form favourably with that of last season.

    “I feel good, different from last year and I knew it was going to be like that,” Messi said.

    “Last year, as I already said, I had a bad time, I never finished finding myself and this one is different.

    “I arrived with a different head, more accommodated to the club, to the locker room, to the game, to my team-mates.

    “The truth is that I feel very good and I have enjoyed myself again.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

    Friday’s brace took Messi to 88 goals in 163 senior international caps, and he will join a select group of players to have appeared in five separate World Cups when Argentina begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22.

    The PSG forward believes Lionel Scaloni’s men are in a good place as their trip to Qatar approaches and is trying not to think about the possibility of his team suffering injuries before the event.

    He added: “It is complicated – there are many games and little rest time, but you have to face it as always.

    “If you are going to play matches thinking about the World Cup, taking care of yourself or not messing up, then in the end it can be worse.

    “I am one of those who think that things happen because they happen and if things have to happen they will happen. God willing nothing happens to anyone and we can all arrive at the World Cup as we are.

    “We are enjoying every moment that we are together and seriously preparing ourselves when it is time to work, working on many things because it is the last time that we all have to be together, and there will not be much time before the first World Cup match.

    “So, we took the opportunity to continue growing what we know and trying new things as well.”

    Source: Live score

  • Messi’s decision-making ‘not a problem’ for PSG – Hakimi

    Achraf Hakimi has described as not problematic Lionel Messi’s decision-making at Paris Saint-Germain after the Argentine helped seal victory over Brest.

    Messi was on hand to assist Neymar‘s finish for the lone goal of the game, as Christophe Galtier’s side edged to a 1-0 win to return to the summit of Ligue 1.

    Having made the move from Barcelona last year, Messi frequently struggled to live up his billing during his first campaign at the Parc des Princes, but has looked back to his best this term, tallying three league goals and seven assists.

    In a game decided by closer margins than anticipated, it was his vision to set up the in-form Neymar that trumped a PSG blank elsewhere, with Hakimi happy to defer to the forward’s expertise.

    “When I make the call and Leo does not give it, it is because he has seen that there is another player to whom he can pass,” he stated.

    “This is not a problem. That’s how today he made the pass to Neymar and we took the three points.”

    Messi’s rich club form will be even more of a boon to the Argentina international squad, particularly given his outstanding performances for them did not dip during his first year at PSG.

    With the Qatar 2022 World Cup looming, the attacker will want to maintain his level for what is likely to be his final shot at claiming the biggest team prize available in the sport, and the glaring omission in his trophy cabinet.

  • Messi misses out of 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for first time since 2005

    Lionel Messi has been excluded from the Ballon d’Or shortlist as his name was not mentioned among the France Football’s 30-man list on Friday.

    The Paris Saint-Germain star has never been left out a Ballon d’Or shortlist since 2005 as a seven times award winner during the period.

    His team-mate Neymar was also among those to not make the list, while the Argentine’s former La Liga rival Cristiano Ronaldo did make the list.

    Messi’s performance

    Playing in his first-ever season away from Barcelona, Messi did not meet his own lofty standards when it comes to goals during his debut season at PSG.

    He did, however, provide plenty assists, as he set up 14 goals in addition to the 11 he scored in his first season in France, one which ended with a Ligue 1 title.

    Internationally, he helped Argentina win the Finalissima while scoring seven times in 15 matches.

    Messi’s Ballon d’Or history

    The Argentine earned his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2005, his first season as a regular starter at Barcelona.

    Messi finished in the top three every year from 2007-2018, winning the award five times during that span.

    After missing out in 2018, he won the award in both 2019 and 2021, with the Ballon d’Or not being handed out in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Laporta aspires for Messi to return to Barca

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated his desire to see Lionel Messi end his career at the Catalan club.

    Laporta told ESPN last week that Messi’s story with Barca “is not over.” Coach Xavi Hernandez has said a return this summer is “impossible” but there is a window next year when the Argentine forward’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire.

    “It is an aspiration that I have as president and I would like it to happen,” Laporta told reporters at an event in New York when asked about Messi retiring at Barca.

    “I was co-responsible for an ending that I consider provisional. Messi’s story at Barca did not end as we all wanted, it ended conditioned by financial reasons and we have a moral debt to him.

    “In that sense, we would like the end of his career to be with the Barca shirt on, applauded at every stadium he plays at.”

     

    Messi, 35, was forced to leave for PSG last August because Barcelona could not afford to renew his contract due to financial problems.

    However, the sale of 25% of their domestic television rights for the next 25 years, worth over €600m according to Laporta, has allowed Barca to heavily invest this summer, with Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde all joining the club.

    Barca’s spending has raised eyebrows across the world of football, with the club’s latest accounts showing gross debt of over €1 billion, but Laporta called on others to keep their noses out of the club’s business.

    “I will give [the critics] the benefit of the doubt because maybe they thought we couldn’t do it, but they had not considered the strength of Barca and the drive of the new board,” he said.

    “It’s down to a lack of knowledge and information about our club. To those that are surprised, I would say we are very much alive and back on the market — and there may be more surprises.

    “The [sale of TV rights] has really strengthened the club. For 25 years, we have raised €667m. I would have preferred not [to have sold them], but I did what was necessary and the football [world] didn’t expect it.

    “Everyone knows what they have to do and if I don’t get involved with others, I would ask that they don’t interfere with us. We’re going to compete on the pitch and we will see who’s done the best work. I don’t say that with a desire to argue, but people should worry about themselves.”

    Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann is one of the people who have raised doubts about Barca’s spending, labelling them the “only club in the world that have no money, but then buy all the players they want.”

    Laporta responded: “I would ask him to focus on [Bayern’s] accounts, which have received a significant amount of money for the transfer of Lewandowski. I respect everyone and won’t talk about other teams’ finances.”

    Kessie and Christensen arrived for free, but Barca have spent over €150m on the signings of Raphinha, Lewandowski and Kounde, with Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso still targets as well.

    However, despite raising cash to complete the transfers, Barca still have work to do to be able to register all their new signings, as well as the new contracts signed by Sergi Roberto and Ousmane Dembele.

    The Blaugrana still need to move on other players and reduce their wage bill to fit all the new arrivals within their LaLiga-imposed spending cap by the time they kick off the new campaign against Rayo Vallecano on Aug. 13.

    Their limit stood at -€144m at the end of last season — the only negative cap in the Spanish league — but will increase significantly on the back of the capital raised this summer.

    Source: GhanaSoccernet

  • Messi is a better player than Ronaldo, says Ghana legend Mohammed Polo

    Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has settled on Lionel Messi as a better player compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the football world for the past decade, having won the Balon d’or a combined 12 times.

    Asked about his opinion on the matter, Polo, who has often been compared to the duo, picked Messi as the superior footballer.

    The 65-year-old believes although both players have different styles, Messi is superior because he has more to his game.

    “There shouldn’t be a debate on this. These are different qualities of players. Ronaldo’s style is different from that of Messi. What makes football interesting is entertainment,” the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] winner said as quoted by Ghanaweb.

    “The dribbling and stuff are where you see the art of football. This is what I want to introduce because for Ghana’s brand of football there should be skills, flair, artistry, creativity, and confidence.

    “When you have these four the Ghanaian brand of football is complete. For Ronaldo, if he does not score, he contributes nothing. But Messi, if he doesn’t score he will create a goal, and then the art side will show. He has the artistry of football which will make people will pay to watch him.”

    He added: “Of course [Messi is better], but you cannot take anything away from Ronaldo because he makes football interesting as well. Comparatively, I don’t see why they should be compared.” he added.

    Source: ModernGhana

  • Messi scores five to overtake Puskas tally

    Lionel Messi scored all five of Argentina’s goals as they continued their fine form by thrashing Estonia in a friendly in Pamplona, Spain.

    The Argentines swept aside Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima – a game between the champions of Europe and South America – on Wednesday.

    Messi provided two assists in that game and he was once again in vintage form.

    He opened the scoring with a penalty and his fourth moved him above Ferenc Puskas who scored 84 goals for Hungary.

    Messi is now the fourth highest-scorer in men’s international football, behind only Malaysia’s Mokhtar Dahari (89), Iran’s Ali Daei (109) and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (117).

    It is the first time the 34-year-old has scored five in a game for his country. In fact, he has only ever achieved the feat once before in his career, in a 7-1 win for Barcelona over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in 2012.

    He would have been closer still to Ronaldo, but the Portuguese scored twice in his country’s Nations League win against Switzerland on Sunday.

    Messi’s goals in Pamplona demonstrated his vast array of skills.

    He put Lionel Scaloni’s team ahead with a calm penalty after eight minutes, then doubled the lead with a powerful side-footed effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

    His third was a predatory finish, showing his trademark precision to direct Nahuel Molina’s right-wing cross into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

    His fourth owed much to his alertness. As other players stopped and anticipated a free-kick award that never came, Messi picked up a loose ball, drove into the box, produced a dummy which left the Estonia keeper and a defender lying on the ground and rolled the ball into the empty net.

    He concluded his remarkable performance when he was again quickest to react to a loose ball and slotted in a low finish from next to the penalty spot with 14 minutes remaining.

    While Estonia did not provide the sternest of tests, this result – coupled with the victory over Italy, their unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign and last year’s Copa America triumph – suggests Messi could yet have a great chance of winning the World Cup, the one trophy that has eluded him in his glittering career.

    Source: BBC

  • Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi wins award as best player in world football for seventh time

    Paris St-Germain and Argentina forward Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – for a record seventh time.

    Messi, 34, helped his country win the Copa America, his first international honour, and has scored 40 goals in 2021 – 28 for Barcelona, four for Paris St-Germain and eight for Argentina.

    Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski came second, Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho was third and Real Madrid’s French striker Karim Benzema finished fourth.

    The Ballon d’Or is voted for by 180 journalists from around the world, although there was no award in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Either Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo (five wins) collected the award every year from 2008 to 2019, apart from in 2018 when Croatia midfielder Luka Modric won it.

    Messi had already won the trophy more times than any other player and his seventh success comes after wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

    “It’s incredible to be here again,” he said at the ceremony, held at Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet.

    “Two years ago I thought it was the last time. People were starting to ask me when I was going to retire but now I’m here in Paris and very happy.

    “It’s a special year for me with this Copa America title. It meant a lot to win [1-0 against Brazil in the final] at the Maracana stadium and I was so happy to celebrate with the people from Argentina.

    “I don’t know if it’s the best year of my life – I’ve had a long career – but it was a special one with the title with Argentina after the tough times and the criticism.”

    Messi also had warm words for the runner-up, 33-year-old Poland captain Lewandowski.

    “I wanted to say to Robert that it was an honour to go up against him,” said Messi. “He deserved to win it last year.”

    Lewandowski scored 53 goals in all competitions in 2021 for Bayern and was awarded the Striker of the Year prize, a new award that was only announced hours before the ceremony began.

    Paris St-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who helped Italy win Euro 2020, won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, while Champions League winners Chelsea were named Club of the Year.

    Barcelona midfielder Pedri, 19, won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21, with England internationals Jude Bellingham, Mason Greenwood and Bukayo Saka coming second, fifth and sixth respectively.

    Fourteen of the 30 players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or currently play in the Premier League.

    Chelsea had five players represented, with third-placed Jorginho joined by N’Golo Kante in fifth, Romelu Lukaku in 12th, Mason Mount in 19th and Cesar Azpilicueta, who tied for 29th.

    Premier League champions Manchester City had the same number as Kevin de Bruyne came eighth, Raheem Sterling 15th, Riyad Mahrez 20th, Phil Foden 25th and Ruben Dias 26th.

    Manchester United pair Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were sixth and tied for 21st respectively, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was seventh and Tottenham’s Harry Kane 23rd.

    Lionel Messi was the joint top goalscorer in the Copa America as Argentina won to give him his first international honour

    Ballon d’Or results

    1. Lionel Messi (Paris St-Germain/Argentina, forward)
    2. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland, forward)
    3. Jorginho (Chelsea/Italy, midfielder)
    4. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/France, forward)
    5. N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/France, midfielder)
    6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/Portugal, forward)
    7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt, forward)
    8. Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium, midfielder)
    9. Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain/France, forward)
    10. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St-Germain/Italy, goalkeeper)
    11. Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund/Norway, forward)
    12. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea/Belgium, forward)
    13. Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus/Italy, defender)
    14. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy, defender)
    15. Raheem Sterling (Manchester City/England, forward)
    16. Neymar (Paris St-Germain/Brazil, forward)
    17. Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid/Uruguay, forward)
    18. Simon Kjaer (AC Milan/Denmark, defender)
    19. Mason Mount (Chelsea/England, midfielder)
    20. Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City/Algeria, forward)
    21. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/Portugal, midfielder), tied with Lautauro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina, forward)
    22. –
    23. Harry Kane (Tottenham/England, forward)
    24. Pedri (Barcelona/Spain, midfielder)
    25. Phil Foden (Manchester City/England, forward)
    26. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan/Italy, midfielder), tied with Ruben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal, defender) and Gerard Moreno (Villarreal/Spain, forward)
    27. –
    28. –
    29. Luka Modric (Real Madrid/Croatia, midfielder), tied with Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/Spain, defender)
    30. –

    Source: bbc.com

  • Messi makes PSG debut in Ligue 1 clash against Reims

    Lionel Messi has made his Paris Saint-Germain debut, coming on for Neymar after 66 minutes in a clash against Reims.

    It is the first time that Messi has played a competitive club match for a team other than Barcelona.

    He arrived at PSG earlier in August after Barcelona were forced to release him for financial reasons.

    Previously in the game, Kylian Mbappe had given PSG the first-half lead, with the forward netting despite rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid in the days leading up to the game.

    He had netted a second moments before Messi came on, making it 2-0 for the visitors.

    The much-anticipated moment came just one minute after Mbappe’s second goal, as Messi came on for his former Barca teammate Neymar.

    Messi’s performance was relatively low key as there were no major moments in favour of his side following his arrival. He took up a position as a No.10 playing behind Mbappe and linked well with the centre-forward.

    Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino said of Messi: “He’s been good. I’m very happy to see him make his debut. It was important for him. He is far from his best form, but he is training very well.

    “He will be better after the [international] break. We expect the best from him.”

    Messi signed a two-year deal with PSG at the start of August after his 21-year stint with Barcelona came to an end.

    The Argentine, though, was not initially in a fit state to play with his new club. He had been out of action for around a month when he joined PSG, having spent time on holiday in Miami and Ibiza following the end of the Copa America, in which he led Argentina to their first international title since 1993.

    Messi has only been back in training for a couple of weeks and has been short of match fitness, which resulted in his debut being delayed.

    He will hope to make his first start for the club after the international break when PSG play newly promoted but undefeated Clermont at Parc des Princes.

    Source: goal.com

  • Messi will be pushed out of Barcelona if he doesn’t accept pay cut – Presidential Candidate

    Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona if he does not accept a pay cut, according to presential candidate Emili Rousaud.

    Messi’s future remains an important topic at embattled La Liga giants Barca after the superstar captain handed in a transfer request following a tumultuous 2019-20 campaign.

    The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was tipped to join Premier League powerhouse Manchester City before opting to remain in Spain, though he has since been linked to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.

    Rousaud, who is in the running for the presidential election which takes place on January 24 following Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation in October, discussed Messi’s future amid the coronavirus pandemic

    “We’ll have to sit down with Messi and ask him to make a salary cut,” Rousaud told ARA.

    “Right now, with things as they are, it’s unsustainable.

    “We’ll ask him to make the sacrifice. If there’s no agreement, then Messi will leave.”

    Rousaud added: “Messi has written the most brilliant pages in the club’s history. We have to honour our legends, but the reality is what it is.

    “I believe that things have to be said as they are. We can’t fool our members. We’ll make every effort to ensure he stays, but always with the interests of the club first.”

    Messi scored as Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Levante in La Liga on Sunday.

    After losses to Juventus in the Champions League and Cadiz in La Liga, Barca bounced back courtesy of Messi’s 76th-minute winner to move within nine points of competition leaders Real Sociedad but with two games in hand.

    Barca will a chance to close the gap on Real Sociedad when the two teams meet in the league at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.

    Messi has been involved in 37 goals in his La Liga career against Levante (22 goals and 15 assists), more than against any other team in the competition.

    The 33-year-old has scored 449 goals in La Liga and he is just one shy of becoming the first player to reach 450 with just one club in the top five European leagues.

    Source: goal.com

  • Even Messi will struggle for playing time at Hearts of Oak – Richard Attah

    Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Richard Attah says it will be difficult for Barcelona star Lionel Messi to just break into the starting 11 of the Phobians.

    With the Ghana Premier League set to return on November 13, the former Elmina Sharks goalie believe his outfit has a solid squad that will compete for the 2020/2021 title.

    Speaking to Accra based Angel FM, he said, “For now, we have a solid 30-man squad at the club. So any player that joins us will have to fight for a place. No player can easily break into the team”

    He continued that, “Even Lionel Messi will struggle to get playing time at Hearts”

    Richard Attah has been the clubs safer pair of hands since joining from Elmina Sharks last year.

    He was handed his first call-up to the Black Stars for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sudan which was slated to come off in March but the game was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The lanky goalkeeper couldn’t make it into the latest Black Stars squad to face Mali and Qatar in an international friendly match on October 9 and 12 due to lack of football activities in the country.

    Attah is expected to play a key role for the Accra based club as they set sights on ending the club’s trophy drought.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • ‘I need to speak to Messi’ – new Barca boss Koeman

    New Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman says he does not know if he will have to “convince” Lionel Messi to stay at the club.

    Koeman, 57, has signed a two-year deal with Barca, two days after the club sacked Quique Setien.

    Messi’s future at the Nou Camp is uncertain after they failed to win a trophy last season for the first time since 2007-08.

    “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player,” said Koeman.

    “At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.

    “We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.

    “I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.

    “As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”

    Koeman has left his role as Netherlands boss, with two years left on his contract, to take over at Barca.

    He played for the Spanish giants between 1989 and 1995, helping them to four league titles and the European Cup.

    The Catalans finished second in La Liga last season. The five-point gap to champions Real Madrid and the humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final last week culminated in the dismissal of Setien on Monday.

    The club also announced Ramon Planes as the new technical director. He was the assistant to Eric Abidal, who left his role as sporting director on Tuesday.

    “What we need to do is give a different image to what we gave against Bayern, that’s not the Barca we or the fans want to see,” said Koeman.

    “You have to be very happy to wear the Barca shirt. You have to show that with commitment, professionalism, with everything you have inside. If we do that, the image will be totally different to what it was last week.”

    He added: “We’re going to work very hard to build a strong team but we’ll have to make changes because the image of the other day is not what we want. We’ll have to work hard to recover our prestige.

    “It’s a big challenge and it won’t be easy because Barca always demands the best of you, which is the way it should be.

    “Barca are still the biggest club in the world. Now we have to work hard to make sure Barca get back to where they should be. There is enough quality in the team to demand the best results and to win trophies.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Messi reportedly wants to leave Barcelona after Bayern disaster

    Speculation that Lionel Messi is poised to leave Barcelona continues to grow, with Brazilian broadcaster Esporte Interativo Sunday citing an internal source saying that the 33-year-old player had told the club he wished to transfer.

    The broadcaster’s Barca reporter said he found out after a humiliating Champions League 2-8 loss against FC Bayern. A person close to Messi was quoted as saying that he had never seen the Argentinian so determined to transfer.

    There had recently been repeated rumours of the captain leaving. According to Britain’s Daily Mirror, Manchester City – also eliminated in the quarter-finals in Lisbon – are believed to be in the strongest position to sign Messi.

    Messi has been playing for FC Barcelona for 20 years and had his most successful period under current City coach Pep Guardiola.

    The top earner of the financially troubled FC Barcelona still has a contract until the end of June 2021, so this would probably be the last chance for the club to earn big when the superstar is transferred.

    There has also been speculation about a move from Messi to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

    Source: GNA

  • Messi and Suarez help Barca into quarter-finals

    Barcelona set up a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich after overcoming Napoli on a night of high VAR drama at the Nou Camp.

    With the tie evenly poised at 1-1 after February’s first leg, Dries Mertens set the tone for an incident-packed first half, striking the post for the visitors after 90 seconds.

    But it was five-time European champions Barcelona who made the breakthrough when Clement Lenglet headed in Ivan Rakitic’s corner after 10 minutes.

    Lionel Messi doubled his side’s advantage in style as he wriggled past three defenders, before bending a shot between another two Napoli players and into the far side of David Ospina’s goal.

    The Barcelona captain thought he had further added to his tally of 115 Champions League goals in 142 games just seven minutes later, but a lengthy video assistant referee review deemed he had handled the ball in controlling Frenkie de Jong’s pass.

    Another VAR review then awarded Barcelona a penalty in first-half injury time after Kalidou Koulibaly felled Messi – and Luis Suarez stepped up to net his 25th Champions League goal.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Lionel Messi reveals the coach he wants at Barcelona

    Fc Barcelona have not had a fantastic campaign this season. They have lost the league title to their rivals Real Madrid, they do not have much hope in the Champions League with the squad they currently have. The season could end trophy less, a thing they are not used to.

    Their skipper Lionel Messi, despite having secured the top scorer award in La Liga and also the player with the most assists in the league, admitted that his team is very dull. Just after the resumption of the La Liga, Barcelona dropped points and all the blames went to their coach Quique Setien .

    Messi denied any reports that suggested that he was not happy with the Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu and that he would leave the club in the summer. Bartomeu however cleared the air and said that all was well between him and Argentine.

    However, reports from the Camp Nou are claiming that Lionel Messi prefers the current Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa who just got promoted to the English Premier League.

    Bielsa has led a wonderful Leeds team that stayed out of the top flight for 16 years and just when they have got promoted, Messi wants him at the Camp Nou.

    Marcelo Bielsa: Coach whom Pep Guardiola calls the 'best' - Telegraph India

    It will be a blow to Leeds if they lost a manager who has worked all that only for him to be taken by the Spanish giants Barcelona. Bielsa is a former Argentina professional footballer and played for Old Boys.

    Do you think Marcelo Bielsa should leave Leeds and join Barcelona as Lionel Messi wants? Tell me what you think.

    For more news, please share and follow.

    Source: opera.com

  • “He can’t do this with Messi” Fans react to Dybala’s statement on Ronaldo after Juventus’ victory

    Argentina star Paulo Dybala helped Juventus to end their three matches winless run, as they defeated Italian serie A title hopeful Lazio 2-1 at home on Monday.

    The old lady last win in the league came on July 4, as they beat Torino 4-1.

    Maurizio Sarri’s men have then loss 4-2 to AC Milan at San Siro, played a 2-2 draw against Atalanta at home, before surrendered a 2-0 lead to play 3-3 at Sassuolo.

    Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the old lady in the 51st minutes via a penalty kick, after the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) showed that Lazio defender has handled the ball inside his own box.

    Paulo Dybala was instrumental to Juventus second goal, as he gave a beautiful pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored pass Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha in the 54th minutes.

    Lazio star Ciro Immobile scored from the penalty kick in the 83rd minutes to end the match 2-1 in favour of the host.

    Reacting shortly after the match, Paulo Dybala posted a picture of him hugging Cristiano Ronaldo in his verified Twitter handle with the caption of:

    The picture has now started getting people talking; that the Argentine find pleasure in playing with Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi who is his national team captain, and he dare not to try this with the Barcelona forward.

    Since signing for Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo has formed a good partner with Paulo Dybala, and the duo have been scoring goals for fun for the old lady this season.

    Source: opera.com

  • Messi will ‘end his career’ at club – Barcelona

    Lionel Messi will “end his working and footballing life at Barcelona”, the club’s president has said.

    Josep Maria Bartomeu dismissed reports the Argentina international, 33, was unwilling to renew his current contract when it expires in 2021.

    “We are negotiating with many players but Messi has explained to us he wants to stay,” Bartomeu told Spanish network Movistar.

    “And so we’re going to enjoy him for much longer.”

    Bartomeu was speaking following the Catalan club’s 4-1 La Liga win at Villareal on Sunday evening, which saw them close the gap to leaders Real Madrid to four points.

    Earlier, a Sergio Ramos penalty ensured Real edged to a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

    The spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review, while Bilbao had a penalty appeal of their own turned down, leading Bartomeu to question the fairness of the technology.

    “I saw the game in Bilbao and although I don’t like to say it, I’ll repeat that VAR is not being used as it should be,” he said.

    “Since the season returned after the Covid-19 crisis it has not been equal, that has been reflected in the results and it looks as if it always favours the same team.”

    In response, Real coach Zinedine Zidane said he was “tired” of his side’s victories being criticised.

    Source: bbc.com