Lionel Messi
Copa America quarter-finals preview: Argentina and Brazil going for the trophy
The Copa America group stages have ended, and we now know our line-up for the knockout rounds. This is where things get incredibly interesting. One poor game, and it’s all over. It’s all about the result. Ahead of the quarter-finals, here are our predictions for the last eight ties. Peru vs Paraguay Can Peru get past Paraguay? Peru surpassed expectations in the group stages. Aside from one 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Brazil, they enjoyed a strong showing, finishing in second place. Paraguay also gave a good account of themselves in their group. They managed to pull off a surprise win against Chile and suffered narrow defeats to Argentina and Uruguay. They finished in third place. It’s a difficult one to call. Both sides have fairly similar records, scoring five in their four group outing...
Copa America: Messi takes lead in Golden Boot race, Cavani scores crucial goal
The final two games of the Copa America group stages were played last night, and we now know our lineup for the knockout rounds. Argentina finished their Group A fixtures with a clash against Bolivia, while Paraguay and Uruguay competed against each other. Here is how the two games went. Bolivia 1-4 Argentina Messi scores his first of two from the penalty spot Argentina went into the final game unbeaten, knowing that a win would secure their place at the top of Group A. As for Bolivia, they had suffered three straight defeats and were already eliminated. The first half was the Lionel Messi show, as the 34-year-old directly contributed to three goals. He began in the sixth minute by scooping a beautiful pass for Papu Gomez to volley home off the underside of the crossbar. In the 33rd minute...
Dick van Burik: Kevin-Prince Boateng could have reached Lionel Messi’s level
Retired former Dutch professional footballer Dick van Burik believes Kevin-Prince Boateng had the potential to reach Lionel Messi’s level. The former centre-back captained Hertha Berlin and played with the Ghanaian in the same team between 2005 and 2007. The West African, recently, made a return to the team where he started his career and signed a one-year contract. The now 47-year-old Dutch concedes the qualities of the attacker in the German team were world-class and much was expected from him. “Even when Kevin came from the youth to the first team, his potential was immediately world-class,” Van Burik said as quoted by Ghanaweb. “He can do things that you go to the stadium for. Even then he had the… attitude and simply showed what he can do. “He has become a great player but I actually ...
Copa America: Lionel Messi equals record as Argentina progress
Lionel Messi earned a record-equalling 147th cap for Argentina as they progressed to the Copa America quarter-finals with victory over Paraguay. Papu Gomez scored the decisive goal early on, meeting a pass from Angel Di Maria before producing a fine finish. Messi, 34, equalled Javier Mascherano’s appearance record for the national team in the hard-fought win in Brasilia. Argentina top Group A ahead of Chile, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay to also advance to the knockout stage. The hastily-rearranged tournament in Brazil, which was moved from Argentina just two weeks before it was scheduled to start because of a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, is Messi’s latest chance to win silverware with the senior team. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was typically influential, playing a part in the ...
Copa America: Blackburn man scores for Chile, Argentina defeat Uruguay
More Copa America action occurred last night, with Uruguay getting underway with their first game of the tournament against Argentina. Meanwhile, Chile were also out on the field, facing Bolivia. Here is what they served up. Chile 1-0 Bolivia Brereton got his first international goal It was amusing to a number of Championship followers that Blackburn Rovers’ Ben Brereton was called up to the Chile national team. He was born in England, has played his entire career in England, and played for England youth teams. However, his mother is Chilean, qualifying him for the South American nation. And the 22-year-old was the hero on Friday evening, scoring the only goal as Chile defeated Bolivia in their second game of the tournament. Former Queens Park Rangers loanee Eduardo Vargas flicked the ball...
Cristiano Ronaldo is unconcerned over Juventus future
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists his sole focus is on Euro 2020 and reports of interest from rival clubs are causing him no “sleepless nights”. Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in 2019, but the move has not worked out quite as planned. Although the Bianconeri won the Serie A title for a ninth successive season in the forward’s first campaign, they lost their crown to Inter this term and scraped Champions League qualification. Success in Europe’s premier club competition, which Ronaldo won five times with Manchester United and Madrid, continues to evade the Turin giants. A frustrating season ended with Massimiliano Allegri returning to replace Andrea Pirlo, and there has been speculation Ronaldo could follow his coach out of the door. Madrid, United and Paris Saint-Germain have...
Cristiano Ronaldo is unconcerned over Juventus future
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists his sole focus is on Euro 2020 and reports of interest from rival clubs are causing him no “sleepless nights”. Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in 2019, but the move has not worked out quite as planned. Although the Bianconeri won the Serie A title for a ninth successive season in the forward’s first campaign, they lost their crown to Inter this term and scraped Champions League qualification. Success in Europe’s premier club competition, which Ronaldo won five times with Manchester United and Madrid, continues to evade the Turin giants. A frustrating season ended with Massimiliano Allegri returning to replace Andrea Pirlo, and there has been speculation Ronaldo could follow his coach out of the door. Madrid, United and Paris Saint-Germain have...
Inter Miami and the story behind Lionel Messi’s 10-year contract offer from Barcelona
Lionel Messi’s future with Barcelona has been a regular talking point and the Argentine has yet to commit to a new contract beyond June. There have been suggestions that the 33-year-old could be handed a 10-year-old contract which could be split into three phases. The Blaugrana are aiming to extend his stay for two years before he makes the switch to Major League Soccer for a couple of seasons. Messi would act as their ambassador during his time in MLS before returning to the club for a role in the hierarchy for the next six years. Nothing has been agreed as of yet, but Inter Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas has confirmed that they are looking to sign Messi as part of the deal. He told Miami Herald: “David and I have been working really hard, we have aspirations of bringing the best player...
Inter Miami owner ‘optimistic’ that Leo Messi will join in the future
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas believes his side will be able to land Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the future. Messi’s contract with Barcelona will expire at the end of this month and the club is desperately trying to tie down the 33-year-old to a new deal. Various reports have stated that Messi’s potential Barca extension would include a provision for him to play two more seasons in Spain, then move to Inter Miami in 2023. Mas confirmed that he and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have been involved in talks to bring Messi to Florida. “David and I have been working really hard, we have aspirations of bringing the best players here and Leo Messi is a generational player, arguably the best player of all time,” Mas told the Miami Herald. “I am optimistic Messi will play in an Inter Miami sh...
Barcelona and Real Madrid player wage cuts expected to continue next season
It is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in crippling financial implications for clubs across the globe. The world’s strongest sides have been no exception to this, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid amongst those affected. The fierce rivals have felt the repercussions of the pandemic significantly harder than their European counterparts, who benefit from more elaborate broadcasting rights and stronger financial stability from billionaire owners. Barcelona are estimated to have surrendered close to €500 million in revenue due to COVID-19, while Madrid’s losses are around €400m. During the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, Los Blancos players agreed to a 10% wage cut to allow non-playing staff to receive their full pay. The Barca squad agreed to give up ...
Jordi Cruyff returning to Barcelona in advisor role
Jordi Cruyff, the son of Barcelona legend Johan, is returning to Camp Nou in an advisor role. The 47-year-old followed in the footsteps of his famous father when stepping out of the La Masia academy system in Catalunya. Much of his career was spent away from Barca, while he has also dabbled in coaching since hanging up his boots, but a familiar face now forms part of the restructuring work being put in behind the scenes by Blaugrana president Joan Laporta. Barca have said in a statement on the club’s official website: “FC Barcelona announces that Jordi Cruyff will join the football area of the Club and form part of the new organisational structure as of August 1. “Jordi Cruyff, who was a player in Barca’s youth teams and in the Barca first team from 1993 to 1996, returns in a strategic rol...
Season Review: where would Barcelona be without Messi?
The last year or so has been a rollercoaster ride for Barcelona. An underwhelming start to the season, followed by an explosive opening to 2021, followed by disappointing ending, saw La Blaugrana end the season in third place. On top of this, they suffered more Champions League humiliation at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, but were able to end their mini trophy drought in the Copa del Rey. Best Player – Lionel Messi Messi celebrates ANOTHER goal for Barcelona No explanation needed, really. Throughout the season, Messi got 38 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. But that only tells half the story. The Argentine does so much outside of goals and assists. It’s almost impossible to comprehend without watching week in week out. If any other player was producing this level of performance...
