With Argentina in flux under interim manager Lionel Scaloni and this international break containing only two inconsequential friendlies being played in the United States, Lionel Messi’s absence from the squad directly following his exertions in Russia came as no surprise, despite the myriad of hot takes that are attempting to read between the lines.
IMPORTANT: Simply click/tap on "CC" in the video above to turn on the English subtitles.
Lionel Messi gave a rare, extended interview with FC Barcelona's YouTube channel, and the far-reaching sit down offers everything from Messi's new status as Barcelona's captain to his son Thiago's growing understanding of the game.
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise given the outcome of the 2017-18 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award voting (finishing order: Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah), but the three finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2018 are Modric, Ronaldo and Salah, leaving the likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne on the outside looking in.
Barcelona moved to the top of the LaLiga table on goal difference Sunday after hammering newly promoted Huesca 8-2 at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi registered two goals and two assists, Luis Suarez added a brace and an assist, Jordi Alba had a goal and an assist and Ivan Rakitic did the same to power the Blaugrana to the top of the table. An Ousmane Dembele strike and a Jorge Pulido own goal rounded off the eight Barcelona tallies.
Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestine FA, was banned from all soccer activities for the next year by FIFA on Friday, a ruling stemming from words targeting Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Rajoub had called on fans to burn jerseys and pictures of Messi ahead of a friendly between Argentina and Israel in Jerusalem this summer, saying one of the world’s biggest stars should not “whitewash the face of racism” by attending the match.
Barcelona was lacking that killer instinct for much of its LaLiga opener. Fortunately for the reigning champs, they’ve got the world’s best player on their side, and a Lionel Messi goal vs Alaves on a sneaky free kick sparked Barcelona to a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
When it comes to brands, adidas is the king of the of the soccer world. Nike, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar under its belt, gives the German giant a run for its money, but there’s no doubt the official partner of FIFA is the biggest brand, especially when you look at what soccer players are sponsored by adidas.
Who’s ready for LaLiga?! While everyone (and I will not lie, I was one of those people) was stoked for the return of the Premier League last weekend, you should be equally as excited for LaLiga’s return! Yes, the games are on the beIN network, but LaLiga from top to bottom is probably the best league in the world.
But if you’re looking for more reasons to get hyped on the season, then look no further!
Following the semi-retirement of Andrés Iniesta, Lionel Messi was named Barcelona captain for the upcoming 2018-19 season, the club announced on Friday.
Four Barça captains for this season: all from La Masia!