Quotes

Tuesday’s Copa América semifinal between Argentina and Colombia was the Lionel Messi show for 90 minutes. But when the game went to a penalty shootout, the spotlight shifted to Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emi Martínez. 

The Aston Villa keeper chirped the Colombian players to no end and saved three penalty kicks. Some absolute legend has now provided us inferior English-only speakers with an Emi Martinez trash talk translated video.

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil forward Neymar said he hopes Argentina will be their opponents in the Copa América final and has no doubts that the hosts would come out on top against their fierce rivals.

Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in Monday's semifinal in Rio de Janeiro thanks to a 35th minute goal from Lucas Paquetá to book their spot in Saturday’s decider at the Maracanã stadium.

The second semifinal between Argentina and Colombia is on Tuesday.

Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku had fans ask him questions on Twitter and his responses display just why we love him. He replied to dozens of questions, including sharing his biggest motivation and even firing back at some haters, making this thread a must-see. As he lights up the pitch at Euro 2020, we look at the highlights from the Lukaku Q&A to get to know one of our favorite stars even more. 

Let’s go ask your questions

Former Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuaín had low expectations coming to MLS but now is learning to respect the competition. The 33-year-old exclaimed he expected to play with a cigarette in his mouth, it was going to be that easy.

Through seven matches in the 2021 MLS season, Higuaín has four goals and one assist. He was quoted on Christain Vieri's Twitch live stream a few days ago saying, "I thought I would come to MLS and play with a cigarette in my mouth and instead it is difficult."

Cristiano Ronaldo caught the world's attention this Monday, off the field. The Portuguese superstar had a surprising gesture before Portugal's press conference at the Euros. Ronaldo took two bottles of the famous brand Coca-Cola off the table and put a bottle of water in their place. Then, he said, "drink water!" in front of the cameras.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Coca-Cola vs Water Video:

Cristiano Ronaldo's body is a temple pic.twitter.com/zTnIgMwda5

As the world heals from the pandemic, pick-up matches are on their way back as well. Pick-up matches exemplify all the best parts of soccer: intense rivalries, healthy competition and the opportunity to sharpen your skills.

If FIFA gave out an award each year for the least-hated player, then N’Golo Kanté would win every year. The Al-Ittihad midfielder simply has no haters due to how humble he is. With the man being so loved worldwide, it makes the Kanté birthday story even sadder.

Felipe Saad, one of Kanté’s former teammates on Ligue 2 side Caen, told Brazilian outlet Uol Sport a heart-tugging story about one of his interactions with the Frenchman.

TW: Rape

Tuesday’s Serbian Cup final between Red Star Belgrade and Partizan provided viewers with a lot more than they bargained for. The Belgrade derby offered taunting, a pathetic fight and a guy whipping out his genitals at the opposing goalkeeper.

How on Earth did the game get to that point? The tensions between the two sides flared up the day before when Partizan goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic had a bizarre quote during a press conference.

PARIS - Kylian Mbappé said he is delighted at the prospect of teaming up with Karim Benzema in the French side at next month’s European Championship.

Real Madrid striker Benzema was included in the squad on Tuesday after he and coach Didier Deschamps resolved their differences. His return ended a six-year absence from the French team, including missing out of their World Cup triumph in Russia in 2018.