Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | With Neymar sidelined by an ankle injury, Lionel Messi heads into the Copa America this weekend as the competition’s main attraction but one with a desperate need to end more than a decade of hurt with Argentina. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has one …
Read More »Messi scores twice as Argentina routs Nicaragua 5-1.
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Lionel Messi scored a first-half double as Argentina warmed up for the Copa America with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Nicaragua on Friday in San Juan. The Central Americans, who will participate in this month’s Gold Cup tournament while Argentina battle it out in …
Read More »Messi and Aguero in Argentina Copa America squad
Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP | Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and the returning Sergio Aguero headed the 23-man Copa America squad announced by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni on Tuesday. Paris Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria was also included but there was no place for striker Gonzalo Higuain, who …
Read More »Messi looms for Liverpool, but Cardiff on Klopp’s mind for now
Porto, Portugal | AFP | Jurgen Klopp might be steeling himself for some sleepless nights as he tries to work out how to stop Lionel Messi, but for now the German can be delighted at seeing his Liverpool side extend their outstanding record in European ties under his management. Having …
Read More »Messi hat-trick restores Barcelona’s La Liga lead
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi continued his sublime form by netting his 31st La Liga hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Levante 5-0 on Sunday to regain their three-point lead at the top of the table. The 31-year-old Argentinian arrived in Valencia having scored two free-kicks in last weekend’s derby …
Read More »Messi’s free-kick magic keeps Barca top
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi stole the show with two free-kick goals in a blistering display as Barcelona maintained their lead at the top of La Liga with a thumping 4-0 derby win over Catalan rivals Espanyol. The Argentine superstar curled home two sensational set-pieces and set up …
Read More »Modric tipped to pip French stars to Ballon d’Or and end Ronaldo and Messi era
Paris, France | AFP | The winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Croatia’s Luka Modric and a host of French World Cup winners all hoping to finally end the 10-year duopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. …
Read More »Barca’s support cast show their worth as Messi nears return against Inter
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi could make an earlier return than expected against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday but Barcelona have hardly missed him. Four wins out of four, including a stroll past Inter Milan and a hammering of Real Madrid so severe it cost …
Read More »Messi to miss three weeks after fracturing right arm
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi is expected to be out for three weeks after fracturing his right arm during Barcelona’s win over Sevilla on Saturday. Messi will now miss Barca’s Champions League game at home to Inter Milan on Wednesday, as well as the season’s first Clasico four …
Read More »Messi suffers arm injury as Barca put four past Sevilla
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi scored and then went off injured as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-2 on Saturday to move back to the top of La Liga. Messi had to be substituted in the 26th minute at the Camp Nou after falling awkwardly on his right arm, but …
Read More »