The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lionel Messi

Argentina beat Russia in World Cup venue’s inaugural match

A late goal by Sergio Aguero lifted Argentina to a 1-0 win over World Cup hosts Russia in the inaugural match at Moscow’s newly-renovated Luzhniki stadium on Saturday.

Aguero’s header found the back of the net in the 86th minute, the striker beating veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev after his initial shot was blocked by the Russian defence.

Led by team captain Lionel Messi, Argentina were dynamic from the start of the friendly but were unable to capitalise on their chances in the first half.

Argentina’s attack expertly combined to generate several scoring chances, with Messi finding Angel Di Maria in the box in the 36th minute.

But the Paris St Germain midfielder could not control the ball.

“Some of the things that we planned worked in this clash against this tough opponent,” Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli told reporters.

“We played in a courageous, bold manner. We created resistance to the pressure our opponent put us under. We need to build on this.”

Konstantin Rausch kept Russia alive in the opening minutes of the second half by heading the ball off the line after Messi had chipped Akinfeev.

Although they regrouped in the second half, Russia struggled to keep possession, heavily relying on Akinfeev to deny the Argentine attack.

Russia tested Argentina for the first time in the 61st minute with a short-range shot by Denis Glushakov tapped away by goalkeeper Sergio Romero before defender German Pezzella cleared the ball.

“We knew that it would be a tough match and that we wouldn’t have possession in some moments,” Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov said.

“I think our defence played correctly from a tactical point of view but we were unable to start quality attacks, especially in the first half, when we had the ball.”

Argentina’s friendly against Russia was the first test match held at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium, the venue for the opening game and final of next year’s World Cup.

Originally opened in 1956, Luzhniki was one of the venues for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

It hosted the 2013 world athletics championships before being closed for renovations to prepare it for the World Cup.

Argentina play Nigeria in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, which will not host any World Cup matches next year, on Nov. 14.

Russia face Spain in a friendly in St Petersburg on the same day.

NAN

November 12, 2017
Messi not scared of Eagles, keen to avoid Spain

Although Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will not be part of the squad to face Nigeria in the November 14th friendly in Russia, the Argentina Captain is nonetheless concerned about likely opponents when the World Cup draw is made December 1 in Moscow.

Messi whose Argentina is likely to face Nigeria in the world cup proper judging from the modus of past world cup draws, did not express any fears about facing the Super Eagles but rather revealed that he is having goose pimples over possibilities of facing 2010 World cup champions Spain.

“The worst that could happen to us would be to draw Spain at the group stages,” Messi told TyC Sports Wednesday from Moscow where Argentina play Russia in a friendly on Saturday.

“I would prefer to avoid them, they’d be tough opponents.”

In the interview with the Argentinian television station, Messi named Brazil, Germany and France alongside Spain as favorites to take the World Cup crown in Russia.

“I think that at the moment, they’re the strongest teams who give the best impressions, those who are playing best, with the best individuals.”

Messi also spoke about Argentina’s near nail biting qualification for the World Cup finals, which the Barcelona star sealed with a hat-trick in a rare 3-1 away victory over Ecuador.

“I always believed we’d get there, but I thought we would have tied up qualification before the Ecuador game,” said Messi, reiterating that he would like to end his career in his Argentinian birthplace of Rosario.

“I would love to play for Newell’s Old Boys, in the stadium where I’ve seen so many matches,” he said.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming years, how I’m going to feel. I live from day to day; I’m not focused on the future.”

November 8, 2017
Messi set to welcome baby No 3 with Roccuzzo

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is set to welcome another son into his family after he, along with wife Antonela Roccuzzo, revealed they are expecting a baby boy.

Roccuzzo took to Instagram last month to announce to the world she was pregnant with her third child, posting a picture of showing herself, Messi and their two sons touching her stomach alongside the caption: ‘Family of 5. Blessed.’

This week she appeared to announce to the world that their next child would be a boy after posting a birthday celebration for their eldest son Thiago, who recently turned five.

Leaving a touching message on Instagram to mark his fifth birthday, Roccuzzo wrote in Spanish: ‘Happy Birthday Thiagui. Five years old. How big you are my love. I hope you’re always this happy.

Finishing off the message as a caption for the image of Thiago on a swing, she added the long hashtag – referring to the couple’s other son Mateo as Matu: #papimamimatuytuhnitoencamino #nopodemosamartemas.

The hashtag sentence in Spanish translates into English as ‘Daddy and Mummy, Matu And Your Little Brother on the way, we cannot possibly love you any more.’

Media in Messi’s native Argentina immediately jumped upon this as a sign their majestic No 10 would soon be welcoming another young son into the world.

Roccuzzo used the shortened form of the word ‘Hermanito’ – Little Brother – at the end of the message rather than Hermanita, meaning Little Sister.

It has been a busy year for the couple, who married in their hometown of Rosario in Argentina back in June.

The entire Barcelona squad turned out for the ceremony, with Messi accompanied by his striking duo Luis Suarez and Neymar, before the latter completed his world record move to PSG.

Messi has been in inspired form for Barca this season and currently leads the scoring stakes in La Liga.

The Argentine maestro has 12 goals from 10 games played so far this season, with Barca sitting four points clear at the top of the table with 28.

November 4, 2017
ISIS Names Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar as Next Target

How safe is the Russia 2018 FIFA World?

A disturbing news that some international terrorist groups are aiming to launch an attack in the next year’s FIFA World Cup is making the round online.

Football fans are already worried as www.dailymail.co.uk on Monday hinted that the terrorist groups have named the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar as their target at the mundia.

According to the online report, the new Islamic State propaganda threatened with mocked up images of the three ace footballers facing execution or dead, (See pictures below).

In one image, a bloodied and bruised Cristiano Ronaldo, is kneeling with a jihadist holding a knife behind him, in the execution pose the world has come to associate with the terrorist group.

The Portuguese star has a black eye and there is a pile of rubble and broken bones in the background.

The poster has a World Cup 2018 logo on the left hand side with the words: ‘Our words are what you see NOT what you hear. So, just you wait. We are WAITING too…’ at the bottom.

Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is depicted in the chilling Islamic State execution pose

Another of the posters shows Messi apparently decapitated while a jihadi holds onto Neymar

Argentinian Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona, is depicted behind bars with a tear of blood coming from one of his eyes

As well as the World Footballer of the Year Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar were mocked up for ISIS propaganda photos, which are made and distributed by the pro-IS Wafa Media Foundation.

The images are part of a growing collection of released by the group, who aim their sick output at Westerners.

In one poster Messi appears to have been beheaded while Neymar is depicted on his knees crying, as a terrorist stands beside both with a knife in his hands.

The poster reads: ‘You will not enjoy security until we live it in Muslim lands.’

A third mocked up image shows Messi behind bars with a blood tear coming from his eyes and the words ‘you are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary’ and ‘just terrorism’.

The emergence of that poster came soon after Argentine football chiefs held a meeting with the Russian ambassador over safety fears for Messi.

October 30, 2017
What did Messi take during Barca vs Olympiacos tie?

What did Barcelona’s goal monger Lionel Messi take in a jiffy in the 10th minute of the club’s Champions league match against Olympiacos Wednesday night? Was it glucose tablet? You may not have noticed, but some did and those who did are wondering what it was while those who did not are asking those who saw what they saw.

Messi hit the headlines on Wednesday night when his 100th European goal helped Barcelona beat Olympiacos 3-1 in the Champions League.

His free-kick in the 61st minute doubled Barca’s lead and sent them on their way to a third win out of three in Group D, despite the sending off of Gerard Pique before half-time.

But there was a moment in the first-half which escaped the attentions of all but the most observant of viewers which has sparked some debate.

In the 10th minute of the game the Argentine appeared to take something from his sock and put it in his mouth, but it was impossible to tell what it was from the TV cameras.

But Spanish paper Sport believe they have got to the bottom of the mystery.

They report that a Catalunya Radio journalist claimed the object was a glucose tablet.

He claims it was the best time to take the tablet as ‘before the first 15 minutes of physical effort is when the muscles are most receptive’.

It is usual for athletes to take these tablets, but rarely is it seen during the game, instead they are often take them after the warm-up and before the game.

It clearly worked for the 30-year-old as he steered Barcelona towards another win at the Nou Camp.

Though it was his 100th in European competition, it only took his Champions League total to 97, as he has scored three times in the Super Cup. It took Messi just 122 games to reach his ton.

October 20, 2017
Man City plan £358m january bid for Messi

Manchester City are prepared to take advantage of Lionel Messi’s contract stand-off at Barcelona by lodging a £358million bid for his services in January, according to reports in Spain.

Barcelona announced earlier this summer that Messi had signed a new contract at the Nou Camp, extending his stay until 2021.

However Spanish outlet AS report that the deal remains in doubt despite Barcelona’s announcement and there are still a number of loose ends to tie up.

As it stands, Messi’s Barcelona deal is due to run out this summer meaning that clubs are free to negotiate with him as early as January.

And according to the Madrid-based newspaper, City are ready to pounce amid the uncertainty with a £358m offer for Messi in the next transfer window.

Sources close to City have reportedly held ‘serious conversations with the player’s inner circle’ over a potential move, which would see Messi reunite with his former manager Pep Guardiola.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told reporters earlier this summer that Messi’s extension was confirmed, saying: ‘Everything is signed. There is no need to worry’.

The Catalan giants will be desperate to hang on to their talisman after seeing Neymar leave in a £198m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in August.

Messi is currently with the Argentina squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in the early hours of Wednesday morning, which will determine whether or not they qualify for Russia.

Argentina sit sixth in the South American qualifying section, one place off the play-off spot, after a disappointing goalless draw with Peru in Buenos Aires.

The 30-year-old has begun the domestic season in top form with 14 goals in his opening 11 matches in all competitions for Barcelona, who have won all their matches so far.

Argentina have arrived in Ecuador ahead of Tuesday’s crunch World Cup qualifier, with the country in real danger of missing out on qualification. Jorge Sampaoli’s side need to win to guarantee at least at play-off spot, while anything else would almost certainly see them miss out on a place in Russia.

October 9, 2017
Messi on the verge of missing world cup

Argentina and Lionel Messi are on the verge of missing the World Cup for the first time since 1970, stumbling to a 0-0 draw against Peru before a capacity crowd in Buenos Aires.

Only one round of qualifying remains in South America.

Argentina, the runner-up to Germany in the World Cup three years ago in Brazil, plays on Tuesday against Ecuador in the thin air of Quito in the Andes.

The Argentines are in sixth place, with the top four teams advancing automatically. The fifth-place team can advance by winning a playoff against New Zealand.

It’s too close to call. But Uruguay are expected to get through the final round on Tuesday. After that, four teams are chasing the two automatic spots.

That will leave two teams trying to reach the playoff, which looks like Argentina’s only route. It must win at 9,350 feet in Quito and get some help.

Argentine will require all the luck they can get after a disappointing night in front of their home supporters.

Their players, led by Messi, all trudged off the pitch at full-time. Every single of them appeared disappointed with the outcome and know their destiny is now out of their hands heading into next week and the crucial match against Ecuador.

It is a game they really must win if they are to stand any realistic chance of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.

October 6, 2017
Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar on FIFA player of the year shortlist

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have been nominated as finalists for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, the football sport’s world governing body said on Friday.

Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to a second consecutive UEFA Champions League title and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals earlier this year.

Messi and Neymar claimed the Spanish King’s Cup with FC Barcelona with the former finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 37 goals last season.

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon was shortlisted for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award.

He led the Italian club to a sixth successive Serie A title, a third-straight Italian Cup success and a runner-up finish in the UEFA Champions League.

He was joined by Real Madrid’s Keylor Navas and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri were on the shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach award.

The women’s player of the year award will be contested between Venezuelan striker Deyna Castellanos, American midfielder Carli Lloyd, and Leike Martens, who helped Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on October 23.

September 22, 2017
Chelsea crush Qarabag in UEFA Champions League

Chelsea enjoyed a triumphant return to the UEFA Champions League after a year out on Tuesday, thumping the competition’s debutants Qarabag 6-0, including a stunning, if miscued, strike from new signing Davide Zappacosta.

The Azeri champions were never any match for their English counterparts and it took only five minutes for Pedro to open the scoring with a curling shot from the edge of the area.

Deadline-day signing Zappacosta, apparently looking to cross the ball, produced a swirling screamer of a goal from some 35 metres out on the half hour.

Chelsea ran riot in the second half, with goals from defender Cesar Azpilicueta, new French signing Tiemoue Bakayoko and two from Michy Batshuayi rounding off an impressive display against the Group C underdogs.

In other UEFA Champions League matches also played on Tuesday, Romelu Lukaku opened his Champions League account as Manchester United marked their return to the competition with a 3-0 rout of Basle in their opening Group A match at Old Trafford.

A mesmeric Lionel Messi scored twice and inspired Barcelona to a 3-0 win over Juventus as the Catalans got off to a flying start in Champions League Group D.

It was a sweet revenge for Barcelona following their last season’s quarterfinal elimination by the Italian champions.

Also, Paris Saint Germain flexed their attacking muscles with a 5-0 victory at Celtic in their opening Champions League Group B game on Tuesday as the world’s most expensive frontline produced a potent display of force.

Neymar, making his first European appearance for PSG after his world-record move from Barcelona,scored first in the 19th minute. He was joined on the scoresheet by Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, the other two members of PSG’s expensive forward trio.

September 13, 2017
Messi takes break ahead of Barca vs Madrid double header

While most footballers are now back in the depths of pre-season training, Lionel Messi is still making room for some family time.

The Barcelona star shared a picture of him poolside with wife Antonella Roccuzzo, who he married earlier this summer.

Messi kept it simple with the caption on the picture, shared to Instagram, with just a heart emoji.

The bearded Argentina international had no qualms about showing off his ripped physique, going topless with only a pair of red trunks on.

While he was in fully relaxed mode for this snap, Messi is already in the goalscoring groove for the coming campaign.

He was on the score sheet in Barca’s final pre-season friendly, a 5-0 win over Brazilian side Chapecoense, on Monday evening.

Messi is already back in the goal scoring groove, netting in the 5-0 victory over Chapecoense

August 9, 2017