Ronaldo takes a dig at Messi after Barcelona's Champions League exit
5 years, 8 months ago

Ronaldo takes a dig at Messi after Barcelona's Champions League exit

The Hindu  

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo said when Barcelona win it is because of Lionel Messi but when the Spanish giant lose it is down to Ernesto Valverde and Philippe Coutinho as he had a dig at the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Messi and Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, the LaLiga holder surrendering a 3-0 first-leg advantage in a stunning 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. "Barcelona have a great team, and they have the best player in the world in Messi," Ronaldo said. "The first leg was a great match by Barcelona, with an exceptional performance by Messi, but in the return fixture, Liverpool overwhelmed them with intensity, desire and a clinical nature."

Barcelona Liverpool Messi Ronaldo  champions  barcelonas  win  coutinho  messi  dig  valverde  league  takes  team  respect  barcelona  exit  ronaldo  intensity  great

History of this topic

Messi-Ronaldo era ends amid Manchester City's growing crisis; Sunil Chhetri's goodbye headlines drama-filled 2024
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Messi-Ronaldo era ends amid Manchester City's growing crisis; Sunil Chhetri's goodbye headlines drama-filled 2024

Hindustan Times  

The year 2024 was a rollercoaster for football, filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak. Rodri wins Ballon d’Or, leaves Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid angry Rodri claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or, edging out Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. for football's most coveted individual honour. The defensive midfielder has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success in recent years and played …

Real Madrid star 'has already been told that he will win the Ballon d'Or next month' after stunning year as plans to pay tribute to him are 'revealed'
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Real Madrid star 'has already been told that he will win the Ballon d'Or next month' after stunning year as plans to pay tribute to him are 'revealed'

Daily Mail  

A Real Madrid star has reportedly already been informed that he will be crowned the Ballon d'Or winner next month in Paris. This year's list of nominees includes Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Antonio Rudiger, and Federico Valverde from the current crop of Madrid stars, while the recently retired Toni Kroos is also on there. A Real Madrid star …

Will the fading rivalry with Messi bring out the best in Ronaldo at Euro 2024?
7 months ago

Will the fading rivalry with Messi bring out the best in Ronaldo at Euro 2024?

Hindustan Times  

Up until the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were neck and neck in their rivalry. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal So, Messi really needed a bigger trophy to upstage Ronaldo and he did just that with Argentina’s win in the World Cup in Qatar one and a half years ago. Although a Euros trophy …

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing on until their late 30s because they 'can't stand each other', Jamie Carragher claims - and insists fans won't see another rivalry like it again
8 months, 1 week ago

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are playing on until their late 30s because they 'can't stand each other', Jamie Carragher claims - and insists fans won't see another rivalry like it again

Daily Mail  

Carragher says Ronaldo and Messi have been intent on one-upping each other Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have continued to play on because of their competitive spirit which means they 'can't stand each other', claims Jamie Carragher. Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Lionel Messi, 36, have played on because they 'can't stand each other', claims Jamie Carragher Carragher says the superstars …

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi denied ‘last dance’ after injury blow
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi denied ‘last dance’ after injury blow

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cristiano Ronaldo has been denied a final meeting …

Lionel Messi set to face Cristiano Ronaldo one last time after fixture confirmed
1 year, 1 month ago

Lionel Messi set to face Cristiano Ronaldo one last time after fixture confirmed

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each …

Cristiano Ronaldo on retirement, Messi opens up about FIFA World Cup 2026, Indian football at Asian Games
1 year, 3 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo on retirement, Messi opens up about FIFA World Cup 2026, Indian football at Asian Games

The Hindu  

The past week has seen a number of important events in football, from Bayern Munich humbling Manchester United to Cristiano Ronaldo discussing his retirement. ⏱️ 49': Højlund scores his first #UCL goal for Manchester United ⏱️ 53': Kane scores his first #UCL goal for Bayern pic.twitter.com/aYaDteIvfn — UEFA Champions League September 20, 2023 Casemiro’s goal in the 88th minute -- …

Messi’s father says player ‘would like to return’ to Barcelona amid speculation over Saudi move
1 year, 7 months ago

Messi’s father says player ‘would like to return’ to Barcelona amid speculation over Saudi move

Associated Press  

MADRID — Barcelona has not given up hope of seeing Lionel Messi returning to the club despite increasing speculation about a pending move to Saudi Arabia, and his father said Monday that his son prefers to go back to the Catalan club. The player’s father sidestepped most questions but acknowledged that Messi “would like to return” to the club where …

Barcelona not giving up hope of bringing Lionel Messi back to Spanish football
1 year, 7 months ago

Barcelona not giving up hope of bringing Lionel Messi back to Spanish football

The Hindu  

Barcelona has not given up hope of seeing Lionel Messi returning to the club despite increasing speculation about a pending move to Saudi Arabia. The Catalan club continued to work on restructuring its finances to make sure it could afford Messi’s return in case the Argentina star decided to come back to the Spanish league after his stint with Paris …

On This Day in 2011: Lionel Messi stars as Barcelona win Champions League
1 year, 7 months ago

On This Day in 2011: Lionel Messi stars as Barcelona win Champions League

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lionel Messi produced a Wembley masterclass as Barcelona …

Messi ‘could not’ currently rejoin Barcelona, says La Liga boss Tebas
1 year, 8 months ago

Messi ‘could not’ currently rejoin Barcelona, says La Liga boss Tebas

The Hindu  

Barcelona would not be able to resign Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain in its current financial situation, La Liga president Javier Tebas said on Wednesday. Messi, 35, is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a return to the Camp Nou, with Barca striker Robert Lewandowski saying he hopes to play …

FC Barcelona Plan to Honour Lionel Messi: Report
1 year, 10 months ago

FC Barcelona Plan to Honour Lionel Messi: Report

News 18  

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi is expected to be honoured by his former club FC Barcelona ahead of the commencement of the 2024-25 season. Barcelona club officials reportedly met Messi’s father Jorge Messi last week. Messi’s association with Barcelona came to an end in 2021 after the Blaugrana failed to fulfil new contract agreement. Messi, during his stay at …

Is Lionel Messi coming back to FC Barcelona?
1 year, 10 months ago

Is Lionel Messi coming back to FC Barcelona?

Live Mint  

Rumours abound over Lionel Messi's future, which is still up in the air. According to Sport, a Spanish website that referenced Catalunya Radio in its article, Jorge Messi had a meeting with Joan Laporte, president of FC Barcelona, last week. According to the Spanish publications, Laporte has long been prepared to welcome La Pulga back to Barcelona, and there may …

PSG Vs Riyadh All-Stars XI: Bruised Ronaldo Scores Twice, Messi Once As PSG Win Saudi Friendly 5-4
1 year, 11 months ago

PSG Vs Riyadh All-Stars XI: Bruised Ronaldo Scores Twice, Messi Once As PSG Win Saudi Friendly 5-4

ABP News  

Riyadh, Jan 20 : Grimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old foe Lionel Messi. Messi had already scored early in Thursday's exhibition game when Ronaldo was flattened boxing-match style by PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas after about …

Bruised Ronaldo scores twice to edge showdown with Messi
1 year, 11 months ago

Bruised Ronaldo scores twice to edge showdown with Messi

China Daily  

Saudi Pro League XI's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal during a friendly against Paris St Germain at King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, January 19, 2023. Grimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old …

Bruised Ronaldo scores twice to edge showdown with Messi
1 year, 11 months ago

Bruised Ronaldo scores twice to edge showdown with Messi

Associated Press  

Grimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old foe Lionel Messi. Messi had already scored early in Thursday’s exhibition game when Ronaldo was flattened boxing-match style by PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas after about 30 minutes in Riyadh, …

Why Lionel Messi remains a political pawn at Barcelona 17 months after his exit
2 years ago

Why Lionel Messi remains a political pawn at Barcelona 17 months after his exit

New York Times  

There was a time in the last decade when many Barcelona fans would have happily swapped a Champions League title for the sight of Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup. Joan Laporta, voted back in for a second stint as club president five months earlier, has realised how difficult it will be to finalise a contract extension for Messi, given …

Messi and Ronaldo chase football glory one last time
2 years, 1 month ago

Messi and Ronaldo chase football glory one last time

Live Mint  

The boy, about 12, sobs uncontrollably. It’s 26 June and Lionel Messi has just scored Argentina’s first goal against Nigeria in the 14th minute of a Group D match of the 2018 World Cup at Saint Petersburg, Russia. The crowd goes berserk; over 60,000 of them, predominantly Argentinian fans, many of them unsure whether this is Messi’s last World Cup. …

Would it REALLY make sense for Barcelona to bring back Lionel Messi?
2 years, 2 months ago

Would it REALLY make sense for Barcelona to bring back Lionel Messi?

Daily Mail  

In 17 seasons with Lionel Messi in the team, Barcelona reached at least the last-16 of the Champions League every time. Paris Saint-Germain want Messi to sign for another year until 2024, Barcelona could only afford him if big earners Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all leave, and even then they would probably need to win the Europa …

Barcelona fans chant for Lionel Messi to return after Champions League exit
2 years, 2 months ago

Barcelona fans chant for Lionel Messi to return after Champions League exit

Daily Mail  

Barcelona fans chanted Lionel Messi's name as they were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night. The writing was on the wall in the first half as Sadio Mane and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting put the visitors into a comfortable lead, and this led to Barcelona fans turning their attention elsewhere, with some fans singing for Messi, seemingly pleading for …

Messi stars, PSG among 4 teams advancing in Champions League
2 years, 2 months ago

Messi stars, PSG among 4 teams advancing in Champions League

Associated Press  

His first goal was a nonchalant, outside-of-the-foot finish. Lionel Messi kept up his stellar pre- World Cup form to help rampant Paris Saint-Germain become one of four teams to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, along with Chelsea, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund. With perhaps the best goal of the 33 scored in the next-to-last round …

Champions League: Lionel Messi set to miss Benfica game due to calf injury
2 years, 3 months ago

Champions League: Lionel Messi set to miss Benfica game due to calf injury

India Today  

Lionel Messi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League game against Benfica due to injury reported the Athletic on Monday, 10 October. PSG struggled for rhythm without the services of Messi, and were held to a 0-0 draw after defender Sergio Ramos saw a red card in the 41st minute of the game. The forward was diagnosed with a calf issue …

‘CR7 not welcome’: Atletico Madrid fans protest against Cristiano Ronaldo transfer speculation
2 years, 5 months ago

‘CR7 not welcome’: Atletico Madrid fans protest against Cristiano Ronaldo transfer speculation

The Independent  

Atletico Madrid fans have urged the club to rule out signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, displaying a protest at a pre-season friendly and warning that he is the “antithesis of the club’s values of modesty and humility”. Atletico have been one of the clubs linked to signing Ronaldo since it was reported that the 37-year-old wanted to leave Manchester …

'Messi or Ronaldo?': Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini reignites GOAT debate
2 years, 6 months ago

'Messi or Ronaldo?': Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini reignites GOAT debate

Hindustan Times  

Former Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini had an illustrious football career in Europa before departing for MLS team Los Angeles FC. Giorgio Chiellini speaks at a press conference introducing his arrival to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Meanwhile, Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United from Juventus ahead of the 2021-22 campaign for a reported fee of around 15 million euros. Despite …

Barcelona secures Champions League spot with Real Betis win
2 years, 8 months ago

Barcelona secures Champions League spot with Real Betis win

The Hindu  

Barcelona secured qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League on Saturday as Jordi Alba's 94th-minute winner against Real Betis guaranteed the Catalans' place in the top four of La Liga. "A big win against Betis — a direct rival for the Champions League" — Xavi reacts to Barça's dramatic victory on Saturday night pic.twitter.com/ETJ8UsFbPf — FC Barcelona May 8, 2022 …

LaLiga: Barcelona stun Madrid 4-0 at Bernabeu to end losing streak
2 years, 9 months ago

LaLiga: Barcelona stun Madrid 4-0 at Bernabeu to end losing streak

Firstpost  

The win ended Barcelona’s five-match losing streak to its rival and maintained an outside chance of fighting for the title after a difficult start to its first season without Lionel Messi. Barcelona’s losing run against Real Madrid finally ended Sunday as the Catalan club enjoyed a stunning 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and showed its title hopes in …

Ronaldo and Messi were 'not intelligent' by joining Manchester United and PSG last summer
2 years, 9 months ago

Ronaldo and Messi were 'not intelligent' by joining Manchester United and PSG last summer

Daily Mail  

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers are 'finished' and they should have made smarter moves or retired instead of joining PSG and Manchester United last summer, Nicolas Anelka has sensationally claimed. Messi made the switch from his boyhood club Barcelona to the French giants, while Ronaldo snubbed Manchester City in favour of returning to Manchester United in transfers that stunned …

How has Messi’s life-altering shift to Paris panned out?
2 years, 11 months ago

How has Messi’s life-altering shift to Paris panned out?

The Hindu  

It has been a challenging eight months for Lionel Messi. Despite savouring sweet success — Argentina’s Copa America triumph, after which he said, “I needed to remove from myself the thorn of achieving something with the national team”, and a record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or — the 34-year-old has dealt with the most tumultuous period of his professional career: the end …

Lionel Messi makes surprise Barcelona return for Xavi's 42nd birthday
2 years, 11 months ago

Lionel Messi makes surprise Barcelona return for Xavi's 42nd birthday

Daily Mail  

Lionel Messi made a surprise return to Barcelona on Monday night, where he celebrated Xavi's 42nd birthday alongside former team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Messi was left out of the Argentina squad to face Chile and Colombia in World Cup qualifying later this week as his country's place in the tournament later this year is all but secured, so …

'I've never tried to be the best', says Messi after seventh Ballon d'Or win
3 years, 1 month ago

'I've never tried to be the best', says Messi after seventh Ballon d'Or win

The Hindu  

Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi said he is grateful to be named among the greatest players in world soccer, but the Argentina forward stressed he does not attach too much importance to individual glory. Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday, beating Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho to be named …

Samuel Eto’o: Messi won Ballon d’Or because he is the best
3 years, 1 month ago

Samuel Eto’o: Messi won Ballon d’Or because he is the best

The Hindu  

Samuel Eto’o has the makings of a soothsayer. Not so long ago, the Barcelona legend while saying he believed Argentina talisman Lionel Messi presently stood head and shoulders above the rest in world football, also predicted his ‘little brother’ will lift the Ballon d’Or for a record seventh time. What Eto’o foresaw, turned into reality in Paris on Monday evening …

Portugal legend Luis Figo defends Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo
3 years, 1 month ago

Portugal legend Luis Figo defends Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo

Daily Mail  

Portugal legend Luis Figo has hit out at critics who are suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo is to blame for Manchester United's downfall this season. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under criticism despite netting 10 times so far this season Luis Figo believes Ronaldo is still the best, and doesn't understand the criticism 'It does not make sense. Ronaldo has now found the …

UEFA Champions League: Messi scores twice to rescue PSG in 3-2 win over Leipzig
3 years, 2 months ago

UEFA Champions League: Messi scores twice to rescue PSG in 3-2 win over Leipzig

The Hindu  

Lionel Messi scored twice in quick succession, including an exquisite Panenka-style penalty, to rescue Paris Saint-Germain as it rallied to beat Leipzig 3-2 in the Champions League after being dominated for long spells on Tuesday. They have all come in the Champions League, with Kylian Mbappe setting up the first two and winning the penalty for Messi's winner against Leipzig …

Messi, Ronaldo in contention for Ballon d’Or
3 years, 3 months ago

Messi, Ronaldo in contention for Ballon d’Or

The Hindu  

Six-time winner Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time victor, were among the 30 names revealed on Friday for the Ballon d’Or award. The serial favourites face competition that includes Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who are also considered as leading runners in the list unveiled by France Football magazine. French champions PSG can boast Messi, …

Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo in contention; Megan Rapinoe misses out
3 years, 3 months ago

Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo in contention; Megan Rapinoe misses out

Firstpost  

Messi and Ronaldo face competition that includes Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who are also considered as leading runners in the list unveiled by France Football magazine. The serial favourites face competition that includes Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who are also considered as leading runners in the list unveiled by France …

Champions League: Barcelona thumped, Chelsea beaten as Ronaldo rescues Man Utd
3 years, 3 months ago

Champions League: Barcelona thumped, Chelsea beaten as Ronaldo rescues Man Utd

Firstpost  

Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona side already look at real risk of an early exit from this season’s Champions League after suffering a second 3-0 defeat in as many games in Group E and finishing the match in Lisbon with 10 men. Barcelona plunged even further into crisis on Wednesday with a thumping Champions League defeat at Benfica while holders Chelsea were …

Ronaldo and Bale catch the eye but neither Juventus nor Real Madrid manage a win
3 years, 4 months ago

Ronaldo and Bale catch the eye but neither Juventus nor Real Madrid manage a win

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former team-mates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo made …

Ligue 1: Lionel Messi, Neymar left out of PSG squad against Brest
3 years, 4 months ago

Ligue 1: Lionel Messi, Neymar left out of PSG squad against Brest

The Hindu  

Lionel Messi will not be included in PSG's squad for Friday's Ligue 1 game at Brest, French daily L'Equipe reported, adding that his former Barcelona teammate Neymar has also been left out. Earlier on Thursday, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino had left open the possibility that Messi could feature against Brest when he declined to specify whether the six-times Ballon d'Or …

La Liga: Griezmann's chance to shine at Barcelona in Messi's absence
3 years, 4 months ago

La Liga: Griezmann's chance to shine at Barcelona in Messi's absence

The Hindu  

As Barcelona continues adjusting to life without Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann gets his best chance yet to take a leading role at the Catalan club. “I want to keep helping the team both on and off the pitch, in attack and defense, and enjoying being at Barca.” He had some key performances while Messi was still on the team but …

La Liga: Lionel Messi gone but not forgotten as Barcelona wins league opener
3 years, 5 months ago

La Liga: Lionel Messi gone but not forgotten as Barcelona wins league opener

Hindustan Times  

The post-Lionel Messi era began for Barcelona with fans chanting his name in the stands and players overcoming his absence on the field. La Liga: Lionel Messi gone but not forgotten as Barcelona wins league opener Barcelona’s first season without Messi in 17 years started with a 4-2 win over Real Sociedad in the Spanish league on Sunday, with many …

Barcelona begins post-Messi era with win over Real Sociedad
3 years, 5 months ago

Barcelona begins post-Messi era with win over Real Sociedad

The Hindu  

The post-Lionel Messi era began for Barcelona with fans chanting his name in the stands and players overcoming his absence on the field. Barcelona’s first season without Messi in 17 years started with a 4-2 win over Real Sociedad in the Spanish league on Sunday, with many in the crowd of more than 20,000 at the Camp Nou Stadium paying …

Lionel Messi departure painful but Barcelona can't live in past, says coach Ronald Koeman
3 years, 5 months ago

Lionel Messi departure painful but Barcelona can't live in past, says coach Ronald Koeman

The Hindu  

Lionel Messi is now in Barcelona's past and the club must live in the present, coach Ronald Koeman said on Saturday, as his side prepares for a new LaLiga season without its greatest ever player - and battling through a financial crisis. "It's painful for all Barcelona fans given what Messi has done for the club, but we cannot live …

Lionel Messi's breakdown while announcing Barcelona exit leaves football fans in tears
3 years, 5 months ago

Lionel Messi's breakdown while announcing Barcelona exit leaves football fans in tears

India TV News  

Lionel Messi's incredible 17-season career at Barcelona appears to have come to an end. Barcelona fans and football fans around the world took to social media platforms to express their sadness. Barcelona announced it could not keep its greatest player because it wasn’t able to fit a new contract within the Spanish league’s financial fair-play regulations. The Argentina star had …

Barcelona fans chant Lionel Messi's name in 10th minute of 3-0 win over Juventus
3 years, 5 months ago

Barcelona fans chant Lionel Messi's name in 10th minute of 3-0 win over Juventus

Daily Mail  

Barcelona fans chanted Lionel Messi's name in the tenth minute of their victory against Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night. Ronald Koeman's side ran out 3-0 winners at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig all scoring. Fans Chanting Lionel Messi's name at the 10th minute ❤ You'll forever be in our …

Messi breaks down, says he wasn’t ready to leave Barcelona
3 years, 5 months ago

Messi breaks down, says he wasn’t ready to leave Barcelona

Associated Press  

MADRID — Lionel Messi began crying before he even started speaking. When asked about Paris Saint-Germain, considered the frontrunner to sign him, Messi admitted it was “a possibility.” “At this moment I don’t have a deal with any club,” he said. “Despite Messi’s departure, we are very excited about going into this new season, about our squad, about our new …

Messi in tears at farewell Barcelona press conference
3 years, 5 months ago

Messi in tears at farewell Barcelona press conference

Al Jazeera  

Six-time Ballon d’Or winner to leave after 21 years as Barcelona said they could not afford to keep him. “These recent days, I’ve been giving lots of thought about what I could say, and the truth is that I can’t think of anything,” Messi told a news conference as hundreds of fans, many wearing his number 10 jersey, massed outside …

Who played alongside Lionel Messi in his Barcelona debut in 2004 and where are they now?
3 years, 5 months ago

Who played alongside Lionel Messi in his Barcelona debut in 2004 and where are they now?

Daily Mail  

Lionel Messi was destined for great things ever since he agreed to join Barcelona by signing a napkin in the restaurant of a tennis club aged 13, and fans are still coming to terms with his shock departure from the club. Juliano Belletti's only Barca goal won them the 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal OLEGUER PRESAS The centreback was …

Finances don’t add up, but can Barcelona and La Liga afford not to keep Lionel Messi?
3 years, 5 months ago

Finances don’t add up, but can Barcelona and La Liga afford not to keep Lionel Messi?

Live Mint  

News of Lionel Messi's departure is a hammer blow for Barcelona, but it is also a disaster for the prestige of La Liga. Now Messi is apparently on his way too, with Barcelona unable to extend the contract of the 34-year-old Argentinian superstar, their dire economic predicament falling foul of La Liga's financial fair play rules. "Messi was the last …

End of an era: Barcelona says Lionel Messi won’t stay with the club
3 years, 5 months ago

End of an era: Barcelona says Lionel Messi won’t stay with the club

The Hindu  

Lionel Messi’s time at Barcelona appears to be over. Barcelona announced on August 6 that Messi will not stay with the club, saying that the Spanish league’s financial regulations made it impossible to sign the Argentina star to a new contract. Barcelona said in a statement that a deal for a new contract had been reached but financial “obstacles” made …

End of an era: Barcelona says Messi won’t stay with the club
3 years, 5 months ago

End of an era: Barcelona says Messi won’t stay with the club

Associated Press  

MADRID — Lionel Messi’s time at Barcelona appears to be over. Barcelona announced Thursday that Messi will not stay with the club, saying that the Spanish league’s financial regulations made it impossible to sign the Argentina star to a new contract. Barcelona said in a statement that a deal for a new contract had been reached but financial “obstacles” made …

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