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“You Talk a Lot,” Messi Explodes at James Rodriguez Over Copa America | Watch

June 13, 2025, 3:25 pm

Tensions ran high as Argentina drew 1-1 with Colombia during their World Cup qualifier, but the real drama unfolded off the ball. A heated exchange between Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez stole the spotlight after the Colombian star’s recent remarks about the 2024 Copa America final stirred up controversy.

James Rodriguez has stayed quiet on the whole controversy, seeing as Lionel Messi is a bigger global star and his legendary status protects him from these tiny squabbles on the field.

Lionel Messi Confronts James Rodriguez

Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off during the match, but it was Messi’s confrontation with Rodriguez that got everyone talking. According to reports, Messi took issue with comments Rodriguez made about the Copa America final, where Colombia lost to Argentina.

Rodriguez had said, “We had an excellent Copa America. Obviously, we wanted the title, but we didn’t win the Copa America because of external things, I think. The referee favoured Argentina. He didn’t give us penalties. For me, a clear one.”

During the game, Messi didn’t hold back. He told Rodriguez directly, “You said they helped us in the final. You talk a lot.” In response, Rodriguez denied the statement, saying, “I didn’t say anything.”

🔥🗣 “VOS DIJISTE QUE NOS HABÍAN AYUDADO EN LA FINAL, HABLÁS MUCHO”

El tenso cruce entre Lionel Messi y James Rodríguez. #EliminatoriasEnTyCSports pic.twitter.com/QGexwSrQm6

— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 11, 2025

When asked about the clash after the game, Messi didn’t reveal much. Both simply said, “What stays on the field, stays on the field.”

After the Match, James took to X and made a post saying, “Nada nos va detener, más cerca del objetivo. (Nothing will stop us, closer to the goal.)” referencing to his team drawing against Argentina and his on-field clah with Messi.

Nada nos va detener, más cerca del objetivo. 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/5ipUJqMkLy

— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) June 11, 2025

Rodriguez Named Player of the Tournament

Despite the tension, Rodriguez was named Player of the Tournament for his strong performances throughout the Copa America. While Colombia impressed many fans, they ultimately fell short in the final, allowing Messi and his team to add another trophy to their recent World Cup glory.

Rodriguez’s suggestion that the match was unfairly influenced by referees didn’t sit well with Messi. The confrontation showed that the Argentine captain takes accusations against his team seriously, especially when it concerns a major tournament win.

Lionel Messi is now expected to return to Inter Miami, where he’ll compete in the Club World Cup. The MLS side will face Egyptian club Al-Ahly on June 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Messi-James Heated Clash Grabs Headlines During Argentina vs Colombia Copa América Match

June 11, 2025, 5:03 pm

Lionel Messi appeared visibly agitated during Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Colombia on Matchday 16 of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, reigniting a controversy that dates back to the Copa América final. The Argentine captain confronted Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez over his earlier accusations of referee bias in favour of Argentina.

70th Minute Sparks Verbal Clash

The tense moment unfolded in the 70th minute, shortly after Enzo Fernández received a red card. Broadcast cameras caught Messi walking up to Rodriguez and confronting him. “You said I helped you in the final, you talk too much…,” Messi said. A stunned Rodriguez replied, “Why? I didn’t say anything.”

Old Comments Resurface from Copa América

This confrontation is linked to remarks Rodriguez made after Argentina defeated Colombia in the 2024 Copa América final. In an interview on Los Amigos de Edu, James had said:
“The referee favoured Argentina. He didn’t give us penalties. For me, a clear one.”

He also remarked, “Obviously, we wanted the title, but we didn’t win the Copa América because of external things, I think.”

Rodriguez Responds: ‘What Happens on the Field Stays There’

Following the match, Rodriguez addressed the situation briefly and appeared to downplay the exchange. “What happens on the field stays on the field,” he told reporters.

🔥🗣 "VOS DIJISTE QUE NOS HABÍAN AYUDADO EN LA FINAL, HABLÁS MUCHO”

El tenso cruce entre Lionel Messi y James Rodríguez. #EliminatoriasEnTyCSports pic.twitter.com/QGexwSrQm6

— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 11, 2025

Messi Holds On to Grudge Over Bias Claims

Messi’s reaction suggests he hasn’t forgotten or forgiven the implications that Argentina’s Copa win wasn’t legitimate. The fact that both players engaged in the confrontation during a crucial qualifier underscores the depth of the issue.

Colombia and Argentina Share Points in Qualifier

Despite the drama, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. With both teams still battling for qualification spots, the encounter will be remembered as much for the verbal altercation as for the result.

As Argentina looks forward to the next matches, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Messi elaborates on the confrontation or lets it fade with the final whistle—something Rodriguez has already opted for.

Lionel Messi Substituted in Second Half as Argentina Secures 1-0 Win Over Chile

June 6, 2025, 3:52 pm

Lionel Messi was a second-half substitute as Argentina got a 1-0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifying match on Thursday night in Santiago. Julian Alvarez gave the defending world champions an early lead in the 16th minute, thus ensuring a very important win that consolidates Argentina’s place at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table. The Albiceleste have now secured a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Julian Alvarez finished off a fantastic Argentinian counterattack by chipping the Chilean goalkeeper Brayan Cortés to score a goal that went in off the post. The striker scored the winning and the only goal of the game.

Messi Comes Off The Bench

Messi started the game on the bench but began warming up at the start of the second half. The coach brought him on in the 58th minute, earning a warm reception at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos.

Although the Argentine captain didn’t find the net, he still made a few good efforts during his nearly 40-minute performance. One of his best chances was in the 83rd minute, when he gave an excellently weighted through ball to Giuliano Simeone, but the forward missed the chance by shooting wide.

Messi Named MLS Player Of the Month

Lionel Messi made his cameo on the pitch the same day MLS named him Player of the Month for May, recognizing his impressive performances with Inter Miami. It was not exactly a high-profile performance by his standards, but the game allowed him to get some important game time in the FIFA international break.

Argentina will have another qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. After international duty, Messi will come back to South Florida for Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup venture. He is scheduled to play in their first game against the Egyptian team Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Lionel Messi Eyes 2026 World Cup Comeback—But One Major Doubt Remains

April 19, 2025, 2:52 pm

Football legend Lionel Messi has dropped a major hint that he may feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, many expected Messi to retire from international football.

But the 37-year-old has goaded the doubters, remaining a critical player for Argentina and once again leading them to the final, recently helping them win the Copa América 2024.

Lionel Messi on His World Cup Future

In a recent interview with YouTube channel Simplemente Fútbol, Messi spoke candidly about his potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup. Although he hasn’t made up his mind, Messi admitted that he thinks about the tournament a lot and wishes to participate in it, if his body permits.

This year will be crucial to know what I will decide in terms of the 2026 World Cup. I would be lying if I said I’m not thinking about it [Playing the World Cup],” Messi stated.
It’s a long season that has begun and there’s the Club World Cup in June, but naturally I do think about the World Cup and being there, but now it’s about living day by day and how I’m feeling physically and being honest with myself to see if I can be there or not,” he said.

Barcelona and Career Choices

Throughout the interview, Messi also reminisced about his mythical career at FC Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga championships and four UEFA Champions League titles. Though he desired to go back to Barcelona in 2021, economic troubles at the club hindered his return.

“I had planned to go back to Barcelona and be able to return to a place where I always wanted to be, but it was not possible again,” Messi revealed.
After that, it was a family choice. The fact that we had won the World Cup also played a big role. I was sure that I didn’t want to be at another club in Europe, I didn’t want to go to any of them.”

Currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi also talked about moments of regret, especially missed chances in Europe’s largest tournament.

At the time, I believe we allowed a few more Champions Leagues to get away; we could have won more. The ones we won under Pep were truly significant, and how we played was phenomenal,” he stated.

Although the ultimate choice regarding his World Cup 2026 appearance is still in doubt, Messi’s fans can still dream of one final dance on football’s grandest stage.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Held by Chicago Before Record MLS Crowd

April 14, 2025, 10:32 am

Inter Miami were kept goalless for the first time this season in Major League Soccer as they were held to a goalless draw by the Chicago Fire on Sunday. A club-record attendance of 62,358 filled Soldier Field for the visit of Lionel Lionel Messi and Inter to see the home side deliver a gritty performance. Chicago, coached by former USA boss Gregg Berhalter, limited Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona strike partner Luis Suarez to just a handful of opportunities. The best effort from Lionel Messi, who played the full game, came in the third minute when he unleashed a snap shot from outside the box which was denied by a fine, diving save from Fire keeper Chris Brady.

Chicago Create Chances Amid Electric Atmosphere

There was no feeling of Chicago being overwhelmed by the massive throng at the stadium they share with the Bears of the NFL and they came close twice in the first half with Mauricio Pineda forcing Oscar Ustari into a full stretch save and then Philip Zinckernagel hitting the outside of the post from a tight angle. Suarez missed a fantastic opportunity to score for Miami at the end of the first half when Noah Allen floated a ball in but the Uruguayan sends his shot over the bar.

Second Half Pressure But No Breakthrough For Inter Miami

In the second half, Chicago had plenty of pressure with most of the creativity provided by ex-Lille winger Jonathan Bamba. The Fire nearly claimed all three points in the 88th minute when Bamba fired a shot that Ustari deflected. Maren Haile-Selassie then drove the rebound wide. Shortly after, Ustari denied Bamba once again. In a desperate finale, Miami also created a chance to win, but Tadeo Allende pulled his shot wide from a promising position.

Mascherano of Inter Miami Reflects on Fatigue and Clean Sheet

Inter Miami had seemed jaded following their midweek efforts in their CONCACAF Champions Cup triumph over Los Angeles FC on Wednesday and their coach Javier Mascherano seemed glad that they had not lost a point. “We arrived with a very, very huge load both physically but also mentally. So not losing is always crucial, too,” he explained. “I’ll take the positives, which is that we didn’t give a goal away. We’d been giving goals away for three games, and today we kept a clean sheet. Now, fortunately, we’ve got a week of work coming up, which is a little bit of respite for us, after the beginning of the season we’ve had,” he said.

Elsewhere in MLS: Portland and Columbus Triumph

Ex-Miami boss Phil Neville watched his bettering Portland Timbers share a 4-2 victory at Sporting Kansas City with Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy netting two goals. Portland are now five games unbeaten and climb to fourth in the Western Conference.

The Columbus Crew came from behind to share a 2-1 victory at St.Louis City. Brazilian Joao Klauss opened the scoring for the home team before Crew defender Steven Moreira equalized with a side-footed volley. Uruguayan Diego Rossi sealed the victory with a low drive from outside the box in the 55th minute.

Inter Miami Grind Out 2-0 Win Over Cavalier Without Lionel Messi in CONCACAF Cup

March 7, 2025, 2:46 pm

Inter Miami, missing star striker Lionel Messi, fought hard to a 2-0 win over Jamaica’s Cavalier in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 encounter on Thursday. The Argentine great was rested once more for what the club defined as ‘load management,’ having also sat out Sunday’s 4-1 MLS victory over Houston. A slow start was followed by an uptick in pace after halftime as Miami claimed a vital road win.

Cavalier Impressive in First Half, Foiled by VAR

Miami coach Javier Mascherano was optimistic his team could take care of business against their Caribbean opponents without the services of Messi, but the first hour of play was troublesome. Cavalier played with gusto, counter-attacked recklessly, and defended doggedly against an uninspired Miami team.

The hosts were almost through in the 28th minute when Jamilio Rigters sent over a cross from the left flank, and Jalmaro Calvin could not make his shot on target. Soon after, Cavalier almost scored the opener when a deflected attempt by Calvin rebounded off the post.

With only moments left before halftime, Cavalier believed they had finally opened the scoring when Richard King teed up Shaquille Stein to find the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out after a long VAR examination, deeming it offside. The ruling incited ire among the home team, but Miami managed to hold on and go into the break tied.

Inter Miami Steps Up After the Break, Secures Victory

Mascherano’s team came out more determined in the second half and were finally rewarded in the 61st minute. Following a goalmouth melee, Tadeo Allende pounced on the chance and shot a firm shot into the corner to give Miami the lead.

As the game progressed, Cavalier began to show signs of fatigue. Their defensive lapses were punished in the 83rd minute when Luis Suárez capitalized on a mistake by Shamar Watson, tucking home Miami’s second goal and sealing the victory.

Second Leg Awaits in Kingston

With a 2-0 lead, Inter Miami will now focus on the return leg in Kingston on March 13. Although Miami is coming into the match with a substantial lead, Cavalier’s performance in the first leg presents them as having enough firepower to still threaten.

Ronaldo Reveals Near Move to Join Messi at This Club

February 5, 2025, 3:43 pm

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary reign at Real Madrid is one to remember. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined the Spanish club in 2009 after seven seasons at Manchester United. During his nine years at the club, Ronaldo did everything and more to win titles, which summed up a whopping haul of two La Liga trophies and four Champions League wins. With 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances, he is the club’s all-time leading scorer and has moved to Juventus in 2018. But his El Clasico duels with Lionel Messi defined a new era in football.

Now, Ronaldo has shared a strange fact: at one point, he was close to joining Barcelona. Talking to journalist Edu Aguirre of the Spanish television program ‘El Chiringuito de Jugones’, the Portuguese starlet revealed that he had been scouted by Barcelona when he still was in Sporting Lisbon, but ended up signing with Manchester United in 2003.

Yes, it was when I was playing at Sporting Lisbon and I had the opportunity to join various clubs, one of which was Barcelona. I do remember being with a person from Barcelona who wanted to sign me, but it didn’t happen. Perhaps they wanted to bring me in, but it would have been for the following year. Then, a club like (Manchester United) came along and signed me immediately. You know how fast everything moves in football.”

Had Ronaldo taken the Barcelona offer, he might have been joined by Messi, a scenario now impossible given what has happened and his past connection with Real Madrid. Ironically, Ronaldo was even approached by Wenger of Arsenal before Wenger confessed, in his latest autobiography, to missing out on signing the Portugal star as one of his worst managerial regrets.

Lionel Messi Set to Visit India on This Date

January 12, 2025, 10:04 pm

Lionel Messi has finally secured the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career, clinching the FIFA World Cup 2022 title in Qatar. Argentina triumphed over France in a penalty shootout, as Messi made history. The World Cup in Qatar saw significant support for Messi and Argentina, particularly from the people of Kerala.

Now, it seems that Messi and his team are poised to visit the South Indian state in the latter half of 2025. Kerala’s sports minister V Abdurahiman shared in an event in Kozhikode, “For seven days from October 25 to November 2, Messi will be in Kerala. Apart from the friendly match, he will be on a public dias for twenty minutes to see you all.”

However, this statement could be misinformation, as FIFA does not have an international window during the dates mentioned by the Kerala sports minister. There are two available windows in that part of the year: October 6 to 14 and November 10 to 18.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS, is in the twilight phase of his illustrious career. Over his glittering career, he has won eight Ballon d’Or awards and has been named FIFA Best Player eight times. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional football, having amassed 45 team trophies, including twelve Big Five league titles, four Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas, and one World Cup.

Additionally, Messi holds the records for the most European Golden Shoes (6), the most goals for a single club (672 with Barcelona), the most hat-tricks (36), and the most assists (192) in La Liga. He is also Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. On the youth level, he won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. Messi made history in 2006 as the youngest Argentine to play in and score in a World Cup, and became national team captain in 2011. Under his leadership, Argentina reached three consecutive finals (2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America, and Copa America Centenario), although they were runners-up in all three.

Lionel Messi, George Soros, Ralph Lauren Among Recipients of Top US Civilian Honor

January 4, 2025, 6:47 pm

President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients on Saturday, including a range of entertainers, athletes, politicians, and diplomats honored with the nation’s highest civilian award.

Among those will be singer and activist Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, longtime fashion editor Anna Wintour, soccer icon Lionel Messi, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, and legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

These honorees are exceptional leaders because they are remarkable individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” the White House said in a statement.

Among recipients are chef Jose Andres, founder of the World Central Kitchen NGO, and renowned primate researcher and environmental advocate Jane Goodall.

Honoring Political Figures

Some honorees have a more vibrant political profile, such as the billionaire philanthropist George Soros, who has been known to finance progressive causes around the world, and Hillary Clinton, a trailblazing former first lady, senator, and secretary of state who made history as the first woman nominated for the U.S. presidency by a major party in 2016.

But the White House cleared them, citing that Soros was awarded “supporting organizations and projects worldwide that promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.” Clinton, on the other hand, was praised for decades of public service, which “broke barriers and inspired future generations.
Biden will also posthumously honor Robert Francis Kennedy, widely known as Bobby Kennedy or “RFK.” He served as U.S. attorney general during his brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency and was tragically assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.

His legacy remains inspiring those that pursue justice, equality, and public service,” said Biden. RFK’s son, Robert Kennedy Jr., who himself has lately made a reputation by doubting vaccinations, recently announced by president elect Donald Trump would be put on top to preside the Health and Human Department.

Conclusion Presidential Impact

Biden’s picks demonstrate his desire to make a lasting impact before leaving the White House. On Thursday, he also honored the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican congresswoman who was part of the committee that probed the January 6, 2021, storming of the Capitol.

Former President Donald Trump reacted negatively to the move, saying Cheney is “totally corrupt” and posting on Truth Social, “Biden rewarded her only because she hated ‘TRUMP.’

Lionel Messi to Return to India for Argentina’s 2025 Match, Says Kerala Sports Minister

November 20, 2024, 12:45 pm

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced that the Argentina football team, including Lionel Messi, will visit the state for an international match in 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, he confirmed the event would be fully supported by the state government. “All the financial assistance for organising this high-profile football event will be provided by the merchants of the state,” he said, expressing confidence in Kerala’s capacity to host this historic match.

Messi’s last appearance in India was in 2011 during an international friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela, which ended in a goalless draw. Known for his massive fan base in India, particularly in Kerala, Messi’s return will be a significant occasion in the state, which has long been passionate about football.

Messi, who moved to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has only expanded his fanbase in India, where many fans stay up late to follow his matches. His career, capped by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has made him an icon in Kerala, where football culture is deeply rooted.

Despite achieving everything in his career, including the World Cup title, Messi continues to be an integral part of Argentina’s national team, playing a crucial role in World Cup qualifiers for the 2028 edition. His rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also remains active with the Portuguese team, with both players hinting at another World Cup appearance in 2026.

Lionel Messi Honors ‘Phenomenon’ Andres Iniesta Upon Retirement: “The Ball Will Miss You…”

October 8, 2024, 10:03 pm

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi expressed his emotions in a touching message for his former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta, who recently announced his retirement from professional football. Messi and Iniesta played together during Barcelona’s golden era, where they collectively dominated European football and secured numerous trophies at the club level. Their on-field chemistry was exceptional, with Iniesta frequently providing perfect passes to Messi as he approached the goal.

Iniesta, who famously scored the World Cup-winning goal for Spain in 2010, chose to retire on October 8, a number significant to him as he wore the number 8 jersey throughout his club career.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, paid tribute to Iniesta, recalling their many shared moments, including lifting multiple La Liga and Champions League titles together. In his Instagram story, Messi wrote, “One of the team-mates with the most magic and of the ones I enjoyed playing together the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we! I wish you the best, always. You are a phenomenon.”

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the club following his time at La Masia academy. Both Messi and Iniesta started at La Masia and later dominated European football after advancing to Barcelona’s senior team.

Speculation had circulated about Iniesta possibly joining Messi at Inter Miami, particularly after the MLS club signed former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez; however, that reunion did not occur.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Messi’s MLS Cup playoff debut, although the opponent for Inter Miami CF has yet to be determined. Inter Miami secured their first Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew, and their first postseason match is scheduled for October 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The complete MLS Cup playoff bracket will be revealed on October 19, coinciding with the last day of the regular season.

Following his tenure at PSG, Messi, now 37, joined MLS in July 2023. Inter Miami won the League Cup title but failed to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. The Supporters’ Shield marks Messi’s 46th career trophy.

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Kylie Jenner and Lionel Messi: Top Social Media Records Set by Elite Celebrities

August 23, 2024, 4:43 am

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent entry into YouTube has made headlines for its remarkable success. In just 90 minutes, he gained over 1.6 million subscribers, setting a world record. Within 24 hours, his subscriber count surpassed 10 million and has now exceeded 12 million. This rapid growth is a testament to Ronaldo’s global influence and the power of social media.

Other social media records are equally fascinating. Kylie Jenner’s Instagram post introducing her daughter, Stormi Webster, in 2018 initially held the record for the most-liked post until it was surpassed by a simple image of an egg. This egg post, created to break Kylie’s record, still holds a massive lead with over 61 million likes.

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A post shared by Just An Egg ? (@world_record_egg)

Lionel Messi’s Instagram post celebrating Argentina’s FIFA World Cup victory in December 2022 has since dethroned the egg’s record, highlighting Messi’s immense popularity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” music video holds several Guinness World Records, including the most-streamed track worldwide and the first YouTube video to reach 5 billion views. The video has become a global phenomenon, showcasing the reach of digital music.

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A post shared by ???? ????? (@luisfonsi)

Jennifer Aniston made a splash on Instagram by setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest account to reach 1 million followers. She achieved this feat in just 5 hours and 16 minutes with a selfie featuring her “Friends” co-stars.

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A post shared by Jennifer Aniston (@jenniferaniston)

On X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk holds the title for the most-followed account, followed by Barack Obama and Cristiano Ronaldo. These records highlight the impact of social media on celebrity influence.

Finally, Ellen DeGeneres’ 2014 Oscars selfie, featuring a star-studded lineup, famously crashed Twitter due to its popularity, demonstrating the massive engagement that such moments can generate.

Paris Olympics 2024: Why Football Icons Messi, Mbappe, Yamal Aren’t Competing

July 25, 2024, 12:55 am

The world will converge in Paris over the next two weeks for the 2024 Olympics, the largest sporting event globally. Athletes from around the globe will gather in the French capital to represent their countries, with football being one of the featured sports.

For those who may not know, the Olympics include both men’s and women’s football tournaments. While the women’s tournament is a full international competition, the men’s tournament has age restrictions.

The men’s tournament features 16 teams, including prominent names like 2022 FIFA World Cup finalists Argentina, France, and 2024 Euro Champions Spain. However, notable stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal will be missing from the competition.

Why the Football at Paris 2024 Olympics Is Missing Star Power?

While the Olympics are considered the pinnacle of sports, the men’s football tournament is effectively an U-23 event, with each team allowed to include up to three overage players. This could have potentially included stars like Messi and Mbappe. Additionally, younger players, such as 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, were eligible to participate.

However, there’s a complication: since the Olympics do not fall within a FIFA international window, clubs must approve players’ participation. Most clubs declined permission, especially with the new season approaching. Competing in the Olympics would mean players participated in two major international tournaments during the off-season, which could be physically taxing and result in missing the club’s preseason and the first few league matches.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, eligible to represent Argentina at 23, publicly revealed that he was initially granted permission to participate by former head coach Mauricio Pochettino. However, this approval was later revoked when the club changed coaches and appointed Enzo Maresca.

WATCH: Messi, Rohit, And Messi Again – The Ultimate Trophy Walk Trilogy

July 15, 2024, 4:06 pm

Rohit Sharma’s iconic celebration after India’s triumphant win in the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados has left an indelible mark on cricket enthusiasts. His slow-walk gesture, reminiscent of football legend Lionel Messi, has become a sensation following Messi’s similar celebration during Argentina’s victorious FIFA 2022 campaign in Qatar.

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A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup)

In the T20 World Cup final, held at the packed Kensington Oval in Barbados, Sharma’s slow-walk celebration resonated deeply with fans. This gesture mirrored Messi’s famous celebration after leading Argentina to victory in the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Messi further captivated his supporters with a similar slow-walk after Argentina clinched their record 16th Copa America title. Argentina’s Copa America success came after they defeated Colombia 1-0 with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez, overcoming delays caused by thousands of ticketless fans attempting to enter the stadium.

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A post shared by CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@copaamerica)

During a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rohit Sharma revealed that spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav suggested the distinctive walk to make their podium moment memorable when they received the T20 World Cup trophy. “It was such a monumental moment for all of us. We had been waiting for this for years. So, the boys suggested to me, ‘Don’t just go like that, do something different…'” Rohit shared.

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This is the best video I’ve seen today…

Kuldeep teaching Rohit the “Messi Walk” to lift the World Cup???

He’s a true football geek??pic.twitter.com/ueYUvzDI5j

— ?Aashish Shukla? (@Aashish_Shukla7) June 30, 2024

Prime Minister Modi remarked on Rohit’s unique walk, saying, “I noticed two extreme things where I could see the emotion. When you were going to collect the trophy…”

Rohit responded with a chuckle, “Chahal and Kuldeep,” spreading laughter throughout the room.

The TOI Sports Desk excels in capturing the essence of live sporting events and delivering compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for major cricket matches to covering global spectacles like the Olympics and FIFA World Cups, the desk provides accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content round the clock.

Messi And Yamal: The Duo Who Unexpectedly Transformed A Barcelona Photographer’s Life

July 15, 2024, 4:04 pm

Photographer Joan Monfort, based in Barcelona, has been a familiar presence at sporting events across Spain for over three decades. However, his international renown soared when a 2007 photo he captured recently resurfaced. During a photo session for UNICEF and Barcelona, Monfort photographed Lionel Messi, then 20 years old, holding a newborn. The Argentine soccer star was also pictured standing beside his mother next to a bathtub.

The photo captured a moment where future greatness met potential greatness. The newborn in question is Lamine Yamal, now a 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona and Spain, who celebrated his birthday on July 13. At Euro 2024, Yamal has stood out as a remarkable player. His remarkable goal against France in the semifinals has cemented his reputation as one of football’s most exciting talents.

“I’m just living in a dream,” Monfort told CNN, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions he has experienced in recent days.

When Messi’s father posted a photo on Instagram showing the baby’s mother and the Argentine star smiling as they bathed the child with soap, the image quickly went viral and garnered global attention. The caption read, “The beginning of two legends.”

Then, in a surprising turn of events, Monfort received a phone call early in July.

“One colleague at the newspaper, SPORT, called me at 12 o’clock in the night and said to me: ‘Is this your picture?'” says Monfort. “And I answered: ‘Yes, this is my picture. I [took] this picture years ago.’ And I asked: ‘Who is the baby?’ And he [told] me the baby is Lionel Messi, of course. And the other baby is Lamine Yamal.”

Before receiving the call, Monfort admitted that he had forgotten about the photograph and did not know the identity of the infant pictured with Messi. He mentioned that the photo session was part of a fundraising and awareness campaign involving Barça and UNICEF. Monfort stated that Yamal’s family had won a raffle to participate in the photo.

Regarding Messi, Monfort described him as “extremely shy” yet “very professional” during the photo session with Yamal. He was unaware that he had photographed the future Spain international as a baby, and this realization did not come to him even when Yamal, at the age of 15, became Barcelona’s youngest player in over a century last year, or when he witnessed the teenager impressing in his early performances at Euro 2024.

Monfort learned about his previous encounter with Yamal only a few hours after the 16-year-old played a crucial role in Spain’s quarterfinal victory against host Germany. Speaking to CNN, Monfort told CNN he is “proud” of the photo, describing it as a “one in a billion” moment.

Both Messi and Yamal were alumni of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy and made their debuts at a young age; however, Yamal made his debut on the international stage at 18 years old.

Messi holds the record as Barcelona’s top scorer with 672 goals. He has also played the most games, won the most trophies, and received the most Ballon d’Or awards in the club’s history.

Watch: Messi’s Tears Turn to Joy as Argentina Clinch Copa America Title

July 15, 2024, 12:13 pm

Lionel Messi experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during Argentina’s victorious Copa America 2024 campaign. Initially devastated by an injury that forced him off during the final against Colombia, Messi was seen in tears on the sidelines.

However, within an hour, his anguish transformed into elation as Argentina clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory in extra time, securing their 16th Copa America title and surpassing Uruguay as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

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The match itself was tense, delayed by crowd issues, and remained deadlocked until substitute Lautaro Martinez broke through in the 112th minute with a precise finish past Colombia’s goalkeeper. This decisive goal ignited jubilant scenes among Argentine fans, while Colombia’s efforts to equalize in the remaining minutes fell short, ending their impressive 28-match unbeaten streak.

Messi, despite still visibly affected by his injury, joined his teammates in exuberant celebrations, marking a poignant moment as he possibly concluded his international career on a high note.

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Argentina’s triumph adds to their recent successes at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, underscoring their dominance in South American football.

Argentina Clinches 16th Copa America Title with Extra-Time Win Over Colombia

July 15, 2024, 11:16 am

Argentina won their second straight Copa America championship, overcoming Lionel Messi’s second-half leg injury to beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute, securing Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title.

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, left the field in tears during the second half due to an ankle injury. Despite his absence, the team managed to hold off Colombia, thanks to a resilient defense and Martínez’s timely goal. Messi’s injury cast a shadow over the victory, but his teammates’ determination shone through, highlighting their depth and skill.

The match faced an 82-minute delay at the start due to crowd disturbances caused by rowdy, unregistered spectators, according to AFP. Once the game began, both teams displayed intense and competitive football, but Argentina had the upper hand.

This victory marks another milestone in Argentina’s football history, adding to their previous successes. The team’s performance, even without their star player, demonstrated their collective strength and ability to rise to the occasion. Martínez’s goal and the team’s overall effort underscored Argentina’s dominance in South American football, as they celebrated their well-earned triumph.

Argentina vs Colombia: Supercomputer Opta Predicts Copa America 2024 Finals Winner

July 13, 2024, 4:51 pm

The highly anticipated Copa America 2024 finals are set for this Sunday, promising an intense showdown between Argentina and Colombia. With Lionel Messi at the helm, Argentina appears strong on paper, especially considering their impressive head-to-head record against Colombia. A supercomputer, Opta, has weighed in on the likely outcome of this thrilling match. Here’s what you need to know about the prediction.

Copa America 2024 Finals Overview

The Copa America 2024 has delivered exceptional football over the past month, culminating in Argentina and Colombia earning their spots in the final. Argentina triumphed over Canada with a 2-0 victory in the semifinals, while Colombia edged out Uruguay with a single goal. Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the tournament during the semifinals against Canada, solidifying Argentina’s position in the finals.

Supercomputer’s Prediction

According to Opta, a supercomputer, Argentina has a 62.90% chance of winning the Copa America 2024 finals. This prediction aligns with Argentina’s overall performance, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. However, that single goal came at a critical moment in the quarterfinals against Ecuador, pushing the match to penalties.

Head-to-Head Record and Viewing Information

Argentina’s dominance is evident in their head-to-head record, winning over 10 of their last 12 matches against Colombia. Despite this, Colombia has shown remarkable resilience and strategy in their matches, posing a potential threat to Argentina.

Fans can catch the live action of the Argentina vs Colombia match on Fox, airing on July 14 at 8 pm ET from Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium. The game will also be available for live streaming on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Key Player to Watch

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the player to watch in the Argentina vs Colombia match. Having scored his first goal of the tournament in the semifinals, Messi will be looking to add to his tally and lead Argentina to victory.

Lionel Messi Makes History As First Footballer To Achieve…

July 11, 2024, 2:55 am

Regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi continues to rewrite history, guiding Argentina to the final of the 2024 Copa America. The World Champions secured a 2-0 victory over Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, advancing to the championship match.

Set to face either Uruguay or Colombia on Sunday (July 14) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Messi, now 38 years old, has battled evident fitness challenges throughout the tournament.

Despite missing a penalty in the shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinals, Messi showcased his brilliance in the semifinals, scoring his first goal of the tournament by deflecting a shot from Enzo Fernandez into the net.

Recognized as the Player of the Match in the semifinal, Messi’s performance ensured Argentina’s place in the final as they strive to defend their title. La Albiceleste now has the opportunity to claim a record 16th Copa America trophy and achieve consecutive titles for the first time since the tournament’s shift to a knockout format in 1975.

Lionel Messi Creates World Record

Following his advancement to the final of the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Messi has become the first footballer in history to reach the final of seven different international tournaments. This achievement marks Messi’s fifth appearance in a Copa America final, having previously played in the summit clashes of 2007, 2015, 2016, and 2021. Additionally, he has contested two FIFA World Cup finals during his career, in 2014 and 2022. Messi’s accomplishment surpasses the record previously held by Brazilian legends Cafu and Carlos.

Messi endured four final defeats early in his career, including losses in the 2007 Copa America to Brazil and consecutive defeats to Chile in the 2015 and 2016 tournaments on penalties. Argentina also faced disappointment against Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. However, Messi’s fortunes changed dramatically when he led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, defeating Brazil in the final. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reached the pinnacle of his career by securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup title with a thrilling win over France. Now, Messi has the opportunity to achieve a third international title in the 2024 Copa America final. Additionally, Messi guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 finalissima against Italy, a match between the winners of the Copa America and UEFA Euro championships.

Watch: Lionel Messi’s Bodyguard In Action, Garners Praise On Social Media

July 10, 2024, 1:16 am

A viral video highlights the exceptional dedication of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, in shielding the football star from enthusiastic fans, earning praise on social media for his vigilant efforts.

Celebrity status brings numerous risks and challenges, with one of the most common being overenthusiastic fans who can pose potential dangers by seeking photos or autographs, sometimes resulting in chaotic and risky situations. To manage such scenarios, many celebrities depend on skilled bodyguards for protection. Currently circulating on social media is a viral video highlighting the remarkable efforts of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard in safeguarding the football superstar from eager fans.

A video featuring Chueko’s quick reactions to shield Messi from enthusiastic fans has gained popularity on Reddit. The footage depicts Chueko promptly intervening in various scenarios to safeguard Messi, earning widespread praise on social media for his adept handling of challenging situations to ensure the star’s safety.

Watch the video here:

Messi’s bodyguard
byu/Efficient_Sky5173 ininterestingasfuck

Since its posting three days ago, this post has garnered over 174,000 upvotes and continues to attract more. It has also received numerous comments.

Reactions from People

An individual wrote, “I would assume the bodyguard is under the same rules as the general stadium security (because they probably have an agreement, and the bodyguard in the video responds to situations that would normally be handled by stadium security i.e pitch invasions). A pitch invasion is also a reason for stopping the game while they get whoever it is off the pitch, so quite often you’ll see games pause while this is dealt with.”

Another shared, “He’s got to be in pretty good shape as well. I’d be in no position to protect anyone after a 40-yard sprint.”

“What I like is how relaxed and calm Messi remains when he sees someone coming towards him. Like he knows his personal T-800 is close by. Seems like a lot of trust there,” commented a third.

No Messi In Argentina’s Olympic Roster; Mascherano Picks 4 World Cup Stars

July 3, 2024, 10:33 am

Lionel Messi has chosen to forego participation in Argentina’s Olympic squad set to commence later this month in Paris. Coach Javier Mascherano unveiled his squad on Tuesday, including notable World Cup victors but notably omitting the football icon.

The squad features striker Julián Álvarez and defender Nicolás Otamendi among the selected World Cup winners. Mascherano, a former Olympic gold medalist himself, plans to integrate goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Otamendi, and Álvarez after the ongoing Copa America concludes. Additionally, Manchester City’s new midfielder Claudio Echeverri will join the squad.

The absence of 37-year-old Messi, who clinched Olympic gold at Beijing in 2008, comes amid his commitment to defending Argentina’s Copa America title, which served as a springboard for their 2022 World Cup triumph.

Argentina’s Olympic campaign, featuring a blend of under-23 talents and senior figures, includes preparatory friendlies in France ahead of their Group B opener against Morocco on July 24. Iraq and Ukraine complete their group lineup, promising an exciting start to their Olympic journey.

This decision underscores Messi’s dedication to current commitments while nurturing emerging talents in Argentina’s football landscape.

WATCH | Rohit Sharma’s Victory Walk Planned By This Cricketer

June 30, 2024, 12:35 pm

India clinched their second T20 World Cup title in a thrilling encounter against South Africa in Barbados. Virat Kohli’s commanding 76 and Axar Patel’s vital 47 set up a challenging total of 176 for 7. Hardik Pandya’s decisive 3-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, and Suryakumar Yadav’s exceptional catch to remove David Miller were pivotal in defending the total. The match reached a dramatic conclusion as India held their nerve to secure victory by seven runs, ending a 17-year wait for another T20 World Cup triumph.

Rohit Sharma’s Iconic Trophy Moment: Watch Here

That celebration of Rohit Sharma was planned by Kuldeep Yadav. ?❤️pic.twitter.com/iAotuOuXBV

— Aryan ?? (@Iconic_Hitman) June 29, 2024

Following the tense victory, Rohit Sharma’s iconic walk up to receive the T20 World Cup trophy drew comparisons to Lionel Messi’s legendary demeanor. It was revealed that spinner Kuldeep Yadav had planned and demonstrated the approach to Rohit, highlighting the camaraderie and strategic preparation within the Indian team. This victory not only marks India’s first ICC title in 11 years, since the 2013 Champions Trophy, but also signifies a momentous achievement for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who announced their retirement from T20Is after the historic win.

Inter Miami To Be Likely Messi’s Final Club

June 13, 2024, 4:24 am

Argentina’s legendary forward Lionel Messi revealed that Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami is likely to be the final club of his illustrious career. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is approaching the end of his remarkable journey but still has a chance to secure another Copa America title with Argentina.

While continuing to excel both internationally and at the club level, Messi discussed his future and acknowledged that he is not ready to retire from football. “I’m not prepared to leave football, I did this all my life, I enjoy the training, the games. The fear that everything’s going to be over, it’s always there. I think Inter Miami is going to be my last club,” Messi told ESPN Argentina, as reported by Goal.com.

His fellow Argentine, Julian Alvarez, also spoke about Messi’s potential future and the speculation surrounding his continued involvement with Argentina’s national team. “Let’s hope so. He’s going to decide until when, but we want him to be there, it’s better,” Alvarez told ESPN.

Messi has achieved 180 caps for Argentina and scored 106 goals on the international stage, making him the third-highest goal scorer in international football, behind Ali Daei and Cristiano Ronaldo. For Inter Miami, he has netted 13 goals and provided 11 assists in 18 MLS matches. Earlier this year, Messi was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2023, surpassing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to claim the title for the third time in his career.

Notably, Messi became the first player to win the award while playing in the MLS. None of the top three nominees, including Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland, attended the ceremony in London. The 36-year-old remained in Miami for Inter Miami’s first preseason game of the 2024 campaign.

Lionel Messi Calls Real Madrid ‘The Best Team in the World’

June 8, 2024, 3:23 am

Lionel Messi recently praised Real Madrid as the best club in the world, following their impressive 15th UEFA Champions League title win. Messi’s comments came after Real Madrid secured a resounding victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

In an interview with InfoBae, Messi credited Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph under Carlo Ancelotti, asserting their status as the world’s top team. He highlighted Real Madrid’s impressive form throughout the season, culminating in their Champions League success.

Recapping the final match, both teams played a tactical first half, but Real Madrid dominated the second half, securing victory with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior. Despite facing injury challenges, Real Madrid showcased their quality, finishing the La Liga season with 95 points and winning their 36th league title.

Jude Bellingham’s contributions were significant for Real Madrid, emerging as their top scorer with 19 goals, while Vinicius Junior also played a pivotal role with 16 goals and five assists.

Meanwhile, Messi himself had a productive season with Inter Miami in the MLS, scoring 12 goals in 12 matches after his surprising move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. As an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s impact continued to be felt on the field even in the MLS.

Historic Lionel Messi Contract On A Napkin Sells For ₹8 Crore

May 21, 2024, 2:24 pm

Messi emerged as one of Barcelona’s most exceptional players, securing more than 30 trophies and departing the Catalan team as their highest scorer ever with 672 goals. Additionally, he clinched a remarkable eight Ballon d’Or titles as the world’s finest player and guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. Messi is part of the US-based Inter Miami team in Major League Soccer.

The paper napkin containing Barcelona’s pledge to sign Lionel Messi at 13 has recently been auctioned for 762,400 pounds (equivalent to Rs 8.08 crore). This napkin, signed in December 2000, bears a commitment from the former Barcelona director Carl Rexach, according to a report by the BBC. “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, at this moment agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon,” reads the translated text.

The napkin was signed at a meeting in the presence of Messi’s father Jorge who was concerned about the lack of response from Barcelona following the teenager’s trial. Additionally, it carries the signatures of Josep Minguella, a transfer consultant for the Spanish club, and agent Horacio Gaggioli, who recommended the young Argentine player. The auction began with a starting price of 300,000 pounds (approximately Rs 3.17 crore).

The ‘typical Spanish wax napkin,’ measuring 16.5 x 16.5cm, was laminated, framed, and signed in blue ink, as reported by the source. The auction, conducted online by Bonhams in London on behalf of Gaggioli, featured this item.

Lionel Messi Joins 29-Man Squad for Argentina’s Pre-Copa America Friendly Matches

May 21, 2024, 1:28 pm

World Cup-winning captain and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina’s 29-man squad in the upcoming friendly matches leading up to the Copa America tournament. According to a report from ESPN on Tuesday, the defending champions of both the World Cup and Copa America will face Ecuador on June 9 at Soldier Field in Chicago and Guatemala five days later in Landover, Maryland, before defending their Copa America title.

The Copa America tournament is scheduled to take place in the USA from June 20 to July 14, with Argentina defending their title after winning in 2021. Argentina and Uruguay share the record for most Copa America titles, with 15 victories each.

Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s squad features 22 players from the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning team in Qatar, including stars like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. Notable absences from the squad are Paulo Dybala (AS Roma), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), and Thiago Almada (Atlanta United FC).

Teams are required to finalize their Copa America squads by June 15, with a maximum of 26 players per team, as per the recent confirmation by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

Argentina, the reigning world and South American champions, will kick off their Copa America campaign against either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 in Atlanta. They will then face Chile five days later in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by a match against Peru on June 29 at Miami Gardens, Florida.

The roster for Argentina’s Copa America friendlies has been finalized.

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax Amsterdam)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), German Pezzella (Betis), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Valentin Barco (Brighton)

Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (Betis), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Valentin Carboni (Monza)

Forwards: Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas Gonzalez (FC Porto), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City).

Lionel Messi’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Jerseys Fetch Record ₹65 Crore at Sotheby’s Auction

December 16, 2023, 10:31 am

Six jerseys worn by soccer maestro Lionel Messi during Argentina’s victorious stint in the 2022 FIFA World Cup have been sold for a whopping ₹65 crore at a Sotheby’s auction. The final bid, totalling $7.8 million, marks the highest price achieved for sports memorabilia this year, according to Sotheby’s. Each jersey holds historic significance, having been worn by Messi in the first half of various games during Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Argentina secured the championship by defeating France in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the final, clinching its third World Cup title. The victory, where Messi contributed two of Argentina’s three goals, stands as a defining moment in the career of one of football’s all-time greats. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectables, described the shirts as tangible reminders of a pivotal moment in sports history, intimately connected to Messi’s illustrious career.

Displayed at Sotheby’s New York headquarters during a two-week online auction that concluded on Thursday, the jerseys attracted considerable attention. Although details about the winning bidder remain undisclosed, a portion of the auction proceeds will be dedicated to the UNICAS Project. Led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and supported by the Leo Messi Foundation, the initiative aims to aid children suffering from rare diseases.

Lionel Messi, currently plying his trade for Inter Miami in the MLS, boasts a storied 17-year career at Barcelona and has clinched the Ballon d’Or a record eight times. While Sotheby’s had anticipated the Messi jerseys might set an auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia, they fell short of surpassing Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey. The latter remains the reigning champion with a record-setting sale of $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York last year.

??? The bidding war for six of Lionel Messi’s World Cup match-worn jerseys has commenced and will run until December 14, with an initial bid already reaching $5.2 million. pic.twitter.com/UTyPhVQ0va

— Leo Messi ? Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) November 30, 2023

Lionel Messi wins the Ballon d’Or title for the eighth time

October 31, 2023, 1:09 pm

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine player who won the FIFA World Cup, was honored with the coveted Ballon d’Or award on Monday night for the eighth time in his illustrious career.This honor serves as a constant reminder of Messi’s brilliance as he approaches the last stages of his career. With this victory, Messi made history by becoming the first player from Major League Soccer (MLS) to take home the esteemed trophy. He is an Inter Miami club representative. The owner of Inter Miami and legendary English football player David Beckham gave Messi the award.

He previously won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.
The young boy from Santa Fe who made his first appearance in 2004 has enjoyed a career that can be deemed nothing short of a fairytale.
Messi’s career which lasted for almost 30 years saw him heartbroken in 2014 after missing out on the World Cup and eight years later channelling the inner Maradona and redeeming himself by bringing the most prized possession – the World Cup trophy back to his homeland, Argentina.
His seven goals in the tournament raised a glimmer of hope in the hearts of each of his fans who dreamed of lifting him the World Cup trophy after Argentina lost unexpectedly to Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi continues golden streak, guides Inter Miami to Leagues Cup title

August 20, 2023, 11:22 am

Lionel Messi continued to shine for Inter Miami after leading his nation to its third FIFA World Cup victory the previous year. He scored in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Nashville SC to help his team win their first Leagues Cup title.

Messi extended his stellar run in American football with this. He has not only scored 10 goals in seven games for the US club, but he has also played in every game for his new team without losing. Messi scored in his 37th Cup final of his career, helping his club win its first Leagues Cup title. To the delight of his supporters, Messi gave his team the lead in the 23rd minute by dribbling past two defenders and launching the ball from the edge of the box into the top-left corner of the goal.

The first half ended with 1-0 scoreline in favour of Inter Miami.
In the 57th minute, Fafa Picault scored a fantastic equaliser for Nashville, a scoreline that they would maintain till the game was headed to penalties.
During the penalty shootout, Messi was also the first penalty taker. His team won the shootout by 10-9.

Now after this win, Messi will turn his attention to FC Cincinnati, who Inter Miami CF will play on Wednesday, August 23 in the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
With this win, Messi has officially arrived in American football, with the Argentine superstar making his presence known since his headline-making move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami was completed in July.