PARIS (REUTERS) - Already-qualified Paris St Germain finished the Champions League group stage in style as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi bagged doubles in a 4-1 home win over Club Brugge on Tuesday (Dec 7). France forward Mbappe put the Ligue 1 side 2-0 up in the first seven minutes and Messi added a third before the break plus a fourth with a penalty after the interval. PSG were guaranteed second place in Group A before kickoff while Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, had already secured top spot and finished with 12 points, one ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's Paris side. Brugge were eliminated from European competition after finishing bottom with four points, three behind Leipzig. Visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet clumsily punched Nuno Mendes's cross into the path of Mbappe who fired home after two minutes and the striker was at it again five minutes later when he volleyed past the Belgian from Angel Di Maria's pass. Mbappe is the youngest player to reach 30 goals in the Champions League, less than two weeks before his 23rd birthday. Messi added the third seven minutes before halftime with a trademark curled attempt from outside the area and although Mats Rits pulled one back in the 68th, PSG were always in control. Messi wrapped up a comfortable victory with a 76th-minute spot kick after being brought down by substitute Ignace Van der Brempt. More on this topic Related Story Football: Perfect Liverpool knock Milan out of Champions League Related Story Football: Walker sent off as Man City crash in Champions League at Leipzig
PARIS (REUTERS) - Argentina's Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time on Monday (Nov 29), beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift soccer's most prestigious trophy yet again. The forward added to his 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 trophies after winning the Copa America for the first time with his country last July. "It's incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key", Messi said at Paris's Theatre du Chatelet. Messi, who joined Paris St Germain on a free transfer from Barcelona during the close season, collected 613 points, with Bayern Munich's Lewandowski, named best striker on Monday, getting 580. Jorginho, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and the European championship with Italy, ended up third on 460, ahead of France's Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante in fourth and fifth places respectively. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi, Ronaldo and Salah on shortlist for Fifa Best Men's Player award
PARIS (AFP) - While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have dominated the headlines for Paris Saint-Germain this season, Neymar's recent form has become a source of concern in the French capital. The Brazilian has scored just one goal in eight games since the campaign began, and that was a penalty in a 2-1 league win over Lyon. Troubled by niggling injuries - as he has been ever since signing from Barcelona for a world record transfer fee in 2017 - Neymar has completed 90 minutes in just five of his club's 15 outings in all competitions. In last weekend's 0-0 draw in Marseille, in French football's biggest rivalry, he struggled to influence proceedings and was replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum late on. Neymar - who in May extended his contract to 2025 - has scored just three goals from open play in 2021 and has not netted in the Champions League since last December. In other words, the apparent decline in his performances has come since Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as coach in January. "He is a creative player with wonderful talent. I am happy with him," insisted Pochettino ahead of Friday's home meeting with Lille. "We know we can do much better collectively, even though we are top of the league and in our Champions League group." Asked if he might consider leaving the 29-year-old on the bench, Pochettino would only say: "He could start or be on the bench, just like everyone else. "Anyone who doesn't start or who is taken off can be unhappy, that is the reality, not just at PSG." It seems improbable that the €222 million forward will not start against Lille at the Parc des Princes, especially as Mbappe is out and Messi has been struggling with an injury this week. Mbappe is ill, while Messi has been trying to shake off a minor muscle problem. Despite rarely playing anywhere near their obvious potential PSG are seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after only 11 games, while Lille are 10th after a poor start to their title defence. Pochettino's side go to RB Leipzig in the Champions League next midweek, with Lille also on the road against Sevilla. Lens are away at Lyon on Saturday. Third-placed Nice and Marseille in fourth both play on Sunday. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi and Mbappe lead PSG to Champions League victory against Leipzig Related Story Football: Mbappe not ruling out PSG stay, clears the air with Neymar
PARIS (AFP) - Lionel Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappe played a starring role but later missed a penalty as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday (Oct 19). Mbappe had given PSG the lead at the Parc des Princes but a Leipzig side beaten 6-3 at Manchester City earlier in the competition did not crumble in the French capital. Instead goals from Andre Silva and Nordi Mukiele had them in front, and at that point PSG looked as if they might pay the price for another occasionally disjointed display. However, they were rescued by Mbappe and Messi. The Argentinian was set up by the France star for the equaliser and then coolly chipped in a 74th-minute penalty awarded for a foul on Mbappe. Mauricio Pochettino's team, who also saw Mbappe miss from the spot in injury time, are now top of Group A at the halfway stage, a point above City, who won 5-1 at Club Brugge earlier. Leipzig, beaten by PSG in the semi-finals in 2020, are bottom without a point to their name. For PSG, the win was achieved without Neymar, sidelined by an adductor muscle injury. In any case, the world's most expensive player has not really been himself this season, his one goal so far coming from the penalty spot. While Messi has been settling in to his new surroundings, Mbappe has been the main man for PSG. Glitz and glamour Those two were joined in the Paris attack by Julian Draxler, making a rare start with Angel di Maria suspended and Mauro Icardi missing for family reasons amid reports of relationship troubles with his wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent and an Instagram celebrity. Adding to the glitz and glamour of the Parc des Princes was Ronaldinho, the former PSG player and later a team-mate of Messi's at Barcelona. The Brazilian embraced Messi during the warm-up before performing a lap of honour. Ronaldinho, for a brief period arguably the best player in the world, could not fail to have been impressed by Mbappe, who looked in the mood as he gave PSG the lead nine minutes in. As Silva appealed in vain for a free-kick on the edge of the Paris box, the home side broke quickly and Draxler released Mbappe just inside the opposition half. The France striker sped towards goal before unleashing a low shot past Peter Gulacsi for his sixth of the season, his first in the Champions League. Yet Leipzig, who have been struggling for consistency in the Bundesliga under new coach Jesse Marsch, were a threat. Silva hit the post with a shot on the turn, and moments later the German side were level in the 28th minute, Angelino with a low ball across goal for Portugal international Silva to turn it in. Angelino was again the provider when Leipzig took the lead, crossing for French international Mukiele to stab the ball past Keylor Navas in the 57th minute. More on this topic Related Story Football: Man City crush Brugge to re-energise Champions League push PSG were struggling. They still don't look quite like the fully-rounded team that can dominate Europe, but their superstar individuals stepped forward when it mattered. Mbappe set up Messi to equalise midway through the second half, the Argentine following in to make sure when his initial effort hit the post. That was his second PSG goal following his stunning effort in the win over City last month. He wasn't finished there, cheekily beating Gulacsi from the spot for the winner after the brilliant Mbappe had been fouled by Mohamed Simakan. The Argentine might even have had a hat-trick when another penalty was awarded in stoppage time for a foul on Achaf Hakimi after a VAR review. However this time Mbappe stepped up and blazed the kick over the bar. More on this topic Related Story Football: Salah double helps Liverpool beat Atletico 3-2 in Champions League as Griezmann sees red Related Story Football: Benzema scores in Champions League rout for Real Madrid on eve of his trial
PARIS (AFP) - Six-time winner Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time victor, were among the 30 names revealed on Friday (Oct 8) 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. The prestigious award was not handed out in 2020 due to the pandemic. There are also 20 womenin the running for their own prize to be announced in Paris on Nov 29. French champions PSG can boast Messi, a winner in the Copa America this summer, and teammates Mbappe and Neymar who last season took the ambitious club to the Champions League last-four. Italian midfielder Jorginho gets the nod after helping Chelsea to the Champions League title as well as playing a major role as Italy won the delayed Euro 2000. Chelsea teammate Kante, man of the match in the Champions League semi-final and final, is also on the list. Ronaldo, who was third in the 2019 Ballon d'Or vote behind Messi and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, sees former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema also nominated. Also in the running are Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, the top scorer in Europe with 41 goals, as well as Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, the Champions League's best scorer with 10 goals. England, the Euro 2020 finalists, are represented by Harry Kane, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling. Among the women, 2019 winner Megan Rapinoe, whose United States team were knocked out of the Olympics in the quarter-finals, was missing from the nominations. Christine Sinclair, of Olympic gold medal winning Canada, is in the running. Champions League winners Barcelona are represented by Alexia Putellas, already voted Uefa's best player, and Jennifer Hermoso, joint top-scorer in the Champions League. More on this topic Related Story Football: I fully deserve Ballon d'Or, says Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski Related Story Football: Lionel Messi wins sixth Ballon d'Or
BRUGGE, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - Lionel Messi failed to provide Paris St Germain with any sparkle as the Ligue 1 team's potent attacking trio lacked inspiration in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Club Brugge in their Champions League opener on Wednesday (Sept 15). Making his first start for the French team, the Argentine forward hit the woodwork but was otherwise far from his brilliant best alongside the hugely disappointing Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who set up Ander Herrera for PSG's first-half opener before being replaced injured after the break. Brugge, who levelled before halftime through Hans Vanaken, were more aggressive and had the best chances against a PSG side lacking quality and defensive focus. The result left PSG and Brugge trailing Group A leaders Manchester City by two points after the Premier League champions crushed RB Leipzig 6-3. "We didn't play a fantastic game but to be fair we did enough to win, we deserved to win," said Herrera. "Maybe they had opportunities at the beginning of the second half but I think we controlled the match, we had a lot of chances." Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet disagreed. "I didn't have a lot of work, I just pulled a couple of saves. We played as a compact side, it was the right approach," the Belgian said. With Messi, Neymar and Mbappe together on the pitch for the first time, PSG made a confident start but Brugge responded well. Mbappe broke down the left flank and his low cross was met by Herrera, who opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a low finish for his fourth goal of the season - his third in his last two games. Messi set up Mbappe, who went close in the 23rd minute with an angled shot that was deflected by Mignolet but PSG were lulled into a false sense of security. On a sharp attack, the visitors' defence was overwhelmed on the right side and after a late run into the box, Vanaken connected with Eduard Sobol's cutback to beat Keylor Navas after 27 minutes. Messi hit the woodwork with a fine curling shot from the edge of the box before Brugge threatened again as Vanaken forced Navas into a diving save with a low free kick. The keeper was made to work again to tip Charles De Ketelaere's rising shot over the bar before halftime. Danilo replaced Leandro Paredes as PSG's holding midfielder while Julian Draxler took over from Georginio Wijnaldum as roving midfielder after the break. PSG suffered a blow six minutes into the second half when Mbappe limped off the pitch after taking a knock on his ankle and was substituted by Mauro Icardi. Messi had PSG's first chance of the second half 20 minutes from time with an angled shot before picking up a yellow card, but Brugge did more than enough to claim a well-deserved point.
REIMS, FRANCE (REUTERS) - Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated Ligue 1 debut for Paris St Germain on Sunday (Aug 29) but it was Kylian Mbappe who shone as the capital club maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Stade de Reims. Mbappe gave PSG a taste of what they would be missing if he left for Real Madrid, who have made bids to recruit the France striker since Messi joined on a two-year deal from Barcelona. PSG are top of the standings with a maximum 12 points. All 20,545 tickets available were sold at the Auguste Delaune stadium to see 34-year-old Messi play and the fans, who chanted the Argentina forward’s name, were rewarded in the 66th minute when he replaced the disappointing Neymar. Mbappe did not disappoint though in a brilliant performance, seemingly unfazed by the transfer frenzy surrounding him. Two days before the end of the window, the 22-year-old made the difference with his speed and sense of timing, opening the scoring with a header and rounding off with a clinical finish. After a stuttering start, PSG got into their groove and Mbappe put them a head after 15 minutes by heading home from Angel Di Maria’s cross. PSG somehow got too comfortable and Reims started to apply some pressure, with Moreto Cassama’s superb strike hitting Keylor Navas’s crossbar three minutes before the break. Reims celebrated what they thought was a Marshall Munetsi equaliser five minutes into the second half, only for the Zimbabwean’s effort to be ruled out for offside. Messi started to warm up after 57 minutes, drawing applause from the Reims supporters, whom he saluted. They sang his name just when he was about to come on, shortly after Mbappe had doubled PSG’s advantage from Achraf Hakimi’s cross at the end of a sharp counter attack. Mbappe combined with Messi, but the former Barcelona striker was not in the same condition as the Frenchman, having not played a competitive game since winning the Copa America with Argentina on July 10. Earlier, French champions Lille finally got their title defence going with a 2-1 home win over Montpellier and surprise package Angers beat visiting Stade Rennes 2-0 to go second on 10 points. Lille celebrated their first league win of the season thanks to goals from Yusuf Yazici and Jonathan David. Montpellier ended the match with 10 men after defender Junior Sambia was sent off late in the second half. Promoted Clermont Foot continued to impress as they kept their unbeaten record intact after fighting back from two goals down in a 2-2 home draw with Metz. They are third on eight points from their first four matches. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi in PSG squad for first time and poised for debut Related Story Football: Lionel Messi signs two-year contract with PSG
PARIS (AFP) - Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria were both among the scorers as a Paris Saint-Germain side missing both Lionel Messi and Neymar won 4-2 away at Brest on Friday (Aug 20) to make it three wins out of three this season in Ligue 1. Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gana Gueye also found the net for the capital side as they moved ominously on to nine points from a possible nine and clear at the top of the fledgling French table with a second consecutive 4-2 victory. The full house of 15,000 in Brittany were denied the chance to see Messi make his PSG debut after the Argentine was left out of the squad as he continues to build up his fitness. Neymar, who like Messi returned to training late after going all the way to the final of the Copa America last month, was also left out but PSG once again showed that they have little trouble finding the net and winning without the two superstars. However, once again their defending left a lot to be desired and will have given coach Mauricio Pochettino food for thought with a number of players still waiting on the sidelines. Donnarumma on the bench Italy's Euro 2020 goalkeeping hero Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared in the squad for the first time since his arrival from AC Milan but was left on the bench as Keylor Navas started in goal. Donnarumma's fellow European champion, Marco Verratti, did play for the first time this season in midfield but skipper Marquinhos was still missing. Mbappe has dominated headlines in Paris ever since the arrival of Messi as speculation surrounds the future of the World Cup winner, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is a target for Real Madrid. However he set up a total of four goals in the opening league wins against promoted Troyes and against Strasbourg, and once again Mbappe played a central role in the rudimentary surroundings of the Stade Francis-Le Ble. PSG went ahead midway through the first half when Mbappe tried a clipped cross which was cleared out to the edge of the area where Herrera met the ball on the volley and the Spaniard's shot found the bottom corner. Mbappe made it 2-0 in the 36th minute, arriving to head in his first goal of the season after Georginio Wijnaldum's shot had been blocked. Brest got one back just before the break when Franck Honorat finished first-time after a fine back-heel lay-off by Romain Faivre. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi left out of PSG squad for Brest game Related Story Football: Lionel Messi launches 'Messiverse' NFT crypto art collection Nevertheless Gueye appeared to put the game to bed when he made it 3-1 in the 73rd minute with a piledriver from fully 35 metres which Brest's Dutch international goalkeeper Marco Bizot could only help on its way in. Yet Brest pulled another one back five minutes from time through Steve Mounie, with Faivre again providing the assist. PSG were actually in danger of conceding an equaliser until the 90th minute when, as Brest threw everyone forward, Di Maria broke downfield and played a one-two with Achraf Hakimi before scoring with a delightful lob. More on this topic Related Story Football: Too early for Messi to take the field, says Pochettino Related Story Football: Too early for Messi to take the field, says Pochettino Di Maria had come on for Mbappe late on for his first appearance of the campaign and his goal was reminiscent of his winner for Argentina in the Copa America final against Brazil last month. Saturday in Ligue 1 sees Monaco host Lens in between the two legs of their Champions League play-off against Shakhtar Donetsk, before defending champions Lille go to Saint-Etienne.
PARIS (REUTERS) - Lionel Messi will not be included in Paris St Germain's squad for Friday's Ligue 1 game at Brest, French daily L'Equipe reported, adding that his former Barcelona team mate Neymar has also been left out. L'Equipe added on its website that Italy's Euro 2020 winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been called up alongside compatriot Marco Verratti, Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria. Verratti was also part of Italy's squad which beat England in the Euro 2020 final on penalties at Wembley, while Di Maria scored Argentina's winner in a 1-0 victory over hosts Brazil in the Copa America showpiece. Earlier on Thursday (Aug 19), 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 winner would finally make his debut. The 34-year-old Messi is yet to feature for the French giants after joining them from Barcelona earlier this month and he was presented to the fans ahead of PSG's 4-2 home win over Strasbourg on Saturday. "Everything is positive," Pochettino told a news conference at PSG's training camp. "There is a good atmosphere in the squad and (Messi) has settled in well and quickly. There is a very good feeling." Messi had not trained for a month after helping Argentina to their Copa America triumph. Having won 10 LaLiga and four Champions League titles during his 17-year career at Barcelona, Messi left them on a free transfer after the Catalan club's president Joan Laporta said they could no longer afford to keep him. Pochettino also suggested speculation that Kylian Mbappe might leave PSG in the current transfer window amounted to nothing, with the France World Cup winner a target for Real Madrid, according to media reports. More on this topic Related Story Football: Barcelona begin life without Messi with 4-2 win over Real Sociedad Related Story Football: Messi unveiled ahead of PSG match but is not included in match squad "Mbappe is our player and I want him to be here this season," said Pochettino. "He has another year left on his contract. Even if he doesn't renew it, he is still a PSG player and we are very pleased with him and from what I can understand, he is pleased with us. "He is very calm and preparing well for tomorrow's game." PSG can provisionally go three points clear at the top of the table if they beat Brest to make it three wins out of three at the start of their campaign to wrestle the league title back from last season's champions Lille. They are currently third on six points, behind leaders Angers and promoted Clermont Foot on goal difference. More on this topic Related Story Football: Too early for Messi to take the field, says Pochettino Related Story Football: Pressure on Pochettino to deliver with PSG 'galacticos' after Messi arrival
BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona started life without Lionel Messi by defeating Real Sociedad 4-2 in their La Liga opener at the Camp Nou on Sunday (Aug 15). Captain Gerard Pique gave them a 19th minute lead with Martin Braithwaite finding the net in first half injury time and in the 59th minute. Sergi Roberto added a fourth in the last minute of the game. Just over 20,000 fans were in attendance as crowds returned for the first time since the pandemic. Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi called time on his two-decade career at Barcelona last week and moved to Paris Saint-Germain. More on this topic Related Story Football: Too early for Messi to take the field, says Pochettino Related Story Football: Lionel Messi signs two-year contract with PSG
PARIS (AFP) - Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who left Barcelona after 21 years last week, has signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, with the option of an additional year, the French club announced on Tuesday (Aug 10). Messi, 34, will wear the number 30, the number he had when he began his professional career at Barca, and is set to be unveiled by PSG at a press conference they have called for 11am on Wednesday (5pm Singapore time). “I am excited to begin a new chapter of my career at Paris Saint-Germain,” he said in a statement on the club’s website. “Everything about the club matches my football ambitions,” Messi, who was given a hero’s welcome by the PSG fans when he arrived in the French capital on Tuesday, added. “I know how talented the squad and the coaching staff are here. “I am determined to help build something special for the club and the fans, and I am looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes.” Warm welcome Messi, who was a free agent after his shock departure from boyhood club Barcelona last week, landed at Le Bourget airport to the north of Paris on Tuesday afternoon. There he was greeted by hundreds of PSG supporters who had gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of their new signing. Those fans also gathered outside the club’s Parc des Princes home and near a plush hotel in the city, where Messi along with wife Antonella and their three children are expected to be staying. Messi waved to crowds while sporting a Paris T-shirt on his arrival at the airport before being taken for his medical. Messi’s father Jorge, who is also his agent, had earlier confirmed the inevitable as he arrived at Barcelona’s El Prat airport to board a flight to France. Asked by reporters if his son would sign for the French club, he replied: “Yes”. Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the signing of Leo Messi on a two-year contract with an option of a third year.https://t.co/D5Qjq7PJfF#PSGxMESSI ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/msJAnW01V5— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021 ❤️ #PSGxMESSI 💙🛒 https://t.co/gbAxUj8yNo pic.twitter.com/6TsVp8YLip— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 10, 2021 The completion of his move closes a whirlwind few days following the announcement last Thursday that he would leave Barcelona, the club he has represented for the entirety of his 17-year professional career. PSG’s move for Messi had been an open secret for days, although reports in Spain on Monday night talked of a “final offer” by Barcelona to try to keep the player. Instead, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will join a PSG attack already featuring Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Qatar-backed PSG see Messi as the missing piece in their jigsaw as they chase the Champions League, the trophy they want more than anything else. “Back together,” Neymar, who played with Messi at Barcelona before moving to PSG in 2017, posted on Twitter. Coming to terms Barcelona are still coming to terms with the departure of their greatest ever player, who said goodbye to his club of two decades at a tearful news conference on Sunday. Despite offering to cut his salary by half to seal a new five-year contract with the Catalans, the deal foundered on Spanish league salary cap rules. Barcelona, carrying debts of 1.2 billion euros (S$1.9 billion), are unable to register new signings because of their financial predicament. With Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City having ruled themselves out, PSG were about the only club who could afford what is expected to be a deal worth 35 million euros a year. Argentinian striker Lionel Messi greets his supporters as he arrives at the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris, France, on Aug 10, 2021. PHOTO: EPA-EFE More on this topic Related Story Football: Money no obstacle for PSG as they reunite Messi with Neymar Related Story Explained: Why Spanish football giants Barcelona had to let Lionel Messi go Messi leaves Barcelona with 672 goals in 778 appearances, a record tally for one club. He won 35 trophies at the Camp Nou after joining Barca aged 13, but his last appearance was a damp squib: a 2-1 home defeat behind closed doors against Celta Vigo in May. His trophy haul includes four Champions Leagues and 10 La Liga titles. “It will be difficult to see him in another shirt than that of Barca,” Messi’s old Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta, now playing in Japan, told AFP in an interview on Tuesday. “As a player he just transcended everything. I’ve not seen a player like him – and I don’t think I ever will. You look at what he did and for so long...” PSG building This summer PSG have already added veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the star of Euro 2020. They have also signed Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool, snatching the Netherlands’ midfielder from under the noses of Barcelona, and spent 60 million euros on Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi, who scored on his PSG league debut at the weekend. Messi could be unveiled to supporters on Saturday, when PSG host Strasbourg and a full house of nearly 48,000 will be allowed in for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic struck 18 months ago. However he is unlikely to make his debut until later this month at the earliest. More on this topic Related Story Football: A look at departing Barcelona star Lionel Messi's career Related Story Football: Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona is a mess everyone could see coming
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentines reacted with joy and pride as their national idol Lionel Messi arrived in France on Tuesday (Aug 10) ahead of his expected move to Paris Saint-Germain following two decades at Barcelona. The South American country may be 11,000 kilometres from Paris but Argentines were glued to their screens following the latest developments of the world's most famous No. 10. "Messi and the day of the 10: he's arrived and revolutionised Paris!" said sports newspaper Ole, referring to the day of the month and Messi's shirt number. While Barcelona fans may be crying at the loss of their star and PSG diehards rejoicing, Argentines viewed the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's move positively. "He's come to the end of the cycle at Barcelona and it's good to broaden your horizons," Jose Iturria, a 60-year-old health worker in Buenos Aires, told AFP. "The truth is he deserves the best because he's the best player in the world." Messi is joining other stars in Paris such as France forward Kylian Mbappe, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos and Brazil's Neymar. Dario Luque, 38, said his new club will give Messi "a change of air and as he'll be surrounded by more stars... it will be good for him and the team." 'It won't be the same' Speaking to Argentine channel C5N, Argentina's ambassador to France, Leonardo Constatino said amongst Argentines in France "there is great pride. Everyone is delighted and it's very exciting. "We're lucky to have the best player in the world in Paris." Constatino said he had received "many calls" from people wanting to meet Messi. Argentina's football association produced an emotional video that was circulating on social media called "Chin up champion" that began with Messi's tears at his farewell press conference in Barcelona. "The most incredible thing is that no Argentine will ever desert you, go where you go," said the video that featured scenes from Messi's career and family life. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi agrees to Paris St-Germain deal, reportedly worth $55m a year Related Story Football: Money no obstacle for PSG as they reunite Messi with Neymar Last month, Messi inspired Argentina to victory in the Copa America to end the country's 27-year wait for a major trophy. "PSG is a team full of (major) figures and Leo keeps saying he wants to carry on achieving things, it's the ideal team for him," Elvio Paolorosso, a former physio with Argentina and Barcelona, told AM 550 radio station. He said PSG's Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino would help Messi settle. "The city, the language will be a problem for the family but for him it's one of the best teams of the moment, as well as having an Argentine coach who will make things easier." "It won't be the same seeing Barcelona without you," Javier Mascherano, the former Argentina international midfielder who spent eight years at Barcelona alongside Messi, wrote on Instagram. "It's the start of a new stage and there's no doubt you will leave your indelible mark wherever you want to go. Always the best." More on this topic Related Story Football: Paris waits impatiently for Lionel Messi as Barcelona weeps Related Story Explained: Why Spanish football giants Barcelona had to let Lionel Messi go
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain might be closing in on signing Lionel Messi but another Argentinian was their match-winner on Saturday (Aug 7) as Mauro Icardi's goal secured a 2-1 victory against newly-promoted Troyes in their opening game of the new Ligue 1 season. Second-tier champions Troyes had gone in front inside eight minutes to the delight of their fans at the Stade de l'Aube when Moroccan defender Oualid El Hajjam headed home at a corner. However, PSG were back level in the 19th minute thanks to a thumping finish by their own Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, the right-back signed from Inter Milan for a reported €60 million (S$95 million) last month. Icardi then scored what proved to be the winner just two minutes later, controlling a Kylian Mbappe cutback and slotting home. The Argentine striker is one of those who may have the most to lose with the possible arrival of Messi, who is now widely expected to move to Paris after the collapse of his new deal with cash-strapped Barcelona. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi and sporting director Leonardo both missed Saturday's trip to the game in Champagne country, apparently because they had other pressing business. With Neymar not involved having only just returned from an extended break following the Copa America in Brazil, PSG were nowhere near full strength and they were not given an easy ride by Troyes, a club that is part of the City Football Group network of clubs including Manchester City. Mbappe did start alongside Icardi and Julian Draxler in the PSG attack, while summer signings Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum lined up at right-back and in midfield respectively. However, there was no debut for new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma or for Sergio Ramos, recruited from Real Madrid. PSG did enough but they also had goalkeeper Keylor Navas to thank, notably for a save from Renaud Ripart late on. Mauricio Pochettino's side are trying to reclaim the Ligue 1 crown from Lille who start their title defence on Sunday against Metz. Earlier on Saturday, Lyon were held to a 1-1 draw by Brest in their opening game of the campaign. More on this topic Related Story Football: Lionel Messi on verge of joining Paris St Germain, reports L'Equipe Related Story Football: Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona is a mess everyone could see coming Playing their first match under new Dutch coach Peter Bosz, Lyon needed a second-half Islam Slimani goal to earn a draw after Irvin Cardona had given Brest the lead with a superb strike just before the interval. A crowd of over 29,000 watched the game, with supporters showing proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test allowed back in stadiums in large numbers after last season in France was played out almost entirely behind closed doors. It was an underwhelming result for a Lyon side who finished fourth last season, just missing out on Champions League qualification before seeing star player Memphis Depay leave for Barcelona when his contract expired. More on this topic Related Story Football: Finances don't add up, but can Barcelona and La Liga afford not to keep Messi? Related Story Football: A look at departing Barcelona star Lionel Messi's career
MADRID (REUTERS) - In a bombshell development, Barcelona announced on Thursday (Aug 5) that superstar and six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi would leave the club after 18 years. The Catalan side said that financial regulations imposed by La Liga would prevent them from retaining their highest-ever goalscorer, which begs the question: What next for Messi? Manchester City When Messi asked to leave Barca in summer 2020, he was expected to link up with former coach Pep Guardiola in Manchester. However, with City looking like they have moved on, signing playmaker Jack Grealish and reports linking them with Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, this avenue seems closed to the Argentine. The Abu Dhabi controlled owners of City have deep pockets, though, and might see this as an opportunity that is too good to miss. Paris St Germain Perhaps the most likely move abroad. One of the few clubs in world football who could afford his wages, PSG have been linked with moves for Messi ever since they were taken over by Qatari Sports Investments in 2011. With fellow countryman Mauricio Pochettino at the helm of the Ligue 1 side, former team mate and close friend Neymar and the electric Kylian Mbappe as potential strike partners, Messi might well prove the missing piece of the jigsaw in their quest to finally win the Champions League. Staying at Barcelona Some observers believe this announcement to be a major calling of La Liga's bluff from Barca. They say the best player in the world will leave the league because of league-imposed constraints in a bid to get La Liga to loosen their financial fair play (FFP) regulations to allow him to stay. More on this topic Related Story Football: Messi’s 20-year Barcelona career ends and scramble for signature begins If that is the case, it is a bold move, with league chief Javier Tebas having frequently criticised the club's financial situation and recently repeating that they need to drastically reduce their wage bill in order to retain Messi. Whatever the outcome, it allows them to absolve themselves of responsibility in their fans' eyes over the whole situation. More on this topic Related Story Football: Man City sign playmaker Grealish from Villa in record £100 million deal Related Story Football: Covid-19 rules behind Kane's absence from Spurs training, reports say, amid Man City transfer talk
MADRID (AFP) - Lionel Messi will end his 20-year career with Barcelona after the Argentine superstar and the Spanish giants were unable to overcome “economic and structural obstacles” to a new deal, a bombshell certain to spark a high-stakes scramble for a player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. “Although an agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi it cannot be formalised due to economic and structural obstacles,” said a statement from the club. “Faced with this situation, Lionel Messi will not be staying at Barcelona. Both sides deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the club cannot come true. “FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.” Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, 34, last month finally landed a major international trophy with Argentina when they beat rivals Brazil to win the Copa America. But there had been doubts over his continuation at Barcelona ever since he tried to leave last August as a free agent, citing a clause in his contract and saying the club had had “no project or anything for a long time”. Messi, Barca’s all-time top scorer, appearance maker and with who he win 35 trophies, ultimately agreed to see out the final year as the club threatened to go to court. The player, who signed his first contract with Barcelona in 2000 on a napkin when he was just 13, has been a free agent since June 30 when his old agreement expired after Messi had played 788 games for the club. Last season was a comparative disappointment as the club could only land the Spanish Cup and exited in the last 16 of the Champions League, which they last won back in 2015. There had been speculation that Messi would sign on for two years and then potentially head to Major League Soccer, although friend and former Barca teammate Neymar has said he would love to team up with him again at Paris Saint Germain. Huge debts Barcelona are labouring under debts of several hundred million euros and have been under pressure to reduce their wage bill. The club recently sold left back Junior Firpo to Leeds United and US international Konrad de la Fuente to Marseille. La Liga in 2013 introduced so-called financial “fair play” regulations setting a maximum amount of money each club can spend on its playing squad and coaching staff each season, conditioned by their income. At the same time Barcelona has recruited new players which were expected to please Messi, such as Sergio Aguero who joined the Catalan side from Manchester City as a free agent on a two-year deal. More on this topic Related Story Football: Impossible for Barca to keep Messi without departures, says La Liga chief Related Story Football: Inter Miami in talks over Messi move, says report Spanish media made much earlier this year of the reported 555 million euros paid Messi over four seasons from November 2017 to the end of last month. National daily El Mundo splashed in January on what it termed “Messi’s pharaonic contract which is ruining Barca” – that sum including image rights and a series of performance-related bonuses with the player reportedly earning a net 297 million euros. Messi had been tight lipped about his plans. He granted just two interviews over the past year – one in December and the other at the end of the season – and both times he said “nothing has been decided”. But Joan Laporta had made keeping Messi on the team a priority ever since he was re-elected as Barcelona president in March. “Leo loves Barca and knows that we are a big family. Hopefully, that can help us encourage him to stay,” he said at the time. More on this topic Related Story Football: What next for Messi after Barca departure? Related Story Football: I'll do everything to get Messi to stay at Barca, says Laporta The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club’s members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him following Messi’s attempt to leave. Meanwhile, bookmakers were leaning towards PSG at Messi’s next destination. “Punters think the Argentinian wizard’s next destination is likely to be 1,000km north in Paris, with PSG the 5/6 favourites to secure his signature,” said Darren Hughes of bookmakers.co.uk. “For those that think the latest twist in this sorry tale may prove to be yet another double-bluff, Messi is 10/3 to start next season in Camp Nou. “Other options include Manchester City at 7/2, or any MLS club at 11/1, while even a return to his homeland with Newell’s Old Boys is a staggering 20/1.”
VALENCIA (AFP) - Lionel Messi missed a penalty but still scored twice, including an exquisite free-kick, as Barcelona edged a five-goal thriller with Valencia on Sunday (May 2) to stay within touching distance of the top of La Liga. After Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both won on Saturday, there was no margin for error at Mestalla, where Barca's 3-2 win reduced the gap behind Atletico back to two points, now with four games left to play. Gabriel Paulista headed Valencia in front early in the second half and Messi missed a penalty, only to smash in from the resulting scramble. Griezmann and a superb Messi free-kick looked to have made the victory secure but Carlos Soler's stunning strike from distance in the 83rd minute left Barcelona holding on at the end, a nerve-wracking win meaning they could overtake Atletico Madrid next weekend if they beat Diego Simeone's side at Camp Nou. After a frantic week in which Real Madrid drew against Real Betis, Atletico lost to Athletic Bilbao and Barca were beaten on Thursday by Granada, order has been restored to some extent this weekend, with all the top three back to winning ways. Sevilla are now six points behind Atletico and will need to beat Athletic Bilbao on Monday to stay in the mix ahead of their own crunch game next weekend away at Real Madrid. Barcelona's key strengths and weaknesses were clearly demonstrated against Valencia where again they proved themselves to be the most creative team in the division while also showing their vulnerabilities again at the back. And if they have one trump card during the run-in, it is Messi, whose double takes his La Liga tally to 28 goals for the season, seven ahead of Karim Benzema and even more remarkable given his relatively slow start. The Argentinian now has seven in his last five games. Ronald Koeman was banned from the bench after being sent off against Granada, with assistant coach Alfred Schreuder in his place on the line. Barcelona had the better of the chances in the first half Valencia could take encouragement from some clear openings on the break. They should have capitalised early in the second half as Goncalo Guedes ran onto Soler's pass but failed to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a poked finish. But Valencia scored from the resulting corner, Gabriel heading into an empty net at the back post, with Barca claiming a foul on Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Thierry Correia had stepped across the goalkeeper but it was not enough for a free-kick. Correia could have made it two shortly after but missed the target and instead, Barcelona scored three times in 12 minutes. First, Valencia's Toni Lato was guilty of a clear handball to prevent Frenkie De Jong tapping in and while Messi missed the penalty, a tame attempt pushed away by Jasper Cillessen, Sergio Busquets did brilliantly to keep the ball alive. Gabriel blocked Pedri's volley on the line and in the mayhem, Messi reacted fastest to smash in the rebound. Six minutes later, Barca were in front, Griezmann finishing after De Jong timed his run perfectly to meet Alba's floated cross, only for his header to be palmed by Cillessen into Griezmann's path. And then Messi scored the best of the lot, winning a free-kick with an excellent touch away from his marker centrally, on the edge of the box, before curling a delightful shot away from Cillessen's left hand and in off the post. Barcelona looked secure until Soler set up a dramatic finish by thundering in a shot from 30 yards with seven minutes left to play. Valencia pushed, flooding the box and chipping balls forward but ultimately lacking the final chance they craved.
BARCELONA (REUTERS) - Lionel Messi scored two scorching strikes as Barcelona hammered Alaves 5-1 on Saturday (Feb 13) in La Liga to warm up for their upcoming Champions League clash with Paris St Germain in style. Portuguese forward Francisco Trincao put Barca in front after a cut-back from 18-year-old debutant midfielder Ilaix Moriba and Messi thought he had doubled the lead later on when knocking in on the rebound but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside against Antoine Griezmann. Messi then took matters in to his own hands from outside the area and thumped the ball off the far post with such venom that it landed just inside the opposite post. Alaves's Luis Rioja pounced on a mistake by Ilaix to reduce the deficit in the second half but Barca came roaring back with a second strike from Trincao, another long range missile from Messi and then a fifth goal crafted by Messi and Griezmann and finished off by left back Junior Firpo.
SEVILLE • Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman defended his decision to start Lionel Messi in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final after the Barca captain was sent off for the first time in his club career, as Athletic Bilbao won 3-2 following extra time to lift their first trophy in six years. Messi missed last Wednesday's semi-final win over Real Sociedad through injury but before the final, Koeman said he would allow the Argentina forward to make a decision on his fitness. Messi was lively early on and heavily involved in Barca's opener by Antoine Griezmann, but he visibly tired and was kept out of the game by Bilbao as it wore on. Griezmann's double gave the Catalans a 2-1 lead before Asier Villalibre equalised in added time, with Inaki Williams scoring the winner in the 93rd minute. Messi's frustrations got the better of him and reached boiling point in the final minute of added time, as he struck Villalibre and was dismissed following a video assistant referee review. However, Koeman blamed Bilbao for Messi's reaction, with the 33-year-old coming in for rough treatment throughout the game. "I can understand what Messi did," the Dutchman said. "I don't know how many times they fouled him, and it's normal to react when they keep trying to foul you as a player who is looking to dribble with the ball, but I need to see it again properly." "I think after so many years at the top level, he knows when he can play and when he can't. I spoke with him and he said he was fit enough to start the game." Given that the red card was shown for violent conduct, Messi is likely to face a four-game ban across La Liga and the King's Cup - Barca face third-tier minnows Cornella in the round of 32 on Thursday. 753 Messi's appearances for Barcelona before his first red card at the club. REUTERS