Neymar Returns to FIFPro World 11 Team

Neymar is officially back on the list…

The 25-year-old Brazilian soccer star, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team, joins Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci as the new names in the 2017 FIFPro World 11, joining the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar

Neymar returns to the World 11 after a year’s absence, replacing his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Buffon was named to the team for the first time since 2007, ending a four-year reign by Bayern Munich‘s Manuel Neuer.

AC Milan’s Bonucci is the only new defender since last year’s awards, receiving the honor for the first time at age 30. He edged out Barcelona’s Gerard Pique, who FIFA said was the closest player left out.

Messi and Ronaldo were both named to the team for the eleventh straight time, sharing the record for the most appearances since the world players union’s award began in 2005.

Barcelona’s Messi received the most votes with 22,229 — only 14 more than Sergio Ramos, who made the team for a sixth straight edition and seventh overall.

Real Madrid had the most players on the list with five as Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo retained their spots along with Ramos and Ronaldo.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Brazil, Juventus/Paris Saint-Germain), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy, Juventus/AC Milan), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid), Neymar (Brazil, Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain)

Suarez Named the World’s Top Goal Scorer in 2016

Luis Suarez is kicking his way into the history books…

The 29-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer, a striker for FC Barcelona and the Uruguay national team, topped all goal scorers worldwide in 2016 with 40 goals, according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

Luis Suarez

Suarez won the IFFHS award for the world’s best top division goal scorer 2016 for the third time in his career.

Suarez came ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 38 goals, and Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain, who notched 36 goals, according to the IFFHS statement.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo was in fourth place with 35 goals, followed by Benfica’s Jonas with 32, while Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Eran Zahavi was sixth with 31 goals.

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski came seventh with 30 goals.

Suarez now holds the record for winning the award three times with three different clubs in three different countries, according to the IFFHS.

Suarez won the award for the first time in 2010 with Ajax Amsterdam, and then in 2014 with Liverpool.

Among the players who have won this award twice are Ronaldo in 2014 and 2015 and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in 2012 and 2013, though Messi finished in 10th this year with 26 goals.

Messi Remains the World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Player

Lionel Messi could be called Mr. Money Bags…

The 28-year-old Argentine soccer star, a forward for Barcelona, is still the world’s highest-paid soccer player, according to a report to be published in Tuesday’s edition of France Football magazine.

Lionel Messi

Messi’s income stands at $84.3 million, according to the report.

His earnings in 2015 went up by $10.2 million compared to 2014, to surpass Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo at $76.9 million and Barcelona’s Neymar, who came third with $49.6 million.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Angel di Maria of Argentina was the top-earning player in France with $27.3 million, according to the report.

The report explained that the estimates took into account “players’ pre-tax salaries, sponsorship revenues and various bonuses.”

The report added that Jose Mourinho is still the highest-paid coach with $27.3 million, although he was fired from Chelsea last December.

Messi a Finalist for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe Award

Lionel Messi is the among best of the best in Europe this year…

The 28-year-old Argentine soccer star was named one of the three finalists nominated for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award of the 2014-2015 season, alongside Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.

Lionel Messi

Journalists from each of the 54 UEFA associations gave a list of their top five players, after which the top players were given five points, the second were given four, and so on.

The 10 players with the most points entered a second ballot, which on Wednesday pared down the list to three finalists: two players from Barcelona and one from Real Madrid.

Next, jury members will submit their selection from among the finalists, and will meet the winner during the draw for the group stage of the 2015-2016 Champions League in Monaco.

As of late, the UEFA prize was awarded to Messi in 2011, Andres Iniesta in 2012, Franck Ribery in 2013, and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2014.

Messi and Ronaldo are both looking to win the award for a second time, while Suarez is still aiming for his first.

The fourth favorite nominee was Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, and Brazil’s Neymar came in fifth.

The winner will be announced on August 27.

Messi Named Best International Athlete at This Year’s ESPY Awards

Lionel Messi is the best of the best…

The 28-year-old Argentine soccer star picked up the Best International Athlete prize at this year’s ESPY Awards.

Lionel Messi

Messi, a forward for Spanish club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, beat Real Madrid‘s Cristiano Ronaldo, tennis player Novak Djokovic, golfer Lydia Ko and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

Messi became the all-time leading scorer in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He helped Barcelona claim the 2014-15 Champions League title as the joint top scorer (10) and the assists leader (6).

It’s Messi’s second Best International Athlete win. He previously took home the award in 2012.

But the soccer star wasn’t the only Latino athlete honored at this year’s awards show…

Victor Espinoza took home the award for Best Jockey…

The 43-year-old Mexican jockey won the Triple Crown in 2015 on American Pharoah. Espinoza helped end the longest streak without a Triple Crown winner in the history of American horse racing, with 13 horses losing in the Belmont Stakes after winning the first two races in the series.

Here’s a look at this year’s ESPY Award winners:

Best Team: U.S. Women’s Soccer – FIFA
Best Male Athlete: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Best Play (bracket-style): Odell Beckham catch vs. 16. Albany goalie lacrosse goal
Best Comeback Athlete: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Best Female Athlete: Ronda Rousey, MMA
Best Moment: Lauren Hill
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Devon and Leah Still
Pat Tillman Award for Service:
Danielle Green
Icon Award: Derek Jeter
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Caitlyn Jenner
Best Championship Performance:LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best Male College Athlete: Marcus Mariota, Oregon Football
Best Breakthrough Athlete:Mo’ne Davis, Little League Baseball
Best NBA Player: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Best Record-Breaking Performance:Peyton Manning throws record-509th touchdown pass
Best Upset:Mississippi over Alabama, FBS
Best Fighter:Ronda Rousey, MMA
Best Jockey:Victor Espinoza
Best Game:Patriots vs. Seahawks, Super Bowl
Best Coach/Manager: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Best Comeback Athlete: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Best International Athlete:
Lionel Messi, Barcelona/Argentina
Best NFL Player:Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Best MLB Player: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Best NHL Player: Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Best Driver: Kevin Harvick, NASCAR
Best WNBA Player: Skylar Diggins, Tulsa
Best Male Golfer:Jordan Spieth
Best Female Golfer: Lydia Ko
Best Male Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic
Best Female Tennis Player: Serena Williams
Best Female College Athlete: Missy Franklin, Cal Swimming
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Ryan Dungey, Motocross
Best Female Action Sports Athlete:Kelly Clark, Snowboarding
Best Male Athlete with a Disability:Krige Schabort, Triathlon
Best Female Athlete with a Disability:Becca Meyers, Swimming
Best Bowler: Jason Belmonte
Best MLS Player: Robbie Keane, Los Angeles Galaxy

Messi Breaks Champions League Goal-Scoring Record

Lionel Messi has shattered another record…

The 27-year-old Argentine soccer star broke the Champions League goal-scoring record with the 72nd of his career during Barcelona‘s Group F game against APOEL on Tuesday. He then went on to cap the feat by completing a hat trick.

Lionel Messi

Messi entered Barca‘s game tied with Real Madrid legend Raul with 71, and took the record after diverting Rafinha‘s goal-bound shot into the net in the 38th minute. He then added his 73rd and 74th career competition goals in the second half.

Messi matched the record in just 90 games, while Raul played in 142 Champions League games for Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also in the race for the record, with the Real Madrid star having scored 70 Champions League goals in 106 appearances. The Portuguese forward could well surpass Messi’s total against Basel on Wednesday.

The achievement was the second goal-scoring record Messi has broken in a week. He moved past Telmo Zarra’s La Liga tally of 251 goals with a hat trick against Sevilla on Saturday.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola said Messi’s Liga record — which currently stands at 253 goals — will not last for 60 years, but 600 years.”

Messi Reaches 400-Goal Milestone in Barcelona Win Against Granada

Lionel Messi has smashed another record…

The 27-year-old Argentine soccer star and first-ever four-time Ballon d’Or winner scored his 400th career goal on Saturday as FC Barcelona smashed six unanswered goals past Granada at the Nou Camp.

Lionel Messi

Messi’s landmark strike came in the 61st minute of the match — heading in Dani Alves‘ volleyed cross — to put Barca up 4-0 after a goal from Ivan Rakitic and two from Neymar had all but wrapped up three points before the break.

Neymar completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute before Messi tucked away his 401st career goal late on to complete the rout and seal Barca’s biggest win in La Liga this season.

Messi has now scored 359 goals in competitive matches for Barcelona and 42 for Argentina.

“I never imagined I could achieve anything like this in my career,” Messi said on his official Facebook page.

“Thanks for all the congratulations on scoring 400 goals with FC Barcelona and the Argentinian National Team. I’ll continue working hard to reach more targets,” he added.

The four-ton mark was passed by his La Liga rival Cristiano Ronaldo last January, but the Argentine has bragging rights after reaching the total in just 525 appearances compared to the Portuguese who took 653 games.

Messi’s Hat-Trick Leads Barcelona to a 4-3 Win Over Real Madrid

It’s a clasico moment for Lionel Messi and his Barcelona teammates…

Futbol Club Barcelona is now within one point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as the team came from behind twice thanks to a hat-trick from the 26-year-old Argentine soccer star.

Lionel Messi

Messi miraculous play helped Barcelona to a thrilling El Clasico win at the Santiago Bernabeu by a final score of 4-3.

Both sides went in tied at 2-2 at halftime as a record 19th goal against Madrid from Messi cancelled out Karim Benzema‘s double after Andres Iniesta had put Barca in front.

Cristiano Ronaldo then put Madrid back in front from the penalty spot, but the hosts were reduced to 10-men when Sergio Ramos pulled down Neymar inside the box 10 minutes later and Messi leveled once more from the spot.

And the Argentine won the game with another penalty seven minutes from time after Iniesta had been felled by Xabi Alonso.

A first defeat for Real in 32 games means Atletico Madrid remains atop the standings thanks to their better head-to-head record against Los Blancos with Barca still in third.

“The league starts a new now,” said Barca boss Gerardo Martino.
”More than the mathematical distance we were behind, the impression was people wrote us off. Atletico Madrid were always in the fight and I think that after this result we are too. We knew if we didn’t win tonight it was over for us. We still don’t have matters in our own hands, but we’ll now fight till the end.”

Messi Scores Hat-Trick in First Post-Injury Training Session with His Barcelona Teammates

It’s a triumphant return for Lionel Messi

Five weeks after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, the 26-year-old Argentine soccer superstar returned to the field with his FC Barcelona teammates on Friday for an open practice that drew more than 13,000 spectators to the club’s Miniestadi.

Lionel Messi

The four-time FIFA World Player of the Year spent about a month back in Argentina getting treatment to help speed up his recovery after missing several games before Spanish soccer’s winter break.

But now he’s back in near tip-top shape… Messi showed no signs of being rusty during Friday’s scrimmage, notching a hat trick and earning an assist on another goal in his first training match.

The team ended practice with a salute to the crowd before kicking soccer balls into the stands, signing autographs and posing for photos with a group of disabled fans.

Messi’s absence has not impacted Barça’s La Liga standings; the club is tied for first place with Atletico Madrid.

But in his absence Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up for Barca’s rival Real Madrid, and many believe Messi’s reign as the king of world soccer is about to come to an end when the Ballon d’Or trophy is awarded on January 13 due to his absence from the game from November 23 until December 22.

With Messi’s impressive return on Friday, there’s little doubt though that  he’ll return to the top of the game for the rest of the 2013-14 campaign and the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Messi Earns Third Consecutive Golden Boot Award…

Lionel Messi is getting the boot yet again…

The 26-year-old Argentine soccer star, currently sidelined by persistent thigh muscle issues, has picked up his third European Golden Boot award.

Lionel Messi

Messi, who hopes to return for Barcelona’s first game of 2014, was presented with the award by former Blaugrana striker — and 1990 Golden Boot winner — Hristo Stoichkov at a ceremony in central Barcelona on Wednesday.

Asked by reporters at the event if he might be back to play at home on January 5 — Barca’s first game after the winter break — Messi said: “I hope so.

“The truth is I have not put a date on the return. If all goes well it will be that date, but we will see what happens. I will be back when it is supposed to happen.”

Messi, who will spend part of his recovery back at home in Argentina, said nobody wanted to rush things as the most important thing was to put an end to a frustrating last six months, during which he has suffered five similar thigh and hamstring problems.

“My objective is to return in good shape, to strengthen the body so that, God willing, I can play without injuries,” he said. “I am improving bit by bit — it does not hurt any more. I am starting to do things.”

Messi scored 46 goals in the 2012-13 season to take the European Golden Boot, which he also claimed in 2009-10, when he scored 34 goals, and in 2011-12, when he scored 50 goals.

He dedicated his latest personal trophy to teammates including Xavi Hernandez, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique and Jose Pinto, who were all present at the ceremony.

“It was a lot of goals, and I would not have scored them without my teammates,” he said. “Without them I would not have won this Golden Boot, nor the others. I appreciate them being here.”

Messi did not speak about the controversy surrounding the extension of this year’s Ballon d’Or voting, which some have suggested will favor Cristiano Ronaldo’s chances of winning the award.

Barca president Sandro Rosell, though, was on hand to push his club’s player’s chances.

“If people vote on what they have seen on the pitch this year, and do not put on political or media pressure, then Messi should win,” Rosell said in Mundo Deportivo. “I would vote first for Leo, second for Leo and third for Leo. Fourth, fifth and sixth would be Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Sergio] Busquets.”