Tag Archives: Blaugrana

Lionel Messi Reveals Plans to Join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF

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Lionel Messi isn’t just switching sides… He’s switching continents, too.

The 35-year-old Argentine soccer star is set to make the stunning move to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel MessiMessi made the announcement about his next club in an interview with Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Sport. MLS later confirmed the proposed deal on social media.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was linked with a return to former club Barcelona as well as a possible move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but ultimately decided to join co-owner David Beckham‘s Inter Miami in MLS.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more. Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”

Sources confirmed to ESPN that terms include an option for part-ownership of Inter Miami, but it would not be subsidized by the league as it was for Beckham in 2007. When Beckham moved to the LA Galaxy, he was given the option to purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.

ESPN also confirmed that a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV‘s MLS Season Pass streaming service was part of negotiations. Any agreement involving Messi and Adidas would strictly be between the player and the company and wouldn’t directly involve MLS.

“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” MLS said in a written statement. “Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”

After Messi and Inter Miami made their announcements, Barcelona wished Messi “the best of luck in his new professional phase” and said an offer was presented before Messi made the decision to move to MLS.

“Jorge Messi, the player’s father and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player’s decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barça, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear blaugrana,” Barca said in a statement.

The Catalan club revealed the intention to work with Messi in the future “to promote a proper tribute from Barça fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”

The arrival of Messi promises to be the biggest signing in the 27-year history of MLS, rivaled only by the signing of Beckham.

His signing will also be a major boost for a Miami team that sits bottom of the Eastern Conference and last week dismissed coach Phil Neville.

lMiami has reportedly held talks with Tata Martino about taking the managerial role there. Martino is a former manager for Argentina and for Barcelona, having worked with Messi on both teams.

Barcelona repeatedly stated their desire for Messi to return to the Catalan club, but sources told ESPN’s Jordi Blanco that despite Barca’s efforts to adjust their payroll to make the move work financially, Messi opted not to wait any longer and ruled out his former club as a destination for next season.

Messi began his career at Barcelona, joining as a 13-year-old youth player and ending as the club’s record appearance-maker and top goal scorer, as well as winning 10 LaLiga trophies and four Champions League titles.

However, amid a financial crisis, Barca were unable to renew his contract in August 2021, forcing him to leave. He joined PSG on a free transfer later that month.

Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, he helped PSG to the Ligue 1 title in both seasons he spent in the French capital. However, back-to-back round-of-16 exits from the Champions League meant the club’s search for a first European title continues.

He was booed by some fans on numerous occasions during his time in Paris, including in his final match for the club when he bid farewell.

Messi scored 32 goals in 75 games in all competitions for PSG, as well as recording 35 assists.

His stint at PSG came alongside other accomplishments, too. In December, Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honour to have eluded him in his career.

He was then named men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February — his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.

FC Barcelona Reportedly Has Verbal Agreement in Place to Sign Iñigo Martinez

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Iñigo Martinez has voiced his plans…

FC Barcelona has announced the team has a verbal agreement in place to sign the 31-year-old Spanish professional soccer player in the summer, according to ESPN.

The move is dependent on Barca reducing their wage bill, though, with the Catalan club expected to be in excess of their LaLiga-imposed spending limit next season.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has said they will need to reduce more than €150 million from their outgoings, with the Spanish league preventing them from registering midfielder Gavi‘s new contract until their financial situation improves.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are moving ahead with plans to strengthen and are targeting Athletic Club defender Martinez, who is out of contract in June.

Martinez has been tracked by Barca for years and the club have stepped up their interest in recent weeks due to the fact he is available for free at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid are also keen on the Spain international, but sources have told ESPN that the centerback has already given his word to Barca and that a transfer now depends on the Blaugrana cutting their wage bill.

A report from Jijantes claims Barca could include a clause, which would see Martinez go out on loan, earning the salary agreed with Barca, if they are unable to register him.

Lionel Messi Notches 200th Barcelona Assist During Team’s 1-0 Win Over Huesca

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Make that 200 assists for Lionel Messi…

Barcelona moved to fifth place in La Liga with a victory at Huesca on Sunday, with the 33-year-old Argentine soccer star earning a special assist.

Lionel Messi

Frenkie de Jong scored in the 27th minute for Ronald Koeman‘s side, who are now unbeaten over their last six matches.

Messi provided the assist on de Jong’s goal, giving him 200 for his Blaugrana career.

It was Messi’s 500th appearance for Barcelona in La Liga when he took to the pitch at El Alcoraz for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Huesca.

The captain was back in the starting XI to lead his team out for their first game of 2021 after sitting out the draw against Eibar last time out.

Messi becomes the first non-Spanish player to reach 500 games in La Liga and is now just five behind Xavi’s record of La Liga appearances for Barca.

The Argentina international is also close to moving past Xavi and becoming Barca’s all-time appearance maker.

Xavi played in a total of 767 games for Barcelona, while Messi is now on 750.

Former goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta holds the record for the most La Liga appearances. He managed 622 during a career which saw him play for Athletic, Barcelona and Valencia.

Barca now have 28 points from 16 matches, one behind fourth-placed Villarreal and 10 behind table-toppers Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.

Huesca sit at the bottom of the table with 12 points after 17 matches.

The Catalans next face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, while Huesca will host Real Betis on January 11.

Messi Earns Third Consecutive Golden Boot Award…

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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.”