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Tag: Lionel Messi

  • After Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe is now set to miss Olympics 2024 | Football News

    As the Euro 2024 tournament will come to an end, soon after the Paris Olympics 2024 will kick off from July 27. Kylian Mbappe recently joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after being linked to the team for the past couple of seasons. After Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe is another big name who will not feature in the Paris Olympics. Real Madrid recently blocked Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga from taking part in the Olympic games taking place in Paris.

    Real Madrid’s Intervention

    Mbappe had earlier shown interest in representing his country at the Olympic games but Real Madrid’s stand has been very clear about Mbappe’s involvement in the games. “My club’s position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I (knew) I wouldn’t be taking part in the Games. That’s just the way it is, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure. I’m going to wish this French team all the best. I’m going to watch every game. I hope they’ll win the gold medal.” Mbappe said. Kylian Mbappe further stated that he is all ready to leave his fitness concerns behind and start fresh as he leads France in the Euros and will also be key to Madrid’s plans next season. “I’m ready to win, it’s more of a mental issue,” he said. “My head is perfect, now let’s see how my legs are.”

    Lionel Messi Also Set To Miss Olympics

    Lionel Messi recently made his stand very clear regarding his participation in the Paris Olympics games. He stated that it would be very hard for the World Cup winner to play in back-to-back international tournaments considering his age. Messi is currently all set to lead Argentina in their title defense run in the Copa America 2024. France U23 and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry did not pick Mbappe for his squad but he stated that the star striker would be welcomed with open arms if he decides to play and represent his country in the Olympic Games.

  • Lionel Messi Responds To Kylian Mbappe’s Claim Of Euros Tougher To Win Than FIFA World Cup: ‘It Leaves Out Too Many World Champions’ | Football News

    Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, has responded to recent comments by his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, who suggested that winning the Euros is more challenging than winning the World Cup.

    “He also said that the South American teams didn’t have the same high competition as the Europeans. Everyone values ​​what they play,” Messi told ESPN Argentina. (Records Follow Me: Cristiano Ronaldo After Breaking Saudi Pro League Record)

    “The Euros are very important, but it leaves out Argentina, three-time world champion; Brazil, five-time world champion; Uruguay, two-time world champion. There are many world champions left out to say that the Euros is the most difficult, right? In the World Cup, the best teams are there, all the world champions are generally there. That’s why everyone wants to be world champion,” Messi added

    Commenting ahead of 2024 European Championships in Germany, Mbappe had said, “I consider the Euros more complicated than the World Cup, more complicated to win. If we talk about level, the Euros is more difficult because we are so used to play against each other. Tactically, it is similar football.”

    It’s not the first time the new Real Madrid signing has invited fire from South American football. He had taken a jibe at the South American teams in May 2022, stating, “In South America, football is not as advanced as in Europe, that’s why when you look at the last World Cups it’s always the Europeans who win.”

    Coincidentally, it was Messi and his team who defeated France the same year, securing Argentina’s third world title in a dramatic penalty shootout during the World Cup final in Doha, Qatar. Mbappe, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, recently acknowledged that the European Championships remain unfinished business for him.

    “I want to win the Euros. I have to be honest. I won the World Cup. I won the Nations League. That’s the only one that missed me with the national team after I did everything with the national team. I really want to win this. My first competition as captain, so it’s really important for me and it’s always important for the country and we want them to be proud of us. [It’s] another opportunity to write the history of my country,” the French captain told CNN.

    After years of speculation, France soccer captain Kylian Mbappe joined the Spanish club, Real Madrid as a free agent on a five-year contract on Monday. The 25-year-old World Cup winner with France joins a Madrid team that is already loaded with talent and still celebrating its latest European triumph, leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

    “Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement under which he will become a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons,” Real Madrid said in an official statement. (Real Madrid Star Toni Kroos Announces Retirement)

    Just two days ago, Madrid won a record-extending 15th European Cup title when it beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League final in London. The French striker expressed his feelings after joining the Los Blancos side.

    “A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dreams, Real Madrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. Hala Madrid !” Mbappe was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

    Mbappe joined PSG from AS Monaco in 2017, following that he has played 290 matches for the Paris club and scored 243 goals. The French striker was 19 years old when he left his childhood club for PSG.

    In the ongoing season of the Ligue 1, the Frenchman appeared in 19 matches and got the back of the net 20 times. He also made 4 assists in the French league. However, Mbappe never hid from accepting that his dream was to play for the 14-time UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner Real Madrid. For the last several years, the Los Blancos have been trying to bring him to Madrid, but Mbappe wasn’t keen on an exit before the expiration of his contract. In 2021, Real Madrid went all out to sign Mbappe, offering 220 million Euros. However, PSG turned it down. (With ANI Inputs)

  • Napkin With Lionel Messi’s First FC Barcelona Contract Up For Auction, Read Details Here | football news

    Lionel Messi’s illustrious journey with Barcelona had an unconventional beginning—an iconic contract signed on a simple napkin. This extraordinary relic of football history is now poised to hit the auction block, with an initial bid starting at 300,000 pounds (USD 379,000).

    On it was written, “In Barcelona, ​​on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereinby 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.” (They Are Sharing Wives: Mikel Arteta’s Explosive Press Meet About Ben White And Oleksandr Zinchenko Sets Internet On Fire – WATCH)

    The renowned British auction house, Bonhams, is orchestrating the online auction scheduled to run from March 18 to 27. The auction represents Horacio Gaggioli, an agent from Messi’s homeland of Argentina, who played a crucial role in the agreement. (Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal, Indian Super League (ISL) Football Live Score)

    Dated December 14, 2000, the napkin boasts the signatures of Gaggioli, along with another agent, Josep Maria Minguella, and Carles Rexach, the then-sporting director of Barcelona. This historic moment unfolded at a tennis club in Barcelona, ​​solidifying the initial agreement to sign Messi. The makeshift contract served as a reassuring gesture to his father, Jorge Messi, signaling the solidity of the deal. Following this informal pact, a more formal and comprehensive contract with the club was promptly arranged.

    Laporta: “Whoever buys Leo Messi’s napkin should hand it over to the club museum. We will not enter into any auctions.” pic.twitter.com/ivkcB3jstY Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 2, 2024

    Ian Ehling, heading the department of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, expressed his enthusiasm, deeming this artifact one of the most captivating he’s come across. Despite its humble origin as a paper napkin, its significance resonates through football history, forever altering Messi’s trajectory and Barcelona’s destiny, creating countless indelible moments for fans worldwide.