Sport

Messi Nears End of Legendary Career Calls Argentina and His Barcelona Home

Published

5 hours ago

October 18, 2024

Photo source: Google

Lionel Messi, the legendary captain of Argentina, has acknowledged that his incredible journey as a professional footballer is drawing to a close.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Messi has amassed an unmatched collection of titles, making him the most decorated footballer in history.

The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, reflected on the twilight of his career during an interview with Marca, expressing gratitude for each moment he has left on the pitch.

Having won 45 trophies throughout their stellar career, Messi is cherishing the final chapters. “The end is near, and I’m enjoying and valuing every moment to the fullest,” Messi stated.

Despite moving to the United States, he reaffirmed his deep connection to Argentina and Barcelona, two places that he considers home.

“Argentina and Barcelona are my home. Today, I’m also in a place where I feel very happy, a new stage in my life,” he added, referring to his new adventure in Miami.

Messi’s rise to global stardom began at Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career.

During his time with the Catalan club, he shattered numerous records and became synonymous with their success.

After leaving Barcelona, he continued his illustrious run with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), adding more silverware to his name before making a surprise move to Inter Miami in 2023.

His arrival in the U.S. sent shockwaves through the football world, marking the beginning of a new era for both Messi and the club.

His international achievements have been equally historic. Messi finally lifted the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy in 2022, leading Argentina to a triumphant victory in Qatar, which added to his previous Copa America success in 2021.

These victories solidified his legacy, silencing any lingering doubts about his ability to succeed on the international stage.

A record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s influence extends far beyond the titles and accolades.

He has inspired generations of footballers, captivated millions of fans across the globe, and transformed the sport with his extraordinary talent and humility.

Though his playing days may be nearing their conclusion, Messi’s impact on football will resonate for years to come, leaving behind a legacy that will be celebrated long after he retires.

Sport

Lionel Messi’s reaction when he saw the painting that Marca gifted him

Published

50 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Essien Kooffreh

Lionel Messi had a heartwarming reaction when he saw a painting gifted to him by Marca. The artwork, created in tribute to the football legend, left Messi visibly touched, expressing admiration and appreciation for the gesture. The painting showcased his journey, reflecting his career highlights and emotional moments in football. Fans praised Messi’s humility in acknowledging such gestures, showing his gratitude despite being one of the greatest players in the sport.

Sport

UEFA Explains Tie-Breaker Rules for New Champions League Format

Published

3 hours ago

October 18, 2024

Ese Ohwofa

UEFA has clarified how teams tied on points will be ranked in the new 36-team Champions League league phase. This season, the traditional group stage is replaced with a league format where each team plays eight matches. The top eight teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in play-offs. Teams finishing 25th to 36th are eliminated.

To separate teams tied on points, UEFA will use criteria such as goal difference, goals scored, and away wins. If these don’t resolve ties, teams will be ranked alphabetically by their abbreviated names. This system ensures transparency as fans anticipate the competition’s new format.

Sport

CAF Demands Documents from Libya After Nigeria’s AFCON Match Cancellation

Published

4 hours ago

October 18, 2024

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reached out to the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) requesting specific documentation related to the cancellation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Group D against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles were scheduled to face Libya on October 15 but withdrew from the fixture after a harrowing incident.

Their flight was redirected to Labraq Airport, where players endured an alarming 18-hour ordeal.

During this time, they were held in a restricted area without access to the internet, food, or water, which led to their decision to forfeit the match.

Nasser Al-Suwaie, the Secretary-General of the LFF and the official overseeing the federation’s operations has confirmed that CAF has set a deadline of October 20 for both the Libyan and Nigerian football associations to submit the necessary documents related to this incident.

In a statement, Al-Suwaie indicated that the LFF has engaged a legal representative to compile and present evidence supporting their case.

Al-Suwaie has also raised concerns about possible collusion from certain factions within CAF, expressing confidence in the strength of the Libyan Federation’s position.

He emphasized that the LFF is not responsible for the aircraft’s change in flight path that led to the unscheduled landing at Al-Abraq Airport.

According to him, this decision was made at the level of the Libyan state, and he stressed that the sovereignty of Libya should be acknowledged and respected by all parties involved.

This situation highlights the complexities surrounding international sports events, especially in regions where political and security issues intersect with athletic competitions.

The implications of such incidents extend beyond football, impacting diplomatic relations and national pride.

The outcome of the CAF’s investigation and the subsequent actions of both football federations will be closely watched as they unfold in the coming days.