Sport
Messi Nears End of Legendary Career Calls Argentina and His Barcelona Home
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.
Paris Saint-Germain pulled off one of their greatest comebacks on Wednesday night, beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup for the very first time. The match, played in Udine, Italy, ended 2–2 after 90 minutes before PSG held their nerve to seal a 4–3 win in the shootout.
Tottenham had looked comfortable for most of the game. Goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero gave them a two-goal lead, and with just minutes left on the clock, many believed the English side had the trophy in their hands.
But PSG refused to give up.
In the 85th minute, Lee Kang-in produced a stunning strike to spark hope. Then, deep into added time, Ousmane Dembélé delivered the moment of brilliance that changed everything. With a perfect cross into the box, he set up Gonçalo Ramos to head home the equaliser and drag the game into penalties.
The French champions stayed calm from the spot, with Nuno Mendes scoring the decisive kick. For Dembélé, he not only created the crucial goal but also converted his penalty and was later named UEFA’s Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
PSG captain Marquinhos praised the team’s fighting spirit, while coach Luis Enrique admitted the win was a big statement for the club, especially as it came early in the season. The victory also marked history, making PSG the first French club ever to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
Former England forward Gary Lineker believes Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes this season rest heavily on new signing Viktor Gyokeres making an instant impact. The Gunners brought in the 27-year-old striker from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to £63 million after his stunning tally of 54 goals in 52 matches last season.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said Gyokeres needs to deliver similar numbers if Arsenal are to push for the title again. “A lot will depend on how Gyokeres performs,” he noted.
“He scored a great goal in pre-season, but we all know pre-season doesn’t count for much, except for strikers, where it helps build confidence. He’ll get plenty of service, so if he settles quickly, they could go very close again.”
Super Eagles B coach, Eric Chelle, has opened up on why his side suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sudan in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash on Tuesday.
The loss, which followed a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening match, ended Nigeria’s hopes in the tournament. Sudan’s goals came through an own goal by Leonard Ngenge, a strike from Walieldin Khedr, and a brace from Abdel Raouf.
Reflecting on the game, Chelle admitted that his players made too many costly errors, especially after the break. “We made too many mistakes and let the game slip away in the second half,” he said. “Four goals, four mistakes. It’s been the same story in both games against Senegal and Sudan.”
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