Julian Alvarez revealed his free-kick against Barcelona was inspired by one scored by Lionel Messi versus Liverpool in 2019. Atletico Madrid defeated Barca 2-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, with Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth securing the win at Camp Nou. After Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a last-man challenge on […] The post Alvarez reveals inspiration from Messi free-kick in Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been at the center of one of the most intense rivalries. While some praise the Portuguese scoring prowess, others praise the Argentine’s all-around capacity. In light of this, 1986 World Cup champion Oscar Ruggeri makes the difference between both stars. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already veterans, they continue to be the subject of constant comparisons. While some praise the Portuguese’s goal-scoring prowess, others highlight the Argentine’s ability to shine all over the pitch. In this context, 1986 World Cup champion Oscar Ruggeri joined the conversation, making clear the difference between the two stars throughout their careers. In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, Oscar Ruggeri made it clear that comparing Messi and Ronaldo doesn’t make sense, highlighting the difference between the two. “It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.” Throughout his career, Lionel Messi has made an impact far beyond his goal-scoring prowess. Starting from the right wing, the Argentine established as the team’s primary creative force, consistently linking up play. As a result, he has racked up 407 assists, leading him to take on a different role in his later years. Nevertheless, he shines as a scorer with 903 goals, proving himself to be one of the most complete players in history. While Ruggeri does not consider Cristiano Ronaldo a genius, Ronaldo has shattered every stereotype. Initially embarking on his career as a brilliant left winger, injuries transformed him into a historic center forward. Far from faltering, he has consistently ranked among the world’s top scorers for over 20 years, amassing 967 goals and nearing the elusive 1,000-goal mark. Now 41 years old, he continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Argentina Messi and Ronaldo set for a historic duel in 2026 World Cup After shining in the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as clear candidates to compete in the 2026 World Cup. Although they are already veterans, both remain leaders of their national teams, considered key figures for their head coaches. Unlike previous editions, this could be their final tournament, making the outcome potentially historic. If they confirm their presence with Argentina and Portugal, they would become the players with the most World Cup appearances in history, cementing their names in the tournament’s legacy. In addition, Ronaldo could aim to win this major trophy for the first time in his career, while Messi will look to defend his title, providing a historic opportunity in their long-standing comparison. The 1,000-goal milestone may set up Messi-Ronaldo duel After more than 20 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are unmistakably approaching retirement. Nevertheless, they are engaged in another major duel: The 1,000-goal milestone. While the Argentine sits at 903 goals, the Portuguese has 967, making him the clear favorite to reach it first. However, the focus may not be on who gets there first, but on who ultimately achieves it, putting pressure on the Inter Miami star.

Enzo Fernandez and his agent have apologised to Chelsea for comments he made while on international duty in Argentina. 

The conflict between Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez appears to have reached a resolution. Enzo Fernandez has been under the spotlight in recent days following Chelsea’s decision to sanction him for comments deemed inappropriate regarding a potential future at Real Madrid. However, things now seem to have been clarified, with the controversy resolved in a way that works for all parties. “We’re on the same page with Chelsea. We made peace yesterday,” said Javier Pastore, Fernandez’s agent, in an interview published by Top Mercato on Thursday. “There were never really any problems. We cleared the air.” The main controversy arose when the Argentine midfielder said that Madrid was his favorite city in Europe because it reminded him of Buenos Aires. That was interpreted as a nod toward a potential move to Real Madrid, which led Chelsea to sanction him by leaving him out of the FA Cup clash against Port Vale last weekend. “We explained to the player that, even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, he shouldn’t have said that,” Pastore added. “He naturally apologized to the club, his teammates, the coach, the sporting director, everyone. We’re all on the same page. We simply had to clear up the misunderstanding.” Liam Rosenior, manager of Chelsea. At the same time, the agent and former Paris Saint-Germain star made it clear that Fernandez’s focus is 100% on performing at the highest level with Chelsea: “Enzo still has six years left on his contract and we need to work together, which is what we’re doing.” Will Chelsea lift Enzo Fernandez’s sanction? When Liam Rosenior addressed the Fernandez situation during a press conference last week, he said the sanction involved leaving the midfielder out for the next two matches: against Port Vale in the FA Cup—where the Blues won 7-0—and against Manchester City in the Premier League. That match is still on the horizon: it will take place on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. With the latest updates regarding the peace reached between the club and the player, the question now is whether Rosenior and the executives will reconsider and lift the sanction early. This could be decisive for Chelsea’s chances, as Enzo Fernandez is one of the team’s top performers, and his presence on the field would provide a significant boost. The stakes are even higher considering Manchester City are direct rivals in the fight for a UEFA Champions League spot. Enzo Fernandez’s other major goal Beyond his desire to reintegrate with Chelsea and contribute to the team in Premier League and FA Cup, one of Fernandez’s key motivations to resolve the conflict quickly is his international career. “Enzo needs to play because he has a World Cup coming up,” Javier Pastore said in the same Top Mercato interview. With just over six weeks until Lionel Scaloni announces Argentina’s final roster, the midfielder seems likely to make the squad—but he cannot afford to miss game time at such a crucial stage.

Explore MFF’s detailed preview for Inter Miami vs New York RB in the Major League Soccer. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 00:30 BST match.Explore MFF’s detailed preview for Inter Miami vs New York RB in the Major League Soccer. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 00:30 BST match. Match Details Fixture: Inter […]

ENZO FERNANDEZ'S agent, Javier Pastore, has insisted there is 'nothing' in reports that he wants to join Real Madrid this summer. That is despite numerous interviews over the international break, where Fernandez flirted with a move to Madrid and spoke about his love for the city. Due to his actions, Fernandez, 25, was punished by...

Mexico's all-time leading scorer is joining FOX Sports for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning World Cup champions will wrap up their preparations for the 2026 competition in SEC country

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role! So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atletico Madrid’s president Enrique Cerezo has shut down transfer interest in star forward Julian Alvarez. Cerezo has stated the Argentine will remain in the capital, not elsewhere in LaLiga …