L. Messi

Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch? After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days.. Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & tactics writer Michael Cox… Produced by Adonis Pratsides Additional production: Jay Beale Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead *** • Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or and Guillem Balague gives a behind-the-scenes account of how in Qatar, the Argentinian won the World Cup. Guillem hears from the biggest names in the sport; from Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, former England forward Gary Lineker and ex-Argentina defender, Pablo Zabaleta - who give their unique perspectives on what happened during that tournament. We are taken on a journey – from that shock loss in Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, to one of the best international finals ever – where Argentina beat France on penalties, fulfilling Lionel Messi’s destiny of winning the World Cup and cementing himself as one of the greatest players of all time

Paris Saint-Germain has officially acknowledged a staggering €300 million ($332 million) offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for their star forward Kylian Mbappé, as reported by James Robson of the Associated Press. This prospective transfer fee would smash world records if it comes to fruition. According to James Benge of CBS Sports, Al-Hilal is ready to provide Mbappé a colossal €700 million for a single season, effectively granting him the liberty to make a move to Real Madrid the following summer. Anticipation is mounting that the talented Frenchman will find himself in different colors when the 2023-24 season kicks off. Back in June, Mbappé communicated his decision to Paris Saint-Germain, stating he would not be activating the one-year extension in his contract, which paves the way for him to leave as a free agent during the summer transfer window in 2024. Consequently, PSG has conveyed its readiness to entertain offers from potential suitors for his departure now. Saudi clubs are currently caught up in a spending spree, part of a broader effort to enhance the nation's global reputation. Al-Hilal, one of four Saudi Pro League clubs now under the ownership of the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has already secured the services of top players like Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Kalidou Koulibaly. However, even with the mind-boggling sums of money being offered in Saudi Arabia, it may not be sufficient to lure stars like Lionel Messi, as evidenced by a reported $400 million annual offer that failed to seal the deal. There's a growing sense that Kylian Mbappé's career might be hitting a bit of a plateau at Paris Saint-Germain. PSG's dominance in domestic competitions means that Ligue 1 doesn't provide him with the same level of challenges he could encounter elsewhere. Joining Al-Hilal, even if just for one season, would further extend this narrative. Despite the Saudi Pro League's improvements, the level of competition remains below that of Europe's top leagues. With over a month remaining in the summer transfer window, Mbappé's market situation is likely to evolve before he reaches a final decision. The interest from Al-Hilal could potentially motivate Real Madrid to take action and solidify a partnership that has been in the works for over a year. Kylian Mbappe will leave PSG for free! Striker set to give up €80m loyalty bonus and snub new contract offer In a significant development, Kylian Mbappé has once again conveyed to the club that he will not be signing a new contract, despite discussions about an extension earlier this summer, as reported by 90min. Remarkably, he is willing to forgo the €80 million (£69 million/$86 million) loyalty bonus he is entitled to and is determined to leave when his current contract expires next year. This situation marks a continuation of the friction that arose between Mbappé and PSG at the end of the previous season when he initially declined to activate an option for a contract extension by another year. This left PSG facing the prospect of losing him for free in the following year, prompting president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to issue an ultimatum: either extend the contract or be sold in the transfer window. However, no transfer materialized during the summer, and discussions about a new deal commenced. Now, it appears that Mbappé has reverted to his earlier position since the summer transfer window concluded, confirming his intention to move on in 2024.

One noteworthy highlight of the season for the blaugranes has been the rapid emergence of Lamine Yamal onto the scene. The winger has swiftly become a crucial player for the first-team under coach Xavi Hernández. Despite his relatively short career, the teenager has already established several records. As we enter the international break, let's delve into these significant milestones. Goalscoring records and record debuts Lamine Yamal achieved his latest milestone by scoring against Granada last Sunday, making him the youngest goalscorer in La Liga history at the age of 16 years and 87 days. This accomplishment surpasses the previous record set by Málaga's Fabrice Olinga in 2012. Additionally, Yamal now holds the title of the youngest goal-scorer for Barcelona in league history, surpassing the previous record set by Ansu Fati by over a year. Youngest goalscorer for FC Barcelona in LA LIGA Player Age Lamine Yamal 16 Years and 87 Days Ansu Fati 16 Years and 304 Days Bojan Krkic 17 Years and 53 Days Gavi 17 Years and 135 Days Alfons Navarro 17 Years and 244 Days Just last Wednesday, Lamine Yamal added another record to his name at the Estádio do Dragão in Portugal. He became the youngest starter in the history of the Champions League, being included in the starting XI during the 1-0 victory over FC Porto. Earlier, on August 20th, the teenager made history as the youngest starter for Barça in a match against Cádiz, contributing to a 2-0 win. This accomplishment not only marked him as the youngest starter for Barcelona but also the youngest La Liga starter since the beginning of the century. Youngest Starter of all time in the Champions League Player Age Lamine Yamal 16 Yaers and 83 Days Celestine Babayaro 16 Years and 86 Days Youri Tielemans 16 Years and 148 Days Ansu FAti 16 Years and 321 Days Anthony Vanden Borre 16 Years and 326 Days Debut at 15 years of age Lamine Yamal made his debut for the Barça first team last season during week 32 of La Liga in a match held at the Spotify Camp Nou against Betis. Remarkably, at the tender age of 15 years, 9 months, and 25 days, he became the youngest player in Barcelona's league history and the fifth youngest of all time. History with the national team Lamine Yamal's impressive performances in a Barça shirt earned him a call-up to the full Spanish national side, and at the age of just 16 years and 57 days, he made his debut. What's more, he not only surpassed the record held by his teammate Gavi to become the youngest player to represent Spain, but Yamal also left his mark by scoring the final goal in the 7-1 victory over Georgia, making him the youngest-ever goalscorer for the national team. The 16- year-old has made a superb beginning to his professional career for both club and national team, but he should not be compared to the scapegoat. Still, a snapshot even let them loose, If it was Lamine Yamal's capability that started the Lionel Messi comparisons. The likeness, broadly propagated on social media, is just five years old. A slight Yamal, wearing a grayish Nike hoodie and Tottenham sweats, poses with a smirking Messi. It isn't the image of a upcoming star, or, additionally importantly, a player who knows he is being with one. But it has since get a source of propaganda, proof of' the first link- up' or a visual representation of' when excellence meets greatness'. Still, the picture, although overdrawn, does deliver precious surroundings to one of new age football's top issues. Barcelona, and the sport at large, is repeatedly in hunt of its' following Messi.' After that, still, the parallels end. Yamal, although he has delighted an immensely hopeful beginning to his Barca and Spain career, could do with molting the Messi relationship. But while his precursors were freighted by it — and have spent maximum of their careers trying and crashing to hit those tall heights — Yamal is too good in his own way.

Which Premier League player is the only one to come close to Lionel Messi? What happened during that infamous Pires-Henry penalty against Man City? Does Arteta have what it takes to go all the way at Arsenal? For the second of two episodes, Alan, Micah and Gary are joined by Premier League great, Thierry Henry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimbo, Duncan Alexander, Dom Fifield and Adrian Clarke are back to cast their collective eye over all football happenings. With the likes of Scotland, France, Austria and Belgium on the verge of qualification for Euro 2024, England prepare to host Australia as we revisit memories of friendly encounters with the Socceroos gone by. And can we please see Lewis Dunk as the new lynchpin of the Three Lions defence? Eden Hazard announces his retirement from football. One of the greatest players of his generations but a man whose socks told us how his career would ultimately end. Wayne Rooney is out of DC and into BCFC as the new manager of Birmingham. Will we finally find out how good a coach he is now that he’ll have some money to spend? Plus Paul Tenorio gives us his thoughts on Rooney and the impact that Lionel Messi failing to make the play-offs will have on MLS. Produced by Charlie Jones. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Euro 2024 qualifying bonanza (02.30) • PART 2: England v Australia preview (09.00) • PART 3: Eden Hazard retires from football (23.00) • PART 4: Rooney in at Birmingham (34.00) • PART 5: Paul Tenorio on Messi’s MLS impact (44.00) SIGN UP TO THE ATHLETIC TODAY FOR £1.99 A MONTH FOR 12 MONTHS • theathletic.com/totally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special 400th episode of the "State of the Union" (SOTU) podcast, join hosts Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and the ever-insightful Stu Holden as they delve into the exciting world of soccer. The US Men's National Team is at a crucial juncture as they gear up to face Germany and Ghana. In this episode, the trio discusses the significance of these matches as the true start of the next international cycle. With the summer of soccer and the 2026 World Cup in the USA on the horizon, these games are vital to evaluate where the USMNT stands. USMNT Manager Gregg Berhalter is under the spotlight as the hosts dissect the changes they'd like to see in the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Ghana. With a remarkably talented young team at his disposal, the expectations are high for Berhalter and his squad. Is this the golden generation of USMNT players? Alexi, Mosse, and Stu explore how this roster may be the most promising in history. They also ponder how Gregg Berhalter can make the most of this opportunity, leading into the summer of soccer. (13:03) Shifting focus, we dive into the world of Major League Soccer and Lionel Messi's transformative presence. Find out how Messi is forever changing the landscape of MLS and adding credibility to the league's growth. Can Messi maintain his international dominance until the 2026 World Cup? (38:07) The guys also tell the origin story of the podcast. Don't miss this milestone 400th episode! (68:07) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal's win against Manchester City is a massive step towards crowning a new Premier League champion for the first time in four years! With Arsenal securing their first EPL victory over Manchester City since 2018, should the Gunners now be considered favorites to win the Premier League? Christian and Alexis answer this question while recapping the weekend's incredible clash between Arsenal and City and ask which other teams could potentially challenge for the title? The guys also discuss Lionel Messi and Inter Miami being eliminated from MLS playoff contention and comment on the hilarious viral video of a young Leicester City fan enraging two older Stoke supporters. Do you think Arsenal will win the Premier League? Let us know what you think in the reviews! Exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/SoccerCooligans This is where we put everything we shouldn't say 😉 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"We're starting with the idea that we can go out and win a World Cup (...) Not saying we're the favorite, not saying that it's expected, but we believe that we can". In this episode, Herc had a candid conversation with Walker Zimmerman. the captain of Nashville SC and a player for the US Men's National Team. Walker shares his career journey, starting from his college days as a Furman Paladin to his early experiences in MLS with FC Dallas and LAFC, and then moving on to his recent role as captain of Nashville SC, where he defends his team against players like Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, we are joined by footballing legend David Beckham. With Netflix’s four-part Beckham documentary released, David relives his glittering career with former Manchester United team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane alongside compatriots Ian Wright, Jamie Carragher and Jill Scott. An England captain for six years, Beckham won a Champions League, six Premier League titles and two FA Cup’s with his boyhood side Manchester United before he moved to Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan then retired at PSG. Now a co-owner of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, find out how Beckham managed to pen a deal to sign World Cup winner Lionel Messi, hear untold stories of his time at Old Trafford including run-ins with Sir Alex Ferguson and the mental challenges faced as he became a global icon off the pitch. Lastly, we are joined by David’s father Ted as the Beckham’s talk about the importance of their family life. Make sure to turn on notifications and subscribe so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.