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Business Standard
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
'No friendship' between Messi and Ronaldo, Argentine star clarifies
There is no animosity or personal conflict between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, their limited interaction is simply a result of their careers taking them in different directions. Even during their time in Spain, when they were regularly facing off in La Liga, they represented bitter rivals: Messi with Barcelona and Ronaldo with Real Madrid, at the heart of the intense El Clasico rivalry. Now, Ronaldo plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, while Messi stars for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Many fans around the world still dream of seeing the two icons share the pitch as teammates before they retire, but such a collaboration remains a distant hope. 'Ronaldo and I aren't friends' Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have collected 13 Ballon d'Or awards and rewritten the history books on numerous occasions. At 40, Ronaldo continues to chase milestones, including the remarkable target of 1,000 career goals. Meanwhile, Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory, is preparing to celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday. Both of the football superstars could meet one final time if they clash in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 if they manage to get their names on the squad list for the quadrennial tournament that is.
Evening Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Evening Standard
Arsenal FC sent fresh Rodrygo transfer message as Xabi Alonso issues fresh update on Real Madrid star
Speculation over Rodygo's future intensified at the end of last season following his omission from the starting line up of the title deciding El Clasico, and reports suggesting he had grown disillusioned with life at the Bernabeu.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Diego Simeone reveals title plan ahead of Club World Cup campaign
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has fired a fresh message at his squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Los Rojoblancos finished the La Liga season in the familiar setting of third place behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Advertisement Simeone's charges did confirm their place in the UEFA Champions League qualification spots with La Liga now up to five places. Atletico Madrid have finished in the top three in 12 of Simeone's 13 full seasons in charge starting from 2012/13 with two titles won. However, the most common pattern has been for Simeone to land in third spot, in behind El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid: Third place record From 2012/13, third place has been Simeone's most regular finishing place, ending up there eight times, including in 2024/25. Photo by AP / LaPresse / Diario Sport Despite his impressive haul of trophies in Madrid, 2024/25 reverted to type, as Real Madrid and Barcelona battled for the title – and Simeone's charges failed to keep pace. Advertisement Hansi Flick sealed the title, in his debut season in charge, as part of a Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup treble. Simeone's Atletico Madrid mission Ahead of the incoming Club World Cup, Simeone claimed there is a chance for change, and called on his players to gasp the opportunity. 'I constantly tell the players it isn't about winning a league. We're leaving a legacy here at the club. We want more, it's no longer enough to finish third,' as per quotes from Marca. 'The picture I'm missing is at Atletico Madrid is winning the Champions League, without a doubt. There's no point in hiding that.' Simeone also reiterated his pledge of wanting to win the Club World Cup with his side kicking off their campaign up against the newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on June 15 in Pasadena.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Trent Alexander-Arnold shows off fluent Spanish at Real Madrid unveiling after learning for ‘a few months'
Alexander-Arnold, 26, arrives after 20 years at boyhood club Liverpool, joining for a fee of £10m to ensure his participation at the Club World Cup. The right-back was expected to sign for free at the end of June after opting not to extend his contract at Anfield, an announcement which was made at the beginning of May. However, Alexander-Arnold's first words as a Real Madrid player indicate his decision to leave was far from a last-minute one as he showed off his impressive Spanish at the welcome ceremony. 'This doesn't happen every day,' Alexander-Arnold said in the language of his new employers. 'It's a dream come true, I'm very happy and proud to be here. 'I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I'm signing for Real Madrid and that the demands are high, but I'm going to give my all for the team. I want to win many titles and play alongside the best players.' In his press conference, he confirmed he had been learning for a 'few months'. The ceremony kicked off with a montage of his greatest moments for Liverpool, among which included his famous performance against El Clasico rivals Barcelona in the Champions League in 2019, where he caught the Blaugrana defence napping from a corner to set up the Reds' crucial fourth goal on the night. Alexander-Arnold was instrumental in Liverpool winning Europe's most prestigious trophy that year, and later added two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup and a Club World Cup to his accolade collection across 354 appearances. The Liverpudlian left his home side on imperfect terms, with his first appearance after announcing his departure seeing him booed by the Anfield faithful. However, as he collected his Premier League winners medal on the final day of the season, a teary-eyed Alexander-Arnold was met with cheers in what was heart-warming send-off. ADVERTISEMENT Alexander-Arnold will wear the number 12 shirt - forced to ditch his famed 66 due to LaLiga rules - but has also changed the name that will appear on his back, opting for 'Trent' over his surname. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was sure to hail Alexander-Arnold's arrival at the ceremony, who joins in time for the start of the Club World Cup next week. 'This is a very special day for Real Madrid fans worldwide,' Perez said. 'One of the best right-backs in world football who played for one of the best clubs in the world. A legend in the game at 26-years-old, today we welcome him to our family, a player who wants to don the famous Real Madrid jersey. 'We'd like to thank you for joining our club we know it means a lot, you could have signed for any club worldwide but you wanted to commit your future to Real Madrid. Our fans will never forget that gesture.' Alexander-Arnold could make his debut in Real's Club World Cup curtain raiser when they take on Saudi side Al-Hilal on Wednesday June 18 at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Just traumatised him on live TV' – Lionel Messi in very tense conversation with James Rodriguez during Argentina clash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONEL MESSI and James Rodriguez engaged in a heated war of words during Argentina's battle with Colombia last night. The Argentine superstar, 37, returned to international action despite his country having already comfortably qualified for next year's World Cup. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lionel Messi exchanged words with James Rodriguez Credit: X 5 The veterans covered their mouths as they debated Credit: Alamy Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champions fell behind in the first half, courtesy of Luis Diaz's brilliant solo goal. The match became heated in the second period, with a series of flashpoints occurring in the final 20 minutes. Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was sent off on 70 minutes for a high challenge on Kevin Castano. The horror kick left Castano bleeding from his head. In the aftermath of the incident, Messi engaged in a war of words with long-time rival James Rodriguez. Having battled for several years while playing for their countries, they were also on opposite sides of the El Clasico Real Madrid-Barcelona divide. The pair tried to cover their mouths during the conversation, although Argentine outlet TyC Sports claim to have made out some of their words. They claim that Rodriguez, 33, responded to Messi's initial comment by asking: "But why?" BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Enzo Fernandez kicked Kevin Castano in the head 5 Castano was left with a brutal cut on his forehead The outlet then alleges that Messi said: "Yes, yes. You said we were helped in the final. "You talk a lot..." 'Do you want me to send you off' - Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen Messi is believed to have been referring to Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in last year's Copa America final. Back in March, Rodriguez reflected on the match: "Due to external factors, I think we couldn't have been champions. "The referee had a big influence and didn't award us one or two penalties." The former Everton and Real Madrid star, who now plays for Club Leon in Mexico, refused to be drawn on his exchange with Messi after last night's match. Asked about the subject, the attacking midfielder said: "What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch." Reflecting on the incident, one fan joked on social media: "Forget the Enzo red card. Messi just traumatized James Rodriguez on live television with his words." While a second wrote: "Yeah… he said some harsh words to James and it pains me cause James seems like a genuinely nice guy." Shortly after his exchange with Rodriguez, Messi was surprisingly substituted, despite 10-man Argentina needing a goal. The move proved to be an inspired one, as his replacement Exequiel Palacios set up Thiago Almada's equaliser just a few minutes later. After the 1-1 draw, boss Scaloni revealed: "Leo wasn't going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end. "He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him. "The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied." Just prior to going off, Messi had been involved in an altercation with Daniel Munoz. The former Barcelona star appeared to throw an elbow at the Crystal Palace man.
