World Cup: Argentina sweat over Messi
Argentina travel to Ecuador for their latest 2014 World Cup qualifier with a big doubt hanging over the head of star striker Lionel Messi. A victory would all but assure the twice world champions’ place at next year’s showpiece in neighbours Brazil but without Messi, Argentina are not the same animal
Messi substituted at half-time after suffering hamstring injury
The Argentine failed to re-appear in the second half of the Blaugrana's first-leg clash against PSG after giving his side the lead moments beforehand
Mourinho: Ronaldo deserved Ballon d’Or
The Blancos coach believes that his Portuguese did more to merit the award than eventual winner Lionel Messi
Messi: I have no ego
The 25-year-old has hit back at claims he is carrying an inflated sense of self-importance and says he will not push son Thiago into becoming a professional footballer
Maradona: Messi better than Ronaldo despite Barcelona defeats
The Argentina legend's stance remains the same regarding the two players, even though the Portuguese has come out on top in their recent encounters
Barca slump continue as Madrid win Clasico
Barcelona’s recent slump continued as Sergio Ramos’ header nine minutes from time handed Real Madrid their second win over the Catalans in five days. Karim Benzema had given the hosts the perfect start as he stabbed home Alvaro Morata’s cross after just six minutes, but Barca were level just 12 minutes later when Lionel Messi equalled Alfredo di Stefano’s record for goals scored in Clasicos as he rifled in his 18th strike in clashes between the two. The rest of the first half was then played out at a rather pedestrian pace but the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Madrid bench livened up matters after the break and Madrid eventually found the winner when Ramos rose highest to power home Luka Modric’s corner.
Messi: Barcelona not used to losing
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner says the side are disappointed after defeats to Real Madrid and AC Milan, but has faith that they will bounce back soon
AC Milan should man-mark Messi, says Berlusconi
The Rossoneri president is anticipating a tough clash against Barcelona on Wednesday, and hinted that Massimiliano Allegri will see out his contract at San Siro
Copa del Rey Clasico showdown
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet for the 32nd time in the Copa del Rey Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. According to the Catalan Club’s website, the previous 31 meetings have seen Barcelona win 16, lose 10 and draw 5 times
Pedro: “No one could have predicted this”
Following the match against CA Osasuna, FC Barcelona forward Pedro Rodríguez (25) took time out to appear on Barça TV programme “El Marcador”. He spoke about his current form and the upcoming Copa del Rey Clásico that could be his 200th game for the club, revealing that he is feeling confident ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Messi happy with Barcelona focus after joining 200-club
The 25-year-old was delighted the Blaugrana were not distracted by their impending Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, while Jordi Roura heaped praise on the Argentine