RSSLionel Messi Related Content
Barcelona vs Granada live streaming: Watch Messi-less La Liga match on Nov 23, 2013
Preview: Injuries could play a big part in this match for the hosts
A number of injury concerns will have Tata Martino somewhat worried heading into Saturday's match against Granada. With eight players in doubt, at least four of them will definitely miss this match.
Lionel Messi is obviously the big name on that injury list, which is also made up of Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and most recently Victor Valdes. Along with those four top players, Martino could be without Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Xavi and Cristian Tello, who are all in doubt, but have yet to be ruled out for this weekend's match.
Having so many injuries could be problematic, but fortunately Barcelona has good enough talent on their bench who can fill in.
Ballon d'Or 2013: Why Lionel Messi has done enough to win his 5th
Lately, a certain Portuguese attacker's name comes to everyone's lips—with his rampant displays for club and country. Cristiano Ronaldo, that is. His perfectly executed hat-trick against the Blågult in Sweden on November 19, which followed his match winner in the first leg of this World Cup Qualifying Playoff tie, has got people touting Cristiano Ronaldo again for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or to be awarded in January.
But what about Lionel Messi, the reigning holder of this prize? Last season wasn’t his best by his lofty standards, with some as far as calling it a disappointment. Indeed, his individual achievements in 2011-2012 were outrageous and therefore hard to equal for any player, including Messi himself.
Ecuador vs Argentina live streaming: Where to watch Nov 15, 2013 friendly
Preview: World Cup qualification achieved; now it's time to experiment
Ecuador will take on Alejandro Sabella's squad in a friendly match that will likely get a lot of attention in on the east coast in the USA. With both countries having already guaranteed their place in next year's World Cup, both managers will have a chance to test out some new options.
Argentina will first take on Ecuador, and they will then take on Bosnia-Herzegovina. That will give the Albiceleste a chance to see some of their options, but they will be without Lionel Messi for both.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo's boom has nothing to do with Lionel Messi's bust
It’s often said that criticism is the best motivator. In the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, it seems to have spurred him on to new heights that many had not even thought possible, despite his reputation as arguably one of the world’s finest footballers playing today.
The Portuguese attacker has scored 24 goals so far in all competitions and will certainly break the Champions League group stage record of eight goals set by trio Ruud van Nistelrooy, Filippo Ingazhi, and Hernan Crespo. As a result, he’s passed perennial rival Lionel Messi’s previously established haul of 13 European strikes in a calendar year.
Given that he’s scored in every single Champions League game so far this season, it’s probably certain that he’ll add more to that tally before the group stages conclude in December.
Barcelona vs Milan live streaming: Watch Messi in Nov 6, 2013 Champions League match
Preview: Barcelona can guarantee the knockout stage with a victory
Some would argue that AC Milan's current lot of players is not all that impressive. Others would even go as far as to say that this is one of, if not the worst Milan squad in years. Whether you agree with that or not, the truth is that they are three points from the relegation zone in Serie A.
On the European front, Allegri's squad has not lost from their three matches, and they find themselves second, two points behind Barcelona.
A draw at the Nou Camp would likely be welcomed from Allegri, who is under serious pressure.
2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or awards: 23 players and 10 coaches – Messi, Ronaldo, Fergie
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The Players – Messi, Ribery, Ronaldo favourites
Bayern Munich’s treble success last season, as well as the team’s current great performances and results, have duly been rewarded. The German giants dominate the 23-man shortlist with as many as six players – four of which are homegrown talents. Arjen Robben (Netherlands) and Franck Ribery (France) complete Bayern’s bunch.
Barcelona, who were thrown out of the UEFA Champions League by Bayern on a 7-0 aggregate result, are the second most represented team in the freshly released FIFA Ballon d’Or awards list. 2013 Confederations Cup winner Neymar joins club icons Messi, Iniesta and Xavi.
Watch El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid free live streaming, on TV - Oct 26, 2013
It is interesting to know that the Catalans, who have been tagged as favourites ahead of Saturday’s clash, have not beaten Real Madrid in 429 days. Indeed, under Jose Mourinho, the gap between these two Spanish rivals greatly reduced. The last five results between the pair are as follows:
El Clasico 2013: Top stats and facts on Messi vs Ronaldo and Barca vs Madrid
With another El Clasico upon us, we will take a look at some facts that stick out between Ronaldo and Messi. The two stars have made a significant impact on the El Clasico over the years, and the upcoming match will likely be no different.
From scoring goals to getting their teammates involved, their performances will always influence the final result.
1) Consistently Playing
It is not often that you see either player not finish any match, especially when it comes to El Clasico. For Lionel Messi, he has only not played the full 90 minutes against Real Madrid on one occasion. That match came in his first meeting with the Merengues during the 05/06 campaign, when he was subbed off in the 70th minute. The Blaugrana won that match 0-3.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid live on October 26, 2013: The world will be watching!
Barca’s winless streak in El Clasico
As the calendar confirms it, Saturday will mark 429 days since the Blaugrana last defeated their eternal rivals, Los Blancos. One must roll back the time to August 23 last year to re-live Barca’s latest victory. It occurred in the first leg of the 2012 Supercopa de Espana at the Camp Nou with the hosts winning 3-2.
The game was marked with a terrible blunder by goalkeeper Victor Valdes which allowed Argentine winger Angel Di Maria to reduce Real Madrid’s deficit. That goal proved vital as the Spanish giants, then managed by Jose Mourinho, beat the Catalans 4-4 on aggregate thanks to the away goals rule to lift the Spanish Super Cup.
Will 26 October 2013 mark the end of Barcelona’s five-match winless streak against Real Madrid?
Barcelona-Real Madrid: Five El Clasico duels to watch out for on October 26, 2013
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Diego Lopez vs Victor Valdes
While the forwards might get all the attention and the plaudits coming their way, the goalkeepers will have an equally important job on Saturday night. Both the men will be protecting their goal against some of the most accomplished players in the world of football and will definitely have to put up a special performance to help their team win.
Barcelona have conceded the lowest number of goals in La Liga and much of this is down to the brilliance of Victor Valdes who is set to bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.
Champions League: Milan in for a tough time at home as Lionel Messi returns
Barcelona are set to reacquaint themselves with the fabled San Siro as they take on AC Milan on Tuesday. This is the seventh time these two sides have met in the past two years. The last time the Catalan giants were in Lombardy, it was a case of them running back to Catalonia with their tails between their legs, thanks to goals by Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari.
At that time, many thought that the defeat was the beginning of the end for Barcelona. The same team that was then considered to be fading away has now become a genuine Champions League contender while their victors are now struggling a lot domestically while being exploited by inferior opposition in Europe.
Osasuna vs Barcelona live streaming in HD, on TV, radio: Oct 19, 2013 La Liga match
Preview: Barcelona wants to set the tone for the upcoming El Classico
Gerardo Martino's side is starting to get somewhat healthier, and it could not have come at a better time. As the Catalans prepare to take on Osasuna at El Sadar, they will likely be thinking of their upcoming matches against AC Milan and Real Madrid.
El Classico always generates plenty of hype and media attention, but if Barcelona is able to defeat Osasuna, they will head into the match against Madrid with the chance of surpassing their record of a nine match win streak.
What a better way to set a record, than against your rival, and on your home turf?
Barcelona vs Valladolid live: Where to watch La Liga match on October 5, 2013
Preview: Martino's undefeated Barcelona look to continue great streak
When Gerardo Martino was appointed manager of Barcelona, there were a number of question marks floating around the Nou Camp. Was he good enough? Without any European Football experience, would he struggle with the pressure?
The truth is that Tata Martino not only has silenced the critics, but he is also on the way to potentially breaking a record currently held by Real Madrid.
Having won nine successive matches, Real Madrid currently holds the record. Interestingly enough, if Barcelona was to break that record, they would have to do it against Real Madrid in three weeks time. But before they worry about that, they will need to focus on their match against Valladolid, who has only one victory in seven matches.
Celtic vs Barcelona live streaming online, on TV in USA, UK and the world - Oct 1, 2013
Preview: Neymar needs to step up in Messi's absence
It was not too long ago that Barcelona left Parkhead with a defeat, which led to tears pouring down the face of Rod Stewart. On Tuesday night, the Scottish Champions will be looking to steal points against the Catalans once again.
Going up against Barcelona without Messi in the squad is a relief for Neil Lennon's side, but the Celtic manager does not want to focus on that too much.
"Messi's absence is obviously good news for us," Lennon told UEFA's official website. "For me, he's the best player in the world. There's sadness too because it's always fantastic to see the greatest here in Glasgow."
How Barcelona’s majestic Messi overpowered Ajax, making Champions League history
The Catalans stumbled to a largely disappointing moment in the tournament last season. In the semi-finals, they were hit by a humiliating 7-0 aggregate loss to eventual winners Bayern Munich - the biggest defeat the Blaugrana had ever suffered in their entire history.
But the new European season has arrived and you can count on Gerardo Martino's men to give it their best shot.
On September 17, the name on everyone's lips was 'Cristiano Ronaldo'. The Argentine’s rival grabbed a hat-trick of his own as Los Blancos romped to a 6-1 victory over Galatasaray in Turkey.
That was the Portuguese’s second so far in the Champions League which left him behind the likes of Mario Gomez, Filippo Inzaghi, and Messi.
Paraguay vs Argentina live: Watch Messi star in crucial World Cup qualifier - September 10, 2013
Preview: The day Messi could captain Argentina to Brazil 2014
Lionel Messi is moments away from starting a party among Argentine supporters worldwide. La Pulga’s eight goals have helped the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists to top the table with 26 points ahead of Colombia, Chile and Ecuador.
The Barcelona man sealed his side’s win when they hosted Paraguay in September 2012. Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain were also on the score sheet as the game ended 3-1.
Tonight is Paraguay’s moment to prove to their fans that impossible is nothing by defeating the odds. Their World Cup hopes are very slim but still existent.
Paraguay vs Argentina: Messi to guide Argentina to World Cup 2014 berth
Argentina will be looking to end Paraguay’s misery for them when they take on the troubled side at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion in a World Cup qualification game. As things stand, Paraguay are in the second last position in the CONMEBOL qualification group and Los Guaranies are only playing for pride after losing eight times in the qualifiers. Despite a convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia this Friday, Victor Genes’ side have left it too late and could possibly see their qualification campaign come to an end if they lose to Argentine at home.
2013 UEFA Best Player: Messi, Ribery and Ronaldo's year in highlights
Thursday's UEFA Champions League draw will get the ball rolling on yet another exciting campaign for European football. Last season's champions, Bayern Munich, will be represented in the UEFA Best Player award, as Frank Ribery will be looking to beat out Messi and Ronaldo.
For Ronaldo, his desire to claim this award is not only something he is really wishing for, but his fans have been disappointed with the results in the previous two years.
The Portuguese captain has been in the running the last two seasons, but unfortunately was left behind with Messi and Andres Iniesta claiming the award. Could this be the year CR7 finally takes the award home with him?
We will take a look at their year from a statistical point of view, leaving you with an idea or an opinion as to who deserves to win the award.
*Watch the UEFA Champions League draw live and find out who wins the 2013 UEFA Best Player award.
Barcelona vs Atletico live: Watch Spanish Super Cup crowning on August 28, 2013
Preview: Which player will be the Supercopa de Espana hero?
With Lionel Messi back from injury, it is hard to predict which star will settle the game for his respective team, tonight; that is, if the battle sees a clear Man of the Match winner. In the first leg, David Villa’s opening goal almost gifted Atleti a valuable victory at the Vicente Calderon.
However, Neymar had other ideas. The Brazilian came on as a substitute to rescue new manager Gerardo Martino and the Blaugrana from defeat.
This two-legged Spanish Super Cup tie is wide open. Barcelona are known dominate games – especially at the Camp Nou. Still, Diego Simeone’s men must not be doubted. If Atletico Madrid are playing tonight, it is because they managed to stun bitter city rivals Real Madrid last season in the Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona are experiencing a new cycle under Martino. They will be hoping to win their first trophy of the campaign in front of their home supporters. How likely is an upset of the Catalans, though?
Lionel Messi, only returning from injury after missing last weekend’s 1-0 win away to Malaga, may or may not display the best of his abilities. This does not mean that tonight’s visitors will have a quiet time defending.
Expect Atletico – if they ever find their tempo at the Camp Nou – to defend a lot and try to hit Barca on the counter, just like Bayern Munich did in the UEFA Champions League semis last season.
In fact, Simeone’s men are under pressure since they are obliged to score to stand a chance of lifting the 2013 Spanish Super Cup. The 1-1 draw from the first leg means a goalless draw on Wednesday night will see Barcelona succeed current Supercopa de Espana titleholders Real Madrid.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live on Wednesday, August 28, 2013:
Messi injury update: Is Neymar Leo's helper or challenger at Barcelona?
Everyone who is concerned with the affairs at Barcelona is fully aware of the fact that Lionel Messi is absolutely vital to the club’s chances of success or failure. For the last four years, the Argentine international has been the arguably best player in the world. His goal scoring record speaks for itself. Moreover, the player is the lynchpin for his team’s attack.Although Barca boast the likes of Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and others who score frequently enough as well but when their talismanic teammate is not around, the whole team appears a toothless version of themselves. Now that he is injured, Barcelona will definitely be feeling a bit intimidated ahead of the game against Malaga who despite their numerous issues, are still a good team.
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