All posts by h716a5.icu

Angel Di Maria insisted Lionel Messi is the "greatest player in history" and claimed that he wanted to win the World Cup for his skipper.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentina beat France on penalties in World Cup finalMessi emerged as the best player of the tournamentDi Maria lavished praise on the Argentine captainGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina's World Cup victory celebration in Buenos Aires turned into a spectacle as millions of ecstatic fans flooded the streets to welcome their triumphant football heroes after they beat France in the final on penalties. An unseen footage of the open bus ride has emerged where Di Maria is seen sharing an emotional moment with Messi where the duo eventually ends up in an embrace.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT DI MARIA SAID

In the documentary titled Di Maria was caught on camera saying to Messi: "For me, playing with you on a team is what I wanted, man. And winning it, winning this trophy with you, I know that it's…."

Later on, he goes on to add: "It became more about him than about me. I wanted to win the World Cup for him. Without a doubt, for me, he is the greatest in history."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The streets of Buenos Aires were filled, making it impossible for the bus to proceed as initially intended. In response to the unprecedented crowd size and security concerns, the victory parade was rerouted, and the team made an impromptu departure from the ground. Helicopters provided a unique exit strategy for Messi and company, ensuring their safety and allowing them to share the World Cup trophy with their adoring fans from above.

[ad_pod ]

Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Southampton’s transfer policy, per Sky Sports.

The new Saints manager has managed 10 games at the helm of the Saints and has taken the club from 18th in the Premier League to 15th, but they are yet to make a January signing.

What’s the word?

Hasenhuttl has overseen a few departures from the club this month; Manolo Gabbiadini joined Sampdoria, Wesley Hoedt moved to Celta Vigo on loan, and Steven Davis returned to Rangers.

The departures have not, however, seen the recruitment of replacements in this transfer window.

And Hasenhuttl has insisted that he has seen no reason to strengthen his squad, though he says he is always open to the possibility of recruiting young players who have the scope to improve at St Mary’s.

“The team have shown that they have more potential in them than people thought,” he told Sky Sports. “We didn’t have to immediately bring new players in.

Check out the video below to see how Brazil fans reacted to being asked how Cristiano Ronaldo would perform for them in a hilarious prank by Pl>ymaker FC…

“We tried to create potential and quality, and I think we did that. That doesn’t mean we are not looking, because we are looking, but we’ll only do a transfer if it helps us immediately and also for the future.

“It’s a package. If you find a young player who has potential and quality then we’ll think about a transfer. The more important thing in this transfer period is to give players away, to have a committed group that is not too big.”

Sensible managerial decisions

Southampton seemed directionless prior to Hasenhuttl’s appointment and were drifting towards the worst possible fate, relegation.

Now they have a manager with his head screwed on following the departure of Mark Hughes, and his words make an awful lot of sense.

Southampton have made their name when it comes to searching for bargains with huge sell-on potential; the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk have netted the club huge profits, without compromising on the quality of the starting XI.

The Saints are right to wait to enter the transfer market, too, as they have finally hit a period of decent form, and Hasenhuttl appears to have a settled line-up.

His vision will surely start to take shape in the summer if the Saints are to dip into the transfer market but, for now, they are sensible to keep their powder dry and focus on the bigger picture of surviving.

Manchester United have been reportedly handed a double Galatasaray injury boost ahead of their make-or-break Champions League clash.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Galatasaray handed double injury blowSanchez and Bardakci out United will be without RashfordWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Turkish publication, the Turkish giants could be without the services of former Tottenham defender Davison Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci. While Sanchez has been ruled out with a strain in his upper left rear muscle, Bardakci could still make it to the matchday squad if he can successfully negotiate a late fitness test.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Red Devils seek redemption against Galatasaray, after a defeat at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, which could help them overcome a troubled Champions League campaign. Sitting fourth in Group A, they are desperate for the three points to boost qualification chances. The defeat to FC Copenhagen in the previous fixture further complicated the math for United who now face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the the knockout rounds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 30 years back, in 1993, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad failed to produce the goods in a do-or-die knockout match in Istanbul as they were held to a goalless draw, following a 3-3 result at Old Trafford. Eric Cantona was sent off and it is believed that the United players got into a tussle with riot police in the tunnel in the aftermath of the shock exit from Europe.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United also have a lengthy injury list as several first-team players are out injured including includingCasemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia. Mason Mount was the latest casualty as the former Chelsea midfielder picked up a fresh calf injury which will rule him out for the game against Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will miss the game after he was sent off against FC Copenhagen in United's last European fixture. Nonetheless, they might be boosted with the return of Rasmus Hojlund, who has been in fine form in Europe scoring five goals in four matches, as the Danish striker is back in training.

Weston McKennie returned to the Juventus midfield on Saturday as he was rejoined by U.S. men's national team teammate Tim Weah in the club's XI.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

McKennie starts in midfieldWeah back in at wingbackJuve win 2-0

Both Americans earned the start in Juve's 2-0 win over Torino, with the two playing together for the first time. Prior to Saturday, McKennie and Weah had been battling for the same position at right wing-back, but the former's return to a familiar midfield spot opened the door for the latter to make his own return to the XI.

Their starts came in a Juve win, as the Italian giants continued their dominance in their local derby with Torino. With the win, Juventus continued a run that has seen them lose just once to Torino in the last 28 years.

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The match seemingly started on a high for Juve, who, just a few minutes in, appeared to seize an early advantage on a goal from Moise Kean, who started up top in place of the injured Dusan Vlahovic. The goal, though, was ruled back, giving Torino a lifeline early.

Juve did eventually get their goal, though, early in the second half, although that one two was nearly called back as well. A lengthy review followed after Federico Gatti was able to finally tap home a rebound from close range following a set piece, but Juve were rewarded as the VAR determined there was no offside on the sequence.

Substitute Arkadiusz Milik put the game out of reach in the 62nd minute with a towering header from a Filip Kostic corner kick, sealing another win for Juve in a match where their attack never quite got going from open play.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

McKennie's return to the midfield will be the story of the game as he joined usual starters Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot in the center of the pitch.

The American had largely been starting as a wingback in recent weeks, making five starts in the position prior to Saturday's return to the center. With McKennie starting, Weah had been relegated to the bench, but his teammate's shift freed up his starting spot out wide.

It remains to be seen if Massimiliano Allegri will continue to see McKennie as a potential midfield starter. The USMNT star didn't quite steal the show in Saturday's win, as he was just solid, but not spectacular. In an ideal world, he would have been a bit more involved than he was as, out of Juve's three midfielders, he was the least active on the ball throughout the match.

GettyUSMNT IMPACT

The U.S. isn't concerned with where McKennie and Weah are playing, but rather how they are playing and how often. Even so, McKennie's move back to the middle will be a welcome sight.

McKennie faces a big test in the coming international break with Tyler Adams still out due to injury, leaving the U.S. without their star No. 6. As a result, McKennie and Yunus Musah could be asked to do a bit more defending if the U.S. flip their midfield to include a No. 10 like, say, Gio Reyna.

As for Weah, he remains a go-to starter on the wing and will likely play significant minutes for the U.S. during the international break.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Weston McKennie (6/10):

Decent, but not incredible. Could have been a bit more active in the attack as Juve dominated the game but, overall, it's hard to complain too much in a 2-0 win that never looked in doubt.

Tim Weah (7/10):

Very good to see him get 90 minutes, especially considering his recent spell as a substitute. Had a few good moments, but will need to be a bit more precise in the final third going forward.

USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi scored for PSV less than two minutes after entering the game, helping the Dutch side to a 2-0 win over Heerenveen.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pepi scores for PSVDefeat Heerenveen 2-0Second goal in eight daysWHAT HAPPENED?

Just over 60 seconds after being brought into the match, the USMNT star was set loose on a breakway, beating the goalkeeper in a 1v1 situation. The 20-year-old scored the game-winner in the UEFA Champions League last week against Sevilla, sending the Dutch side through to the knockout round, and followed it up again Thursday with another goal.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pepi isn't a starter at PSV – and for good reason. He's behind Dutch striker Luuk De Jong in the pecking order and likely won't jump ahead of him anytime soon, either. The PSV forward has 10 goals and six assists in 15 matches in the Eredivisie this season, with two more goals in the UCL to add to it. Pepi, despite his fine goalscoring form, is best served as a super sub for now, because of the fact that De Jong is in such incredible form.

For the USMNT, though, Pepi's excellence at PSV is also a shared moment – with international teammates Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman. The American trio are thriving in the Netherlands, which is brilliant news for Gregg Berhalter and co.

DID YOU KNOW

Pepi grew up in the FC Dallas academy system in MLS, before moving to the Bundesliga with Augsburg – and now, ending up in Holland with PSV.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT'S NEXT FOR PEPI

The USMNT star and PSV take on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, but regardless of the outcome, Arsenal will take first in the group and the Dutch side will take second. Both are confirmed to advance to the next round of the tournament.

The star forwards put in impressive displays for their sides in the first legs of the round-of-16

The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is starting to take shape now that all of the first legs of the round-of-16 ties have taken place. Inter and FC Porto have the advantage from the latest round of games, while PSV are tied with Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are all square with Barcelona.

Serie A leaders Inter are flying high and took a narrow advantage from their encounter with Diego Simeone's Atletico de Madrid. FC Porto, too, picked up a slender lead as they snatched a last-gasp winner from their home match against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Things are all square between PSV and Borussia Dortmund, as the Dutch side fought back to earn a vital draw after falling behind on home soil, while Barcelona went ahead in Italy before Napoli managed to snatch a draw later in the second half.

It was an interesting week of matches in Europe's most prestigious competition, but who were the standout performers? With the help of the FedEx Performance Zone, GOAL takes a look at the stars of the UCL last week.

Getty ImagesDonyell Malen | Borussia Dortmund | 65 points

Back on home soil against the team that sold him to Borussia Dortmund, Donyell Malen made a huge impression against PSV. The forward opened the scoring just 24 minutes into the UEFA Champions League tie in Eindhoven but he did much more than that. No one had more shots in the game than the Oranje star's five attempts, but he had an incredible four on target – no one else forced more than one save in the entire game. He was absolutely pivotal for his team and was unlucky not to have given them a lead when they left Noord-Brabant.

AdvertisementGettyRobert Lewandowski | Barcelona | 50 points

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was a huge force for Barcelona in their trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday. He gave his team the lead on the hour mark, but he was a massive threat throughout the game. The 35-year-old had four shouts overall – all inside the box – and won four aerial challenges over the field, marking him as a big help to Xavi's team leaving with a 1-1 draw.

GettyLautaro Martinez | Inter | 50 points

Inter look devastating in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. They owe much of that to coach Simeone Inzaghi, but perhaps even more to star striker Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine has grown into an unbelievable figure for the San Siro side and that was on show in their match against a brutal Atletico de Madrid team. He did not get on the scoresheet, but the forward was integral as he had a total of seven shots and fought hard to win the ball as Inter managed a 1-0 win.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesGaleno | FC Porto | 48 points

FC Porto midfielder Galeno has been unbelievable in the UEFA Champions League this season. It was no surprise, then, to see that the late winner in his team's match against Arsenal was scored by the 26-year-old. He had already hit the woodwork in the last-16 tie and with four goals and three assists to his name in the competition before kick-off, he was a man to watch for Arteta's team, yet they could not keep him silent until the end.

Lionel Messi is heading on a historic tour of Hong Kong, with Inter Miami announcing a trip to the Far East will form part of their pre-season plans.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Florida-based franchise heading to Far EastWill be club's first international tourSuperstars readying themselves for 2024 seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

The MLS franchise have never visited Asia before, with a first international tour in the club’s short history being lined up. They had been due to head for China at the end of the 2023 campaign, but those plans descended into chaos and were eventually ripped up.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami will, however, be facing the Hong Kong Team – a collection of the best players from the Hong Kong First Division League – at the 40,000-capacity national stadium on February 4. Messi should form part of that fixture, as he gears up for another shot at major silverware in 2024, while Luis Suarez could also be on the club’s books by then.

WHAT INTER MIAMI SAID

Co-owner Jorge Mas has told the club’s : “We're very excited to be visiting Hong Kong and indeed Asia for the very first time. From the very beginning we set out to be a global club at Inter Miami. This is a wonderful opportunity to do just that; we hope to enthuse and inspire new Inter Miami fans in Hong Kong and across Asia who share our passion for futbol.”

David Beckham added: “Hong Kong is a beautiful city with a great sports scene. Throughout my career, I have spent a lot of time in Asia – I am so pleased to have the opportunity to bring Inter Miami to play our first international tour match in this fantastic city.”

Chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson went on to say: “We’re looking forward to this tour as a special experience for our club, and also as an important opportunity to prepare the team as best as possible for the 2024 season. This match will offer our players chances to face new opponents on the field and compete in new environments.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Tickets for the match in Hong Kong will go on sale on December 15. Inter Miami are also looking to line up a number of other pre-season friendly dates, with it already confirmed that they will be facing the El Salvador national team in an exhibition game on January 19, 2024.

The 17-year-old needed less than a minute to break Athletic Club hearts and help Xavi's side close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the table

After 79 painful minutes from a cast of experienced players, Barcelona needed youth to salvage what could be a crucial La Liga win. Marc Guiu, making his club debut and second matchday squad appearance, bagged a late goal to give the Blaugrana a 1-0 victory after an otherwise frustrating contest.

Joao Felix should have put Barcelona ahead after 10 minutes, but clipped Ferran Torres' ball over the bar — despite having ample space. Fermin Lopez, too, came close, only to see an effort well denied by Unai Simon.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, had his moments in the Barca goal — notably diving to stop Nico Williams in the closing stages of the first half.

The Blaugrana had further chances in the second half. Simon denied Felix twice within the first 15 minutes. Torres had a shot blocked by a lunging defender. Fermin Lopez skied one from 10 yards out. Lamine Yamal dragged one outside the post shortly after coming on.

In the end, it was a teenage debutant that showed his team-mates how it's done. Guiu had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he burst in behind the Athletic defence, corralled a pass, and fired past Simon to give Barca a crucial victory that ensures they sit just one point behind Real Madrid ahead of next week's Clasico.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Forced into a trio of impressive saves in the first half. Will be happy with the clean sheet.

Joao Cancelo (7/10):

Doesn't have the best understanding with Torres, and didn't always connect well. He was much more effective when Yamal came on. Completed the most dribbles in the match.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Handed a rare start with Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo both out. Made one impressive block at the end of the first half. Had little to do in the second.

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Covered well when Athletic looked to hit on the break, especially when Alejandro Balde pushed up. Removed after an hour. A solid shift.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):

Scampered forward on the left wing, and caused problems against Oscar de la Marcos. Looked tired toward the end of things, and was correctly removed.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Oriol Romeu (5/10):

Passed sideways a lot, and didn't really stamp his authority on the game. Xavi probably made the right call to sub him off after an hour.

Gavi (7/10):

Picked up an obligatory booking, and created chaos in the middle of the park. A deeper role looks like it suits him.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Kept things ticking along, and always looked to find the incisive ball. An important player, even if he didn't score or assist.

GettyAttack

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Deployed on the right wing with Lamine Yamal unable to start after picking up an injury. Was lively, but not clinical enough in key areas. He has potential, but Xavi still doesn't seem to know where to use him.

Joao Felix (7/10):

Awkwardly forced into a central role, despite a series of impressive performances in attacking midfield. Looked far more effective when allowed to drop deeper in the second half.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Ran a lot, looked to create in a rare start. But he missed a couple of good chances. Likely won't be in the XI when Barca are back to full strength.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Only available for 30 minutes after picking up an injury. Made things happen and really should have scored.

Ronald Araujo (6/10):

Didn't have much to do, but won a few headers.

Marc Guiu (9/10):

Scored with his second touch on his debut. Fairytale stuff from the 17-year-old.

Marcos Alonso (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (7/10):

Injuries forced him into a weakened XI, with Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Pedri and Raphinha all unavailable. His side were poor in front of goal for most of proceedings, but Xavi will now look like a genius for his introduction of Guiu.

Phil Parkinson insisted that Wrexham have "got no divine right to win" but was delighted with thumping Morecambe victory.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham bounced back from Accrington Stanley defeatMullin's hat-trick powered the Welsh side to a 6-0 winParkinson hailed his troops for their emphatic responseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons climbed to the second spot in the League Two table after scoring six past Morecambe at the Racecourse Ground. After Joel Senior's own goal handed Wrexham an early lead, Paul Mullin added another just two minutes after the opener. Jacob Mendy increased the margin before Mullin struck twice in the second half to complete his hat-trick. James Jones scored deep into stoppage time to pile more misery on Morecambe which further thrilled Parkinson as his side was heading into the fixture on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

AdvertisementWHAT PHIL PARKSINSON SAID ABOUT THE VICTORY

Speaking to reporters after the match, Parkinson said: "We have got no divine right to win but we have won a lot. When you lose it hurts and it is a long week. It is as simple as that. No matter how long you have been a manager, when you lose, it is a lot of soul-searching. But you can't change it and you can just respond as a group.

"The response on the training ground has been outstanding from the lads and there was a real positive feeling coming into this game. We wanted to get back to winning ways and we have done it in emphatic fashion."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The massive victory also drew euphoric reactions from co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While Reynolds labelled the efforts from the lads as "incredible hustle", McElhenney hailed Mullin as "incredible" for gifting another remarkable afternoon to the fans.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham have little time to rest on their laurels as they are set to return to action against Harrogate Town on Tuesday night in another League Two encounter.

Aaron Ramsdale’s father has questioned the handling of Arsenal’s goalkeeper situation, claiming that Mikel Arteta has got things “wrong”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Gunners acquired Spaniard over the summerHave made him their new first-choice keeperEngland star left mulling over his futureWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners appeared to have their long-term No.1 in place when handing starting duties to England international Ramsdale. He was, however, to see David Raya drafted in from Brentford over the summer, and the Spaniard has quickly taken over between the sticks.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ramsdale has admitted to “suffering and hurting” after surrendering his spot, with his father telling that a sense of joy has been lost in the game for a usually confident and enigmatic character. Nick Ramsdale has said: “Aaron’s lost that smile to when he was holding onto that ball at this moment in time. And it is difficult. It really is difficult to see him there and we all keep saying you need to keep smiling.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Ramsdale senior went on to say of how Arsenal kept transfer business close to their chest, before then taking the decision to hand starting duties to Raya: “When I spoke to Mr Arteta on the phone before he signed Aaron, he said he wanted Aaron. But now, you know, David Raya’s back on the market and he’s had David Raya. Aaron is going to be the cup goalkeeper, and David Raya is going to be the main man unless something happens, an injury or a sending-off. Aaron’s got to live with that and he is living with that even though he’s not been told it. By anybody. You’ve got to give the guy a chance for God’s sake. Even though the way it’s been done, in my eyes, it's been wrong and we can talk about that but it’s the decision. Really and truly we’ve got to get behind David Raya. He’s part of the family now. Whether it's only until May-June of next year. It won’t be, it’ll be longer in my eyes, but that’s by the by.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

There has been talk of Ramsdale making a move elsewhere, potentially in January or at the end of the season, with the 25-year-old shot-stopper having his own future to think about as he seeks regular game time at club level and further recognition with England heading towards Euro 2024.