bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Aug 20, 2023 13:15:06 GMT
Lionel Messi leads MLS side Inter Miami to Leagues Cup win against Nashville SC..
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Team-mates held up Messi after he inspired Inter Miami to the League Cups winLionel Messi was hailed as the "best in the world" as he scored a 10th goal in seven games to help his Inter Miami side to their first trophy. The 36-year-old Argentinian fired into the top corner from outside the box to give Miami the lead against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final. Fafa Picault levelled in the second half to send the game to penalties. Miami sealed a 10-9 shootout win when Drake Callender saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's spot-kick. Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before World Cup-winning forward Messi arrived last month alongside former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. They are now unbeaten in seven games on their way to winning the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs. It was the club's first trophy since being formed in 2020. They also have the chance to reach another final when they play Cincinnati in the semi-final of the US Open Cup on Wednesday. Co-owner David Beckham said the former Barcelona trio were instrumental in the club's change in fortunes: "It is like a movie, you watch these players play and, emotionally, everything about their play is beautiful." Spain midfielder Busquets added: "The team is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very happy. "We are making a solid team - and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he's the best in the world." The win also meant seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi - who was named player of the tournament - has now won 44 trophies, more than any other player. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/119A9/production/_130850127_gettyimages-1610630733.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Aug 24, 2023 11:50:22 GMT
US Open Cup: Lionel Messi scores penalty as Inter Miami win semi-final shootout..
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The GENIUS himself
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Lionel Messi has 10 goals from eight games for Inter Miami and converted his penalty as they won their second shootout in four daysInter Miami came back from 2-0 down to reach their second final since Lionel Messi joined the MLS side last month. The Argentina forward, 36, had two assists in a thrilling US Open Cup semi-final at FC Cincinnati, which ended 3-3 after extra time. It was the first time Messi failed to score for Miami, in his eighth game for the club, but he converted his penalty as they won the shootout 5-4 in Ohio. Miami also beat Nashville on penalties to win the Leagues Cup on Saturday. That was the club's first major honour since being formed as an expansion team in 2020. They will now make their first appearance in the final of the US Open Cup, America's oldest and most prestigious knockout football competition, which dates back to 1913. Miami will host the Houston Dynamo on 27th September after they beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 after extra-time. Cincinnati were top of the MLS standings when the season was paused for the Leagues Cup in July while Miami were bottom. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/8/24/f5562fb2-d8d1-4ae8-926b-56c3f3474e10.jpgInter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino with MessiBut Miami are unbeaten in eight games after signing Messi and his former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Cincinnati led 2-0 with 22 minutes remaining after goals by Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez before Messi twice crossed for Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana to score with headers - the equaliser coming deep into stoppage time. Josef Martinez put Gerardo Martino's Miami side in front early in extra time from a Benjamin Cremaschi pass, before Yuya Kubo made it 3-3 on 114 minutes. With the shootout level at 4-4, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender saved Nick Hagglund's penalty before Miami-born Cremaschi, 18, converted the decisive spot-kick. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/8/24/a853e9df-a02c-452b-88c4-137209e1c94e.jpgMessi and Becksichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/8/24/246d8064-1e57-4177-aea2-f7fc940efe43.jpgMessi in action
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 4, 2023 8:25:25 GMT
Lionel Messi: World Cup winner helps Inter Miami beat Los Angeles FC..
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Inter Miami are unbeaten in 11 games since Lionel Messi made his debutLionel Messi laid on two assists to help Inter Miami beat MLS champions Los Angeles FC 3-1 at BMO Stadium. Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana scored to cancel out Ryan Hollingshead's effort for the hosts. The statement victory against last season's MLS Cup winners puts Miami nine points shy of the play-offs with nine games to play. Since Messi, 36, made his debut on 22nd July, Inter Miami have won the Leagues Cup and are unbeaten in 11 fixtures. The Argentine World Cup winner has scored 11 goals and chipped in with five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. Inter Miami return to the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for their next match against Sporting Kansas City on 10th September. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D59F/production/_130978645_gettyimages-1658193247.jpgPrince Harry was among the fans watching Messi in action
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 7, 2023 13:44:45 GMT
Inter Miami's season could collapse due to MLS rule amid major Lionel Messi blow..by Tom Beattie.i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/04/05/75027723-12477307-image-a-17_1693800562720.jpgInter Miami will have to navigate the absence of Lionel Messi during the international break as they prepare to play without him. The Herons are unbeaten since the arrival of the Argentine superstar stateside, with the veteran forward having helped to transform their fortunes. The team's new captain has already led them to trophy glory in the form of the Leagues Cup, supplying 11 goals in as many games. It is fair to say that the 37-year-old's inspired performances has galvanised Vice City but they will have to do without their talisman for their next game. The World Cup winner will be absent from his duties at DRV PNK Stadium in their next game after he was called up to play two international friendlies for his country. Still an active player for his nation, he has travelled to join up with his compatriots ahead of their clashes with Ecuador and Bolivia. Due to MLS action still continuing during the international break, Miami will have to do without Messi for a crunch clash against Kansas City. The Floridan franchise have a lot still to play for in MLS, as they chase down an all-important playoffs place in the final run-in to the regular season. Normally, teams required an an average of 43.3 points to make the final qualification slot, meaning the Herons will need approximately two points per game to meet their objective. But in all, Miami will be without nine first team players, who have been called up for their countries for the upcoming internationals in a significant blow for Vice City. Aside from Messi, this list includes significant names such as Drake Callender, Robert Taylor, Josef Martinez and Sergei Kryvtsov. Coach Tata Martino will be bouyed by the fact that he will still be able to call upon several key men as he prepares for the clash versus Kansas City. Among them will be former Barcelona pair Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as well as mainstays DeAndre Yedlin, Kamal Miller, Leo Campana and Dixon Arroyo. One positive is that first-choice goalkeeper Callender is expected to remain with his Miami teammates for this upcoming fixture, despite his US call up. He will then travel to join his national team ahead of the friendly versus Oman in Minnesota on September 12th. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/06/19/75133121-12488391-image-a-28_1694024661740.jpgMartino has already admitted that the team will have to mitigate for the loss of Messi due to his international commitments. He previously stated: "This [playing with a rotation] is something we need to get used to because Leo is going to join his national team. "He'll miss at least three games this year and next year it will be the same, and we need to understand that when he's not here the team still needs to provide results." Likewise, fellow key performer Busquets has issued a rally cry to his teammates to continue their form even without their star player. The Spanish midfielder said: "It will be a difficult match with so many national team players missing. "[That is] including Leo, who is always a difference maker for us, not only with his goals and assists but how he plays. We have to step it up, prepare well and hope to continue in the same way we have been playing to reach our objective." Due to a lacklustre first half of the season, Vice City are up against it in their quest to make the playoffs and still sit second from bottom of the Eastern Conference. That said, they sit eight points off D.C. United in the final qualification spot, with two games in hand.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 21, 2023 14:50:29 GMT
Lionel Messi: Argentine forced off with 'old injury' for Inter Miami as US Open Cup final looms..
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Lionel Messi handed the captain's armband to DeAndre Yedlin.Lionel Messi was forced off after 37 minutes on his return to action for Inter Miami - but his team-mates sealed a 4-0 win over Toronto FC. The Argentine, absent for Miami's 5-2 defeat by Atlanta on Saturday due to fatigue, could miss next week's US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo. Manager Gerardo Martino said the 36-year-old is carrying an "old injury". The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was not used by Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni against Bolivia last week. Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba also suffered an injury against Toronto and Martino said both players would definitely miss Sunday's game against Orlando City. "There is no chance they will be there on Sunday," said Martino. "I know we have a final to play [on Wednesday] but they won't go near the pitch if they can't play." Miami have not lost any of the 11 matches in which Messi has featured since he joined the MLS club in July, after leaving French champions Paris St-Germain at the end of the 2022-23 season. The score was level at 0-0 when captain Messi left the field against Toronto, but his replacement, Robert Taylor, scored twice and Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi also found the net in a comfortable victory. "The scans [Messi] had with the national team, they didn't show any injury. We still saved him to be safe," Martino said. "We don't think he has a muscular injury. That's also from a conversation I just had with him. "But we have to continue being careful. We'll look at it the next few days." Argentina manager Scaloni said Messi did not feature for his country last week because he "was not ready to play" and the World Cup winner "did not feel comfortable".
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 28, 2023 7:56:18 GMT
Inter Miami 1-2 Houston Dynamo: Lionel Messi misses US Open Cup final defeat..
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Houston Dynamo also won the US Open Cup in 2018The injured Lionel Messi watched from the stands as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final of US Open Cup. Forward Messi, 36, was substituted against Toronto FC last week because of an "old injury" and sat out Miami's draw at Orlando City on Monday. Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty put Houston 2-0 up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time. Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made three saves as Dynamo clinched their second US Open Cup in five years. Miami's Spain defender Jordi Alba also missed the game because of injury. Miami manager Gerardo Martino said Argentina World Cup winner Messi's return to full fitness was the club's top priority. "It was not prudent for him to play. We couldn't even consider playing him for a few minutes because we would be taking risks," said former Barcelona and Argentina boss Martino. Martino said Messi will "certainly play before the league is over". The regular MLS season ends on 21st October, with the play-offs taking place from 25th October to 9th December. Messi has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the MLS franchise since joining in July after his Paris St-Germain contract expired. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/10B5F/production/_131274486_16ba611027738769278b149343d1fabfd167a893.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 2, 2023 8:02:18 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 4, 2023 7:57:11 GMT
Lionel Messi: Chicago Fire offer $250 incentive for fans attending Inter Miami match..
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Messi has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances for Inter MiamiChicago Fire have offered a financial incentive for fans attending Wednesday's MLS match against Inter Miami, whose star player Lionel Messi could miss out through injury. Chicago Fire have sold more than 61,000 tickets for the game at Soldier Field. Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has missed Miami's past three matches. Fire will give $250 (£207) credit towards "new memberships for the 2024 season" or $50 (£41) credit to "single-game ticket buyers". They said fans would receive the credit "regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch". A Fire statement read: "While we don't yet know the official status of Lionel Messi's availability for our match tomorrow, as there's never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don't get the chance to see him play. "We realise that there will be many in attendance who are coming to a Chicago Fire match at Soldier Field for the first time, and we're excited to welcome them to the Fire Family and give them an opportunity to become long-term fans by creating a wonderful, fan-focused atmosphere." Fire's highest attendance at Soldier Field 37,122, against LA Galaxy in their inaugural season in 1998. Argentina's World Cup winner Messi has played once in six games for Miami since 3 September and watched their 2-1 defeat by Houston Dynamo in the final of the US Open Cup last week from the stands. Messi, 36, signed for Miami in July after his contract with Paris St-Germain expired. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1222/production/_131324640_gettyimages-1699628100.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 8, 2023 23:43:07 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 11, 2023 17:21:22 GMT
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami star will not go on loan - Guillem Balague..
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Inter Miami have won eight times with Lionel Messi in the team and just once without himLionel Messi will not join another team on loan when the Major League Soccer season ends, says Guillem Balague. The Inter Miami captain, 36, has been linked with a return to Barcelona and a switch to the Saudi Pro League. Inter Miami are out of play-off contention after Saturday's 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati and their season ends on 21st October. Argentine World Cup winner Messi has only played 72 minutes in the MLS since early September due to injury. After the MLS regular season ends, Argentina have World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil on 17th and 22nd November and Messi is then expected to take a month's holiday. "Messi will have around one month holiday, like other footballers. So forget any move to Saudi or similar," says Spanish football expert Balague. He will then return for pre-season in Miami with the MLS new season starting in February. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Inter Miami from Paris St-Germain in July and guided the club to their first Leagues Cup victory in August, before losing the US Open Cup. Although he has scored 11 goals in 13 games for the side, only one of those has come in his five MLS appearances. Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona ever since he left for PSG in 2021 after 21 years at the club. Asked about the rumours after the loss to FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino said: "That's surprising. I know nothing about that. If you're telling me that he's going to go visit Barcelona on vacation, yes, it's probable, but I don't have any information on the other part." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/7859/production/_131390803_gettyimages-1723314409.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 18, 2023 9:27:25 GMT
Lionel Messi scores twice for Argentina against Peru as Brazil's Neymar suffers injury..
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Messi captained Argentina to World Cup victory in DecemberLionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in South American World Cup qualifying with both goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Peru. Messi, 36, opened the scoring after 32 minutes and added a second with a spectacular finish moments later. He now has 31 goals in Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, surpassing Luis Suarez 29 for Uruguay. "This team is incredible. Every time they play they are very close to being the best in history," Messi said. "On a game level I think we have grown. After winning the World Cup we are confident, very loose, more united and firm. Hopefully we can continue to grow." Forward Messi missed Inter Miami's US Open Cup final defeat by Houston Dynamo last month because of injury and had not started a match for his club since 21 September. He came on as a substitute in Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay on Thursday and started in Lima on Tuesday. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said: "The team has understood Messi for a long time. It benefits him and he feels comfortable. "I hope he plays as much as he can because everyone is happy to see him on the pitch." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/49DA/production/_131460981_lionel_messi_getty.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 27, 2023 8:21:41 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 30, 2023 21:41:47 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 30, 2023 21:50:05 GMT
Here is the full Men's Ballon d'Or listichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/30/133905e5-df66-424c-bbae-a8a821fa0502.jpgJosko Gvardiol (Manchester City, Croatia) Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany) Andre Onana (Manchester United, Cameroon) Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad, France) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England) Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium) Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England) Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain, France) Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli, Georgia) Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan, Italy) Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina) Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal) Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway) Martin Odegaard (Arsenal, Norway) Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona, Germany) Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal, Morocco) Julian Alvarez (Manchester City, Argentina) Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil) Rodri (Manchester City, Spain) Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid, France) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, Argentina) Robert Lewandowski(Barcelona, Poland) Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, South Korea) Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia) Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain, France) Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Nigeria) ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/30/385b6b25-011b-4b5c-ba50-a43261137031.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 30, 2023 22:14:20 GMT
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Post by lostinspace on Oct 31, 2023 8:43:14 GMT
The world is struggling for good footballers..but to have this man as another Balloon' winner is just nuts
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Nov 12, 2023 10:42:04 GMT
Lionel Messi has 'no doubt' Inter Miami will win more silverware after claiming his eighth Ballon d'Or..
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Inter Miami held a ceremony to honour Lionel Messi before Friday's friendly, dubbed 'Noche d'Or'Lionel Messi has "no doubt" Inter Miami will secure more silverware after he extended his record for Ballon d'Or wins. The 36-year-old Argentina forward was named the world's best player for an eighth time last month, after helping his country win the 2022 World Cup. He left Paris St-Germain to join Miami in July and the MLS club won its first trophy in August - the Leagues Cup. "We are going to continue enjoying and winning titles," said Messi. "I hope you accompany us as you accompanied us all these months that I've been here." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/789F/production/_131697803_tv089475466.jpgMessi was speaking before playing his first game back in Miami, a friendly against New York City to close the 2023 US season. The club celebrated Messi's achievement by branding the game the 'Noche d'Or', holding a special ceremony on the field at DRV PNK Stadium. "I had no doubt that we were going to have a good time, that we were going to enjoy it," added the four-time Champions League winner. "Today I have no doubt, as I didn't at the beginning, and much less now, that next year is going to be a lot better." Miami also signed Messi's former Barcelona team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba during the 2023 season and have reportedly agreed a deal for Luis Suarez, another ex-Barca player, to arrive before the 2024 season. Before Friday's game, Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas and co-owner Jose Mas walked along a gold carpet with MLS commissioner Don Garber to address the crowd. They were joined by Messi and gold fireworks went off as he held aloft his latest Ballon d'Or trophy, although he was unable to help his side avoid a 2-1 defeat. "I've only been here a little while but it really feels like I've been here a long time," added Messi, who is under contract to the end of 2025. "I want to thank all the people of Miami, not only the ones here at the stadium, but in the city in general, for the way you have treated not only me, but also my family these last few months. "You've shown me a lot of love and made me feel at home."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Nov 17, 2023 9:02:15 GMT
FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2023 - WORLD CUP QUALIFYING - SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina 0 Uruguay 2 (Araujo, Núñez)
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Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while Uruguay did not make it out of their group
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/11/17/3c014039-afc2-4e37-91a0-69292a091a7d.jpgDarwin Nunez scored as Uruguay ended Argentina's 14-match winning run going back to the 2022 World Cup. The Liverpool forward slotted home in the 87th minute after Ronald Araujo had opened the scoring in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. World Cup winners Argentina had not lost since their 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their first match at the Qatar tournament last year. "We never felt comfortable," said Argentina captain Lionel Messi. "The loss is a good test for us. They are an intense team and it was difficult for us to play our game. "They have physical and fast players in the midfield. We didn't find a way to possess the ball for a long period of time." It was the first time Messi had failed to score for his country, when playing, since their World Cup group-stage win over Poland. Araujo's opener for Uruguay was the first goal Argentina have conceded since the World Cup final against France - a run of eight matches. Uruguay appointed former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa as head coach in May and Messi said the Argentine's influence is already clear. "You can see Bielsa's hand on the way Uruguay is playing," Messi said. "In all the national teams or clubs, including Argentina, his style was very recognisable. And he has a good generation of players." Argentina, who had won all four of their opening qualifiers, remain top of the standings with 12 points from five matches while Uruguay are second with 10 points.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Nov 20, 2023 14:41:43 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Nov 22, 2023 9:03:05 GMT
Lionel Messi believes there "could have been a tragedy" during the crowd trouble that delayed Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Brazil..
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The Argentina players went over to the stands to try to calm the situation down before returning to the dressing roomPolice charged at away fans following scuffles before kick-off in a section of the Maracana Stadium that Messi says contained players' friends and family. Argentina captain Messi and his players went over to try and calm the situation before returning to the dressing room. "It was bad because we saw how they were beating people," said Messi, 36. "The police, as happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with night sticks. "We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, it could have ended in tragedy. "You think about the families, the people who are there, who don't know what's going on and we were more concerned about that than playing a match that, at that point, was of secondary importance." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/11/22/c15f3a12-c947-42df-98d3-639433e6ad90.jpgThe trouble began when rival fans clashed in a stand behind one of the goals at the stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the national anthems, prompting police to charge at Argentina's supporters, some using batons. Some supporters ripped out seats and threw them at police in response, while others spilled out onto the pitch to escape the trouble. The Argentina players and some members of the Brazil team walked over to try to calm the situation, with Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez trying to grab a baton out of a police officer's hand. The players eventually left the field before returning after police had gathered the Argentina fans into a separate section of the stand and the game was able to begin after 30-minute delay. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/15F16/production/_131787898_cd2b72c2cf45c0574f101eafbc6f3eacfc9b9c50-1.jpgMessi and his players attempted to calm the situation before returning to the dressing roomThe trouble unfolded a fortnight after trouble broke out between fans of Brazilian side Fluminense and Argentine club Boca Juniors before the Copa Libertadores final - the South American equivalent of the Champions League final - which was also staged at the Maracana. Brazil captain Marquinhos, who joined the Argentina players on the pitch calling for calm in the stands, added: "We were worried about the families, women and children that we were seeing in panic up there in the stands. "Down on the pitch it was hard for us to understand what was going on, it was a very scary situation." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F4D6/production/_131787626_cafe895ba77f10f676717ce0841af732b5186084.jpgArgentina goalkeeper Martinez atteempted to grab a baton out of a police officer's handWorld champions Argentina won 1-0 thanks to a goal from former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi. Newcastle midfielder Joelinton was sent off for Brazil, who lost a home World Cup qualifier for the first time. The five-time World Cup winners have now lost three successive qualifiers to sit sixth in the South American qualifying table, eight points behind leaders Argentina and in the last spot that guarantees a place at the 2026 finals. Despite the historic victory, after the game Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni - who led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar 12 months ago - said he was considering resigning. "Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well," said the 45-year-old, who took charge in 2018. "I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/11/22/f3621bc8-fefb-4af7-bd5f-3d3fc846d911.jpg
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