Category: Messi

Messi to Sit out PSG Game Against Lorient as a Precaution

PARIS—Lionel Messi has some inflammation on his Achilles tendon and is being rested for Paris Saint-Germain’s trip to Lorient on Sunday as a precautionary measure. PSG said Saturday that the Argentina star, who will look to win the World Cup for the first time in his stellar career, is expected to resume training next week….


Argentina’s ‘First Fan’ Reached Qatar 6 Months Early

BUENOS AIRES—Argentina’s self-styled “first fan” Marcelo Martinez is so keen to see Lionel Messi and team mates at the World Cup that he arrived in Qatar six months early. The first traveling Argentinian fan—and possibly the first visiting fan full stop—flew into Doha on May 3 with his blue-and-white wig, and has been having a…


Messi Names France and Brazil as Favourites to Win World Cup

MEXICO CITY—Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core group of players who have played together for a long time. Messi said Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain are always labelled favourites to win but the 35-year-old…


Lionel Messi Signs 2-year Contract With Paris Saint-Germain

Lionel Messi finally signed his eagerly anticipated Paris Saint-Germain contract on Tuesday night to complete the move that confirms the end of a career-long association with Barcelona and sends PSG into a new era. The French club said in a statement that the 34-year-old Argentina star signed a two-year deal with the option for a…


Messi Gets Hero’s Welcome in France After Agreeing to Join PSG

LE BOURGET, France—Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi received a hero’s welcome after flying to France on Tuesday to join Paris Saint Germain (PSG) following his shock departure from Barcelona. The agreement to sign the 34-year-old Argentine is a major coup for wealthy PSG, who will add one of the best soccer players of all…


Barca Says Even Cut-Price Messi Too Expensive to Keep

BARCELONA—Barcelona was forced to let star player Lionel Messi leave the club because his high wages coupled with strict La Liga financial rules could have jeopardized its future, President Joan Laporta said on Friday. Both the club, which has suffered steep losses recently, and 34-year-old Messi had wanted to sign a new contract. But the…


Messi to Leave Barcelona Due to ‘Financial Obstacles’: Club Statement

MADRID—Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona despite both parties having reached an agreement over a new contract, the La Liga club said on Thursday, citing economic and structural obstacles to the renewal of the deal. Messi, who joined Barca’s youth set-up aged 13, is the club’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker…