Sunday, 18 September 2016

Barcelona won 5-1.. Messi, Suarez and Neymar all on target

Barcelona came into the match, against Liga newcomer Leganes, with the MSN all started for the first time in liga this season (Against Alaves Messi and Suarez started on the bench)..

The match started with leganes pressing high in the opening 10-15 minutes but that eventually backfired as Suarez picked the ball in the right flank and ran forward as he saw empty space.. He passed the ball to unmarked messi who gently puts the ball past Jon Ander Serantes..

with 30 minute on the clock Messi returned the favor by assisting Suarez with as a mis-passed ball from Leganes eventually grabbed by Messi who passed it to Suarez and lets him finish the move with no one in sight..

Third goal for Barcelona came just before halftime when neymar scored his first goal of the season..

Leganes never learned from their mistake and came into second half with same tactic to press high and that led Messi and company to counter attack again but Neymar this time got fouled by Leganes defender in the penalty area.. Messi took the penalty and makes it 4-0 for Barcelona...

Before Leganes, Barcelona had threshed celtic 7-0 and in post conference Luis enrique held Argentine talisman Messi as the best player in any position

"It doesn't matter if he plays as number 8, number 6 or number 9.. He is the best.."

"He is the football", added Luis enrique..

with two goal Messi climbs on top with four goals in La liga along with Teammate Suarez, Antoine Griezmann of Atletico and Ruben castro from Real betis..

Barcelona scored his fifth goal from a sensational shot outside the penalty area and makes it 5-0 for Barcelona.. 

Leganes did hit back in the 80th minute when their only competitive player gabriel Appelt scored a free kick..

Barcelona earned 9 points in 4 matches and looks pretty confident, after their back to back thrashing, for Atletico madrid in la liga round 5
..
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Thursday, 15 September 2016

Barcelona records their biggest win in champions league with 7-0 rout over Celtic

What 73,290 people witnessed at Camp nou, during Barcelona - Celtic clash, was a pure confluence of excellency and perfection.. Barcelona literally, thrashed Celtic 7-0 and records their biggest ever win in CL.

Messi nets 3 goals and got ahead in the race for most ever hat-trick in champions league with 6 under his hood.. Neymar scored a brilliant free kick.. Iniesta scored his first goal in 4 seasons of champions league.. Last he scored was also against Celtic.. Suarez scored twice..

Within 3 minutes in the match Neymar assisted Messi, who was in the zone.. Messi ran a few steps and rifled into the net.. In the 22nd minute Celtic got the chance to score the level (and may be prevent the eventual thrashing) when Dembele was awarded a penalty kick because of Ter-Stegen unintentional dive to catch the ball. Ter-stegen was shown yellow card for this but the only saving grace that could've came with this penalty ultimately refused by Ter-stegen.. This was the only moment where Celtic looks competitive.

When the clock reads 27th minute, Messi scored his second goal which was a pure example of coordination. Neymar and Messi makes their way through the defenders and goalkeeper with their one-two passes in penalty area before Messi just slides the ball in...

10 minutes before the hour mark Messi was fouled.. Neymar took the free kick which flies past de vries.. Just a minute before hour mark Iniesta scored his long awaited goal from a wonderful volley. It was Iniest's first goal in for CL seasons. A minute later Messi scored his treble and became the first player to score 6 hat-trick in CL.. 

When it seems all for Celtic, Barcelona had other plan which include Suarez this time... Suarez scored two goals to make the humiliation even worse for Celtic.. It was Celtic's biggest defeat in CL history..

On the other matches Arsenal contained PSG for 1-1 draw, Bayern, as usual, began their campaign with style beating FC Rostov 5-0.. 



Tuesday, 13 September 2016

Alaves stun Barcelona 2-1

Luis Enrique tactic of resting Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez falls terribly wrong as newly promoted Alaves defeats Messi and company 2-1.

Alaves, who promoted to primera division after 10 years makes the biggest upset of La liga Santander 2016-17 by beating the defending champion 2-1. Messi amd Suarez started on the bench while Neymar was the only one of MSN who played the full length match.

So many clear chances missed by Barca players. Alaves roars ahead in the 39th minute when Deyverson, who was bought from Levante in the summer transfer window, just angles the incoming cross with his left foot into the goal..

But after half time Barcelona was revived again.. Thanks to a great header by Mathieu within a minute in 2nd half. A minute later Mathieu had another chance to score and that was way easier than the first one but he missed from a POINT BLANK..!!!

Alaves again scored in 64th minute and this goal was much like a gift to them as Barca defenders couldn't make a simple clearance and hay-wired among themselves.. In short a blunt mistake.!!

Messi comes on 60th minute but couldn't produce much and he too missed a chance in the last minute of extra time.. Though, He was clinical in making chances but ultimately nothing paid off..

With this lose, Barca moved down to fifth place, while Real Madrid tops the chart.. Ronaldo came on for Real Madrid and scored, merely, in 6th minute. 

Wednesday, 7 September 2016

Argentina needs Messi: The stats shows it all

When Messi announced his retirement, just hour after Copa America heartbreaking loss back in June, Argentinian came out on the street to show their love towards the best football player and were trying hard to made Messi revert his decision.. Everyone in Argentina including the president himself clamoured hard for his return..

President says," He is a pearl of Argentina, we don't want his talent to get wasted, we love him, we want him back"... 

When you look at the CONMEBOL record with or without Messi, the madness over him won't be surprising..


In the recent qualifying match against Venezuela, Argentina sweats off to pull a 2-2 draw.. Argentina were down two goal before scoring two to manage a draw.. In five matches without Messi, La albiceleste managed to win just one, earning just 6 points out of possible 15. 

On the other hand, Messi played three matches in CONMEBOL and took his side to victory in all three. 

Argentina currently sits third in CONMEBOL point table behind leader Uruguay and Brazil.. Messi was ruled out against Venezuela because of injury. He flew back to Barcelona for his treatment where medical staff confirms his injury but set no time table for his returnment. 

Meanwhile, Messi returns back to training with Barcelona team.. he did first session and some specific exercise.

I hope he gets well to play every match..

Monday, 5 September 2016

The blonde and brilliant Messi revealed the reason for going blonde..

Messi after falling short to live his biggest dream, lifting the copa America for the national team announces his retirement sent shock waves across the world.. Messi along with his family went to Ibiza to help himself forget the copa America debacle. But as they say, when things come, it always comes in abundance. 10 days after copa America final, Spanish court sentenced him and his father 21 months behind bar as they found guilty of tax-evasion. Messi's first public appearance came with an awe.. He dyed his hair platinum blonde..!! 

That Blonde and Brilliant look
Recently, in an interview with Argentine television he revealed the reason why he dyed his hair blonde.

"I made a change to start from zero", Said Messi

"In recent times I was under a lot of controversies which was turmoiling me inside out. So, I said to myself: 'You've got to break this and start afresh.. from zero'".

Messi was under lots of criticism from around the world when he failed to lift a major trophy in three years for Argentina after losing in the finals. The aftermath of the copa America centenario was so heated that it led to Argentine talisman retirement. Aguero, Mascherano and many more were also thinking of retiring.. 

When asked about his retirement, Messi said,"It was an huge disappointment for the team. We thought it's going to be our time because of the way we played in the tournament".

Messi added further,"Everything was falling around me and that is when I thought national team isn't for me".

But we, the football fans, are damn happy for Messi's return. We hope to see Messi play for many more years to come.. 

And yeah..!! I do love your new hairdo.. Do you guys.?? Comment you opinion below.. and thanks for reading.. 


Sunday, 4 September 2016

Messi may miss qualifying match against Venezuela.

Messi due to his hamstring injury may miss the next qualifying match against Venezuela. He rendered hamstring injury during La liga match against Athletic club on 28th August. Barcelona Medic reports that the injury will aggravate if he play football. Still, he traveled all the way to his home country and played qualifying match against Uruguay. Messi scored the only goal of the match and took Argentina to pole position with 14 points in 7 matches. In their previous meet with Venezuela, Argentina beat them 4-1 with Messi scoring once and assisting two.

The match against Uruguay makes his injury even worse and now he injured his groin area too. Barcelona are worried as they feared their superstar could miss important upcoming fixtures against Alaves in la liga and three days later from then against Celtic in their first match to bid UEFA champions league of the season.

Messi had already traveled back to Barcelona for his medical treatment where he is advised for rest till further report..

Meanwhile, Barcelona is looking forward to sign a new contract with Lionel Messi. Sporting director Robert Fernandez says," I am delighted that the the NO.1 is here with us. i am confident that we will reach an agreement. Barcelona already secured the future with Neymar when they come to a 5 year agreement together.

I, personally, want Messi to stay at Barcelona and I think he will surely re-sign. what do you guys think..?? 

Do comment your opinion. Thanks for reading..

Friday, 2 September 2016

Messi strike takes Argentina to the top in CONMEBOL

Messi makes his return for Argentina with an amazing goal and even with more amazing skill.. Argentina played their first match after losing copa america final. Messi took back his retirement stating, "After the loss I really considered leaving the national side but I  can't dream of myself without the national team. my love for the country is very great." 
To put words into action makes more sense and he did the same last night. Scoring only goal of the match and constantly building pressure on opposition stands him apart from the rest. 

Just couple of minutes before half time Messi intercepted the Uruguay passes in their own half, rounded off around and shoots into the bottom corner. Although it was deflected off by an Uruguayan player but still the skill and shot was mesmerizing. Riding high, the momentum doesn't last long and two minutes later Dybala was sent off. The second 45 minute Argentina played with a man down. 

Six minute later in the second half Messi shows a great mixture of composure and skill by nutmegging matias corujo while being in the midst of tackling with another player and a successive free kick taken which almost about to go into the net but goalkeeper dives it out. Had it been gone in, it would be one of the best goal.

The match went quite normal for Argentina but Uruguay pressed high many times but couldn't capitalise on it and eventually handed Messi and company a 1-0 win and the top position in World cup qualifying match.

the very first match after coming out of retirement, Messi shows what he is capable of and we want him to stay that way for years to come. Good luck LIONEL MESSI for FIFA Worldcup Russia 2018. We all love you.. Thank you...

Write your prayers for him in the comment section below.. 

Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Messi suffers hamstring injury but seen practicing with Argentine teammates

Lionel Messi, who recently came out of retirement for Argentina team, suffers a blow against Athletic bilbao resulted in hamstring injury. Barcelona announced his condition unfavourable for upcoming matches. But despite injury, Messi didn't just fly to Argentina but also took part in the practice session.

Barcelona in his statement says," Messi suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg and his presence on upcoming matches depends on how the injury develops." Argentina currently sits on third position in CONMEBOL with Uruguay on top. Upcoming qualifying matches are against Uruguay and Venezuela respectively. 

With Messi's decision to came back in La albiceleste jersey, have been praised hugely by his teammates. 

Mascherano states,"It would have been a sin, something very sad, to not see him playing in Argentina jersey. It would have had consequence for the team and impact at the global level."

Diego Maradona criticised Messi's return, saying it was all staged just to make the whole Argentina forget about copa America loss. But do we seriously need to listen a player who was addicted to drug.!! By the way, not to mention that Maradona himself wanted Messi to came back for Argentina. 

New coach of Argentina, Edgardo Bauza went to barcelona couple of weeks ago in order to convince Lionel Messi to return. Messi did return saying,"I really considered leaving Argentina after the final loss but my love for my country is way greater. There are so many things that needed to be fix in AFA but I will do it from the inside rather than criticizing from thee outside." 

Messi couldn't resist himself and came back for Argentina for the Football.. for us..  I don't know what others think but I am damn happy for his return for the La albiceleste team.. Are you.?

Barcelona gathers three points on an off-day

Barcelona won their second match of La Liga 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona didn't looks at his best as Arda, Suarez and even Messi fails to convert chances into goal. The match looks way below Barca's standard. The only goal of the match came in 21st minute when Rakitic heads Arda's cross into the net. With this goal Rakitic also opens his account for Barcelona's goal and also handed Luis Enrique his 100th win as Barcelona coach in the quickest ever time.

Messi wasn't at his best against Bilbao but still managed to create multiple chances. On the other hand, Athletic came very close to scoring many times but Ter-stegen effort restricts them. Infact Athletic had more shots on goal than Barcelona.
But, anyway, Barcelona defends their one goal lead throughout the match and starts their perfect start by winning both the matches of la liga. Real madrid also won both the match but Atletico madrid lose some round after being drawn 0-0 against Legane earning just 2 points in two matches.
After the match Luis enrique expressed his discontent over the amount of mistake committed

In his post match conference he says, " The rhythm of the game was feverish which is unusual in this stage of the league. We always knew Athletic were going to press up high but we did overcame their pressing everytime and that's when that spectacular goal from Rakitic came from."

"We would like to close the game with more goals on board as we creates many chances but couldn't take advantage off. But we are very happy going home with all the three points. This point is well deserved."

It takes Guardiola 139 matches to win 100 whereas Luis Enrique did it in just 126 matches. Now that stat would be some heads up to other teams..  

Sunday, 28 August 2016

Messi wins UEFA goal of the season award

Messi becomes the first player to win consecutive UEFA goal of the season as he finishes off a brilliant team move.
Messi won the race with 34% of the votes followed by portuguese Futsal sensation Ricardinho who gathers 13%. Xherdan Shaquiri from Switzerland finished second for his bicycle kick against poland in Euro 2016. With this award he achieves the distinction of becoming the first player ever to win two consecutive UEFA goal of the season award. 
Messi's goal against Roma won him his second consecutive goal of the season award. He also won the award last year for his chip shot over Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel neuer after rounding off Boateng. This season against roma he didn't only chip over Roma's goalkeeper but also pulls off a brilliant team move. The goal was itself beautiful as almost the whole team was involved in creating the move for Messi Suarez and Neymar.


Messi scored 41 goals in all appearances for Barcelona last season and won La liga and Copa del rey along the way.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Barca roaring, Messi back with a bang

Barca kicks of 2016-17 season with a blast scoring 6 past real betis who managed to put the ball into the net twice. Barca was always being the favourite. Coming into la liga after winning the super cup 2016.
Messi was as usual at the top form against real betis scoring twice assisting one. Suarez also scored a hattick. But all the superlative goes to Lionel Messi for his playmaking ability. Apart from scoring twice and assisting one he creates multiple chances as well.
The first goal of the tournament for barcelona came when Messi sends a beautiful long ball towards Jordi Alba who picks up Turkish international Arda turan who was just in front of the goal. with a delightful touch from him Barcelona marks its season opening with just 6 minutes on the clock. But much to their delight Ruben Castro who was Real betis top scorer last season scored a wonderful free kick. 

Few minutes later Messi and company played through ball inside the penalty area. Messi was about to finish off a brilliant move but left bereft of his first liga goal as the shot hits the crossbar. But he scored his inevitable goal by collecting the ball from sergio roberto from the right side which he quickly shifted to his left foot.. He drives it a step and shoots from 25 yards just into the corner net past two defenders and goalie. Every time he had the ball, opposition looked threatened. Suarez scored his liga opening just before half time and Barcelona were up 3-1 at half time.

Messi started the second half just exactly the way he left first half. He creates multiple chances till he receives the inevitable price in 56th minute when he supplied the ball to Suarez who looks like standing in front of an empty goal. But that wasn't it. Just a minute later Messi scored again assisted by Arda Turan and this time again he scored from outside the penalty area beating two defenders and goalie into the bottom far corner..  
Messi dominates the field in every aspect except one. Free kick.. But it was Suarez who shows composition and pulls off the free kick in style to make it 6-0. First match of the season and Suarez nets a stunning hat trick. On the opposition side only rubem Castro looks courageous as he scored another goal, mostly consolation, just minutes later to make it 6-2.
Messi and Suarez were both destructive and yeahhh..!! turan was also looks very good but as their can be only one king my vote goes to Messi as the best player of the match.. His vision, his sublime passes, his accuracy, his finishes and all were enough to rate him 10 out of 10.



Sunday, 14 August 2016

Love for the Country compels MESSI to return

After a month and half, Argentine star footballer Lionel Messi finally breaks his silence on retirement and gives his fan reason to cheer as he announces his return for the national Team.
After the final loss against Chile in Copa america centenario 2016, Messi went to Ibiza to cool the pressure off. But controversies and bad luck seems to go hand in hand with the Argentine as he was along with his father Jorge messi sentenced to 21 months behind prison but it is very unlikely that he will actually serve time behind bars as in Spain if you get jail term for less than 2 years for a non violent crime than you don't actually have to be in prison. 


The 5 time Ballon d'or winner recently released a statement stating," A lot of thing went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great". He further added that there are lots of  ongoing problems with AFA but he won't criticize it but prefer to work from within. It is believed that when Gerard Martino quits time for Argentina, the newly appointed coach Edgardo Bauza travelled to Barcelona in order to convince Messi to don La albiceleste jersey once again. Messi's decision to return comes at the very appropriate time as Argentina won just three out of their six Russia qualifier matches and with the departure of Gerardo Martino days before Rio Olympics only worsen the condition of Argentine soccer as they couldn't even make it to the knockouts.

Messi delivers his fair share of contribution for Barcelona in pre-season and looks well prepared for supercopa de espana against Sevilla. Messi said,"I want to thank all the fans who wanted me to keep playing for Argentina. I hope we can give them joy very soon." 
Let's pray and hope for the best for Lionel Messi and La albiceleste.

Monday, 1 August 2016

The defeated bravest warrior of Copa America Centenario 2016

Lionel Messi after winning the La liga 2015-16 and copa del rey, marched to the USA along with his Argentinian teammates with pure determination to wave Argentina's flag high in the sky. He was suffering from a back injury which initiates the doubt whether he will be able to play or not but still he participates in practice matches.. Okayy!! not gonna bore you with pre-tournament talking shits.. Straight to the business...

Match 1: Argentina vs Chile

The first group stage was against Chile, the team who beats Argentina in last year Copa America final and left Messi with another losing scar as he lost two major finals in as many years.. Messi was on the bench. He wasn't fit even to make it to the Subs. Argentina won 2-1 thanks to Angel di maria who scored a goal and assist another. Even when Messi was in the dugout, constant chanting of MESSI..!!! MESSI..!! MESSI.!! can be heard rhythmically all over the stadium.. 

Match 2: Argentina vs Panama

Argentina came into their second match with drawn motivation from their previous match. They look confident, determined, focused and crowd looks dejected once again as they realise Messi isn't going to start in this match too. First half commences. Argentina strikes in the 7th minute when Otamendi puts his free kick into the back of the net. Match was going very smoothly.. In 32nd minute, Anibal Godoy, A Panamanian defender gets a red card for challenging Higuain.. All this time Messi was sitting quietly in the dugout and whenever cameraman focuses on to him and broadcasted over big screen, the whole crowd goes haywire. MESSI..!! MESSI..!! MESSI..!! goes louder with each passing minute.. First half ended with score 1-0. Argentina were winning but not completely dointing. 

As the 2nd half started whole eyes were on Messi if he substituted in 2nd half or not but to everyone's surprise he was again n the bench. It was 5th minute on the clock when Messi was seen practicing on the sideline and everyone was seen counting down the time.

62 minute:
Lionel Messi- in 
Augusto fernandez- out
Crowd- goes wild

Minute 67:
Messi already started imprinting his presence on the game. The ball was in Panama's penalty area. Defender's somehow controls the ball and trying to clear the area, but unfortunately, for panama, ball hits Higuain right on the face and drops just at Messi's feet. Two touches and ball was into the net. Soldier field was brought to their feet.. Stadium looks lively again. Crowd applauded their hero, Lionel messi.. argentina were up 2-0 and 20 minutes of match was still left to go. 

Minute 78: 

Messi dominates the game. Its like raw pure energy instills into Albiceleste. They were moving forward. Every time when Argentina has possession it became a threat to opposition.. Messi passed the ball to Higuain. Higuain to Messi. There comes a tackle and Messi hits the ground. free kick awarded to Messi, Shoots and goaaalll... !!! That's something you just can't describe.. that sublime shot into the near top corner.. It's two for Messi in just 16 minutes of his arrival.. Argentina 3-0..

Minute 87: 
Copa america is up and running for Messi, for Argentina. What seems like a difficult task before 62nd minute is now looking like a child's play.. Panamanian defender were passing the balls. But as they say with demoralization comes bad luck, one of Panamanian  defender slips while doing one-two one-two passes and Marcos rojo were always look like someone who grabs the opportunity with both hands, sends a controlled pass to Lionel messi who stops it with his left leg dodge two players and shoots.. into the net.. Crowd can't believe what they are watching. just 25 minutes on the pitch.. in the cop america centenario 2016 and he scored a hat-trick.. Unbelievable stuff... Messi came when he scored 50 goals for his country. four less than equalising the legendary Gabriel batistuta record of most no of goals for Argentina.. Now he is just one goal away to equaliser... Everyone was stunned.. Day before Panamanian coach quotes;"You can't do anything if Lionel messi is in the zone". Well he was in the zone.. Argentina 4-0.

minute 90: 
When it looks that's all for today, Messi again brought the soldier field to their feet by providing a damn near accurate long pass to Marcos rojo who passed it to Aguero.. Argentina 5-0..

sofa score rates Messi's performance 9.1 out of 10 which he gained in just half an hour on the pitch.. Isn't that legendary stuff..??

Match 3: Argentina vs Bolivia

Argentina stormed into the quarter final with two consecutive wins in group stage. Lionel Messi is again on the bench. This time, the Argentinian proves the rumours that Messi isn't the lone warrior in the team.. Before half time Argentina were up 3-0. Thanks to Erik Lamela's brilliant free kick goal (13'), Lavezzi (16') and Cuesta (32'). Argentina had 85.2% possession and had 333 completed passes against Bolivia who had completed only 36 passes till half time.. First half ended.. Scoreline read 3-0..

2nd half started with Messi substituted along with Lucas Bigila on the pitch. Messi took the free kick in 50th minute but it was easily dealt with by the defenders.. Again in 60th minute he got the chance to score his elusive goal but again it went into the crowd just inches wide from the goal post.. But it was close.. Messi wasn't able to score but was always a threat to the Bolivians. he glides through them like they haven't existed. In 77th minute he did show his class by nutmegging the goalkeeper but unfortunately it was offside... Messi couldn't able to score and match ended 3-0.. They are in the quarter final against venezuela.

Match 4: Venezuela (quarterfinal)

This is lionel messi's first start in the tournament and there are huge cheers from the crowd to welcome their most loved footballer as Argentine maestro gets on the ball.. Just two minutes on the clock and Messi dribbles past 4 defenders but ball goes straight to the keeper. 2 minutes later dances past many defenders into the penalty area but again misses.. Boy!! We aren't used to that much of excitement to handle in just 4 minutes.. Leo messi makes his presence known in just 4 minutes..!!

Minute 8:
Messi had the ball in the right flank, with opponents around him.. He looked for a while and when time seems right to him, crossed an air through ball to Higuain who just kept it past the goalkeeper.. A sublime pass from Leo messi and a sublime shot by Huguain puts Argentina in front inside 8 minutes.. That's Argentina for you.. That's Messi for you.. Messi's first assist in the tournament..

Messi and company storms into the Venezuelan defence with great ease but fails many time to convert the chance into goal.. Messi was awarded a free kick after Ever banega brought down by Venezuelan player.. But this time his curling effort comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.. In 29th minute venezuelan player gave , very much like, gift wrapped ball to score to Higuain which he receives faithfully and Argentina were up 2-0. Venezuelan player back pass the ball which misses the defender and easily grabbed by Higuain who rounded off the goalkeeper and slides the ball swiftly into the net... very immature by Venezuela..

First half ended with 2-0. Messi was clinical. He was even denied from a penalty which looks like a pure tackle to him inside the penalty area.

Second half starts with a near perfect start for Argentina as Messi sends a sublime through ball to Gaitin who tried to back pass to Higuain and eventually missed..

Minute 60: 
A miss time pass among Venezuelan player cost them when Gaitin stole the ball and passed it to Higuain. Higuain to Messi.. Messi runs towards goal for a while and fed the ball to Gaitin again who brilliantly passed the ball to Messi.. Messi controls it two touches and between the goalkeeper's leg into the net.. He is now joined top scorer for Argentina. argentina 3-0

Minute 71:
Messi was sure the best player of the match.. or being precise, of the tournament.. and Argentina the best team.. Venezuelan comes a bit stronger after down 3-0 and in 70th minute a fine header by Rondon makes it 3-1 but Messi had other plan in his mind and within a minute of venezuelan happiness Messi collects the ball passed by Aguero from the left flank and gently sends it to Lamela who puts it behind the goalkeeper. Argentina 4-1. Messi 4 goals and 2 assists..

Match ended 4-1 and Argentina were in the Semi Final. They look unstoppable scored a total of 14 goals in 4 matches so far. Meanwhile USA beat Ecuador 2-1 to set date with Argentina in the semifinal.

Match 5: USA (Semifinal)

Argentina came on the pitch as the favourite and they proved this right inside three minutes..

minute 3:
game just started and Argentina already started pressing high on USA. Lavezzi controls the ball for a while and passed it to Messi who lop crossed the ball again to Lavezzi's path who puts the ball behind the bars by a gentle header.. Argentina were up 1-0 in just three minutes.. It seems like They are sure to get their seat booked for the final which Messi proved right in 32nd minute..

minute 32:
Wondolowski booked a yellow card for a tackle on Lionel messi. It was 30 yards from the goal. Very promising position for the Argentine. Messi ties his shoes and stands to took a peek.. The whole crowd chants MESSI MESSI MESSI.. He looked,, concentrates and shoot.. Ohh myy goddd..!!! That's perfection..!!! Pure football..!! The ball went into the top right corner.. Guzan jumps, stretched himself as far as he could but it was Messi's ball... With this goal Lionel messi became Argentina all time highest goal scorer. 55 goals.. Argentina was just 60 minutes away from official announcement that they are in the final..That goal become one of the best goal of his goal abundant career..


Till half time Messi and company bullies USA (not literally) and the score was 2-0..

Second half started and within 5 minutes Higuain makes it 3-0. thanks to a wonder pass from Lavezzi who found Higuain perfectly.. Higuain shoots but bounces back to him again after hitting the keeper. He then rounded him of and ended it into the open net.. Argentina now in total control.. They wanted time to pass quickly so they can celebrate.. USA wanted time to pass quickly so they can forget..

Long story short.. In the 86th minute a mis timed pass among USA defenders eventually found Messi who runs towards the open goal but selflessly passed it to the Higuain who he thought is in much better position than him. higuain gently puts it into the net.. Argentina 4-0.. Second consecutive final in copa america and three consecutive final considering all major tournaments.. After the match US coach states," What they are playing, is just top class"..

Messi was again the pearl, scoring a brilliant free kick and 2 assist.. he was about to play his 3rd final for Argentina and was looking forward to end all the criticism he was facing over the year that he doesn't perform well in national jersey.. Sofa score rated him 9.8 out of 10..

Match 6: Chile (Final): The match that changed the football forever..

the final match was about to start.. the attendance counts 82,026.. Majority were cheering for their little genius, Lionel messi.. Twitter overloaded with tweets.. Many hashtags invented some praising him some compares him with CR7.. The match started.. Long story short. First half ended with 0-0.. Both teams were equal in domination.. Both had their fair shots on target.. Messi was upset as he missed couple of chances.. Next 45 minutes also went 0-0.. In their allotted 90 minutes none of the team able to score.. Match went on extra time.. the whole Argentinian team were upset now.. They badly wanted to win with allotted 90 minutes but failed to do so and now its their straight three final in which they wasn't able to score...
extra 30 minutes game started.. Both teams came very close to scoring.. Messi missed a free kick.. Higuain missed a simple one on one with goalkeeper.. Romerro saved a fine shot by Eduardo vargas.. But none can score... It was very much like history repeating itself as last year copa america final also ended 0-0 after 120 minutes with the same finalist.. Aregentina 0-0 Chile after 120 minutes... Messi was in shock.. the whole crowd was in shock.. The best player of the tournament couldn't produce a single moment of magic.. Now the game carried to the penalty shootout..

Chile took the first shot and a fine save by Romero.. chile in distress.. Argentina enjoys.. The crowd getting wilder.. Now Messi came for Argentina, the sole scorer in last year copa america penalty shootout for Argentina. He shoots and ball goes into the crowd.. Nowhere near the post.. He couldn't believe what he just did.. Their teammates tries to console him but he kept his head down.. Final score: Argentina 0(2)-0(4) Chile... Messi lost again.. the match.. the faith.. everything..

He was seen crying.. The fan were sad.. Their hero.. their love.. their idol.. their GOD lost again.. few moments later after the closing ceremony news announced : Messi retires from Argentina's national team..

Messi's last statement minutes after losing was : "It's tough. its not the time for analysis.. in the dressing room i thought a lot that this is the end for me with the national team.. it's not for me. That's the way i feel right now. its a huge sadness once again and i missed the penalty that was so important. I tried so hard to be champion with  Argentina but it didn't happen. I couldn't to it..there are four finals lost now.i wanted to win it, more than anything i wanted to win this cup.. It's very hard but the decision is taken. Now i will not try more and there will be no going back. I tried many times to get a title and failed.. "

The bravest warrior of copa america centenario accepts his defeat and took retirement which change the Argentina football forever..















Friday, 1 July 2016

When Lionel Messi defies the odds

Lionel messi, the darling angel of the football world, represents his country in 113 games scoring a whooping 55 goals. In his last tournament (Copa America Centenario 2016), he scored 5 goals and assisted 4 others (in just 5 matches) to become the top goal scorer for Argentina.
At just 29, he calls time from Argentina national team after losing yet another final with Argentina. But, for me, he was the best player of the tournament as out of 18 goals scored by Argentina he was involved directly in 9. His mere presence was enough to cheer up the crowd. Even when he was sitting in dugout, constant chanting of MESSI! MESSI!! can be heard all over the arena. One glance of him on T.V and all over the world..

Here are the top three instance (actually, there are innumerable) which defies the odds


1. FIRST GOAL FOR BARCELONA, MAY 2005:



Messi made his debut appearance for BARCELONA at just 17 in October 2004. On 1st May 2005, he begins his quest for the excellency by chipping the ball over the goalkeeper from an assist by Ronaldinho. By this goal he became the youngest ever goal scorer for the club at the time. This goal was beautiful because he scored the exact same goal in that very match but it ruled offside. Even the assist provider was by the same player, Ronaldinho.. That delightful touch helped the team to beat albacete 2-0 and subsequently they won the league ending their six year wait of any silverware.

2. HEADER AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED IN UCL FINAL 2009:


Being diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at an early age, Lionel messi stood just 5 feet 7 inch tall. Many says he isn't a complete player as he can't use his head. But on 27th May 2009, he did something which silences his critics forever. Opponents, for a while. 
Xavi had the ball near the penalty box. He was jogging towards the penalty box, looking for a gap and saw Messi pacing towards the goal. Xavi shoots the ball though the air, over everyone else. Messi accelerates himself and before anybody could understand anything, jumps slightly tilted and ball was into the net. The best goalkeeper of that time, Van der Sar, could do nothing but see the ball going past the line. That goal imprints as one of the best finishes in the history of UCL, history of football.

3.FREE KICK AGAINST USA IN COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO2016:


Argentina were the favourite in copa america centenario 2016. They scored 9 goals in just 3 matches in group stage. They beat Venezuela, 4-1 in the quarterfinal. Messi was prolific in the tournment. He scored  a hatrick against panama in just 19 minutes, coming off the bench on 62nd minute. He levelled the top goal scoring record with Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta for Argentina in the quartefinal. On 21-June-2016, just three days before his 29th Birthday, he scored one of the most tremendous goal from a beautifucl free kick against USA. In 32nd minute of the game, Messi was fouled by one of his opponent, 30 yards out from the goal. Brad Guzan, USA's goalkeeper organizes the wall (A set of players standing shoulder to shoulder in order to prevent ball from going past them) and himself for a minute or two. Messi stood for a while, looking for the space and the trajectory. He hits the ball with optimized power, not so high, not so low. The wall jumps but the ball was flying slightly higher, swinging at the same time. Brad Guzan jumps to his right with full potential but it wasn't enough.. The ball sailed over everyone else to the topmost rightmost corner of the net. Brad did his best, but Messi's best was way best'ier' then his best.. It was not Brad's fault... It wasn't wall's fault.. it wasn't anybodies fault.. It was just Messi at his best..

There are many more instances when Messi defies the odds like his solo goal against Getafe which is very much similar to Maradona's goal, his solo goal against Athletic Bilbao in which he dribbles past three defenders, his Paneka penalty and many more.. But these three, for me, are the bestest..