Sports

Messi’s Emotional Return to Barcelona for 125th Anniversary

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11 months ago

November 22, 2024

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Lionel Messi is set to return to Barcelona for the club’s 125th anniversary celebration on November 29, 2024. Th event will take place at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and it represents a significant moment for both Messi and the club, marking his first visit back to Camp Nou since his departure in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona had initially hoped to align this celebration with the reopening of the newly refurbished Spotify Camp Nou, but due to construction delays, that event has been postponed to April 2025.

Despite this, the anniversary gala is proceeding, focusing on institutional matters and celebrating the club’s history with the presence of several club legends. Messi’s attendance was in question due to his commitments with Inter Miami, especially considering the potential overlap with the MLS playoffs. However, with Inter Miami’s early exit from the playoffs, Messi’s schedule cleared up, allowing him to confirm his participation in the event.

This return is particularly emotional as it comes after a period of strained relations with the club’s president, Joan Laporta, following Messi’s exit. The celebration is not just about Messi; other legends like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola are also expected to attend, highlighting the rich history of the club. Messi’s decision to attend, despite the past conflicts, underscores his deep connection to Barcelona and his willingness to prioritize the club’s legacy over personal disputes. This event is seen as a symbolic reconciliation between Messi and Barcelona, offering fans a moment to celebrate one of the greatest footballers in the club’s history and to look forward to future connections with him in different capacities.

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Kelleher Denies Ronaldo Penalty as Neves Nets Late Winner for Portugal over Ireland

Published

2 weeks ago

October 12, 2025

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Kelleher saves from Ronaldo's penalty!

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In a dramatic World Cup qualifier in Lisbon, Portugal secured a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, with Ruben Neves scoring a stoppage-time header to break Irish hearts.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Ireland’s goalkeeper, was the standout performer, notably saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 75th minute after a controversial handball call against Dara O’Shea.

75’ | Caoimhín Kelleher denies Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot!

Caoimhín Kelleher denies Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot! What a save!

Despite Ireland’s resilient defensive display, which limited Portugal’s 30 shots to just six on target, Rúben Neves’ 91st-minute goal, assisted by Francisco Trincao, sealed the win for Portugal, maintaining their perfect record in Group F.

The match echoed a 2021 encounter where Ronaldo also had a penalty saved but later scored twice late to win. Ireland, now bottom of the group with one point, face a must-win game against Armenia next. Neves dedicated his goal to the late Diogo Jota, wearing the number 21 in tribute.

Rúben Neves pointing to the sky and showing off his Diogo Jota tattoo after scoring his first-career goal for Portuga

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Chelsea Stuns Liverpool with Estevao’s Stoppage-Time Winner

Published

3 weeks ago

October 5, 2025

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Enzo Maresca ran across the pitch to celebrate with his team after Estêvão’s late winner

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In a pulsating Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea pulled off a stunning late comeback to defeat reigning champions Liverpool 2-1, thanks to an 18-year-old substitute’s thunderbolt in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Estêvão Willian, the Brazilian wonderkid who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in a £29 million deal earlier this summer, marked his first goal for the club with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into ecstasy and left Liverpool manager Arne Slot ruing another heartbreaking collapse.

KEY MOMENTS

32′ – Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool (Moisés Caicedo): The Blues took the lead with a moment of brilliance from midfield maestro Caicedo. Pouncing on a loose ball after outrunning Alexis Mac Allister, the Ecuadorian unleashed a 22-yard screamer into the top corner with his right foot, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili rooted to the spot. Stamford Bridge erupted as Chelsea’s high-pressing game plan paid dividends early on.
68′ – Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (Cody Gakpo): Just when Chelsea looked in cruise control, Liverpool clawed their way back. Gakpo, the Dutch forward, latched onto a clever through-ball from Dominik Szoboszlai and slotted home past Robert Sánchez to level the scores. It was a lifeline for the visitors, who had been second-best for much of the first half but grew into the game after the break.
90+5′ – Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (Estêvão Willian): The defining moment came deep into added time. Enzo Fernández, pulling the strings from midfield, slipped a precise pass to Marc Cucurella on the left flank. The Spanish full-back whipped in a low, teasing cross across the six-yard box, evading the despairing dive of Andrew Robertson. Estêvão, timing his run to perfection, slid in at the back post to divert the ball home for a debut goal that will live long in Chelsea folklore. Manager Enzo Maresca sprinted the length of the touchline in celebration, earning a second yellow card and a trip to the stands.

This victory catapults Chelsea up to sixth in the league table with 11 points from seven games, their first win over Liverpool since a 1-0 triumph at Anfield in March 2021. For the Reds, it’s a third straight defeat across all competitions—their worst run since 2021—dropping them to second on 15 points, one behind new leaders Arsenal (who beat West Ham 2-0 earlier that day). Slot’s side, once lauded for late winners, have now conceded stoppage-time goals in back-to-back league outings, raising questions about their defensive fragility under pressure.

Estêvão’s strike not only stunned Liverpool but also highlighted Chelsea’s youth revolution paying off. At 18 years and 122 days, he becomes the second-youngest Brazilian to score in the Premier League, behind only Rafael da Silva’s debut for Manchester United in 2008.

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Rüdiger Out Three Months with Thigh Injury, Jeopardizing Real Madrid’s Title Push

Published

2 months ago

September 13, 2025

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Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has been ruled out for three months after sustaining a left thigh injury to his rectus femoris muscle, as announced by the club on September 12, 2025.

The setback comes at a pivotal time, with the team facing crucial La Liga derbies against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, plus Champions League clashes with Juventus and Liverpool.

Manager Xavi Alonso will turn to options like Éder Militão and Aurélien Tchouaméni to shore up the defense, while Rüdiger’s absence also disrupts Germany’s World Cup qualifiers.

The timing is particularly damaging as Real Madrid aim to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League. With rivals like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid strengthening, this injury highlights vulnerabilities in squad depth, especially after a summer where no major defensive reinforcements were added beyond Huijsen.

Reports also suggest Real Madrid may not extend Rüdiger’s contract, set to expire in 2026, potentially allowing him to leave as a free agent amid rumors of a career decline.