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Neymar’s Claim on Messi’s Penalty Mastery: A Tale of Teamwork at PSG

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In an interview on the Podpah podcast, Neymar recounted how Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, approached him for advice on penalty kicks during their stint together at the French club between 2021 and 2023.

 

According to Neymar, the exchange occurred during a training session at PSG. Messi, curious about Neymar’s distinctive penalty-taking technique, asked, “How do you take penalties like that?” Neymar, amused by the humility of his teammate, responded with disbelief: “Are you crazy? You’re Messi! If I can do it, you can too.”

He then proceeded to guide Messi through the process, encouraging him to practice the skill. Neymar claims this guidance paid off, pointing to Messi’s success in scoring penalties during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina triumphed, and Messi netted crucial spot-kicks, including in the final against France.

This story highlights the dynamic between the two superstars during their time at PSG, where they joined forces alongside Kylian Mbappé to form a formidable attacking trio. Neymar, who had moved to PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a record-breaking €222 million, was already an established figure at the club when Messi arrived from Barcelona in August 2021. Their prior chemistry from playing together at Barcelona (2013–2017)—where they won a Champions League title and multiple domestic honors—carried over to Paris, fostering a collaborative spirit.

Neymar’s penalty technique, often characterized by a stuttering run-up and a knack for deceiving goalkeepers, contrasts with Messi’s traditionally smoother, placement-focused approach. Posts on various social media platforms from as early as October 2022 noted Messi adapting his style, with some suggesting he had been picking up tips from Neymar in training. While Messi has always been a proficient penalty-taker—boasting an 80% success rate over his career—his World Cup performance, converting 5 out of 6 attempts, showcased a newfound confidence that Neymar playfully credits to their training ground exchange.

However, their time at PSG wasn’t without challenges. Despite their individual brilliance and moments of camaraderie, the trio struggled to deliver the ultimate prize—the UEFA Champions League—falling short in the round of 16 in both seasons they played together. Neymar later reflected on tensions within the team, claiming in a January 2025 podcast with Romário that Mbappé grew “jealous” after Messi’s arrival, disrupting their partnership. Yet, this penalty tale stands out as a positive footnote, illustrating a blend of mutual respect and teamwork amid a high-pressure environment.

Since leaving PSG, Neymar joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023, while Messi moved to Inter Miami in the MLS. Their paths have diverged, but Neymar’s claim offers a glimpse into a moment when two of football’s biggest stars shared a lighthearted lesson in Paris—one that, in Neymar’s view, left a mark on Messi’s penalty mastery and Argentina’s World Cup glory. Whether Messi would corroborate this tale remains untold, but it’s a charming testament to their bond at PSG.

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Ghana’s Black Stars Shine with 5-0 Victory Over Chad in World Cup Qualifiers

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The Ghana Black Stars Put 5 Pass Chad in World Cup Qualifiers
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The Ghanaian national football team, known as the Black Stars, delivered a stellar performance, defeating Chad 5-0 in their latest FIFA World Cup African Qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium. The goals were netted by Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah, showcasing a well-coordinated team effort.

This victory has propelled Ghana to the top of Group I, enhancing their prospects for the 2026 World Cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The match not only highlighted the team’s improved form but also ignited celebrations across the nation, with widespread support from fans. While President John Mahama has historically rallied for the team, his specific reaction to this match remains unconfirmed.

The focus now shifts to their next challenge against Madagascar, with the team’s recent performance setting high expectations.

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George Foreman, Legendary Boxer, Dies at 76

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American boxer George Foreman
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George Foreman, celebrated for his extraordinary boxing career and vibrant life beyond the ring, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed his passing, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the globe.

Foreman’s legacy includes his historic comeback at 45 to reclaim the heavyweight title, a feat that made him the oldest heavyweight champion ever. His epic battle with Muhammad Ali in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history.

Beyond boxing, Foreman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to fame with the George Foreman Grill, while his role as a preacher touched many lives. His contributions to sports and culture were widely acknowledged in the heartfelt posts following his death.

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Paul Pogba’s Return: A Free Agent’s Journey Back to Football

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Paul Pogba
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Paul Pogba, the dynamic French midfielder, has officially ended his 18-month ban for doping and is now a free agent, ready to resume his football career. His suspension concluded on March 11, and the football world is abuzz with where he might land next. While there’s strong interest from his former club Manchester United, discussions also include potential moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or even abroad.

Juventus, his last club, has been in talks regarding contract termination, making Pogba one of the most intriguing free agents this season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Pogba’s talents will next be showcased, with his return not just marking a personal comeback but also stirring the transfer market dynamics.

Pogba’s ordeal began in August 2023 when he tested positive for DHEA—a banned substance that boosts testosterone—after Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024, the 31-year-old faced the prospect of missing the prime years of his career. However, his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024 proved successful, slashing the suspension to 18 months. Pogba maintained that he never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations, attributing the positive test to a supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. The CAS ruling, which deemed the ingestion unintentional, allowed him to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive action today.

The reduction of his ban was a lifeline for Pogba, who described the period as a “nightmare” in a statement following the CAS decision. His departure from Juventus, finalized on November 30, 2024, came as the club opted not to reintegrate him, leaving him free to chart his next move. Despite his limited appearances during his second stint in Turin—only eight league games due to injuries and the subsequent ban—Pogba’s talent and pedigree remain undeniable.

As a free agent, Pogba enters a unique position in the footballing world. Eligible to sign with any club at any time, he has been linked with a variety of destinations across Europe and beyond. His return coincides with a critical juncture: at 31 (turning 32 on March 15), he still has the potential to perform at a high level, but his long absence raises questions about fitness and form. Nevertheless, his experience as a World Cup winner (2018) and his proven track record at Juventus (2012-2016) and Manchester United make him an attractive proposition.

Speculation about his next move has been rife. A return to the Premier League, where he spent six years with Manchester United, has been floated, with former teammate Louis Saha suggesting a reunion could bolster United’s midfield. However, Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford (2016-2022) was polarizing—marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency and a £89 million transfer fee that set lofty expectations. Other English clubs, including Arsenal, have been mentioned, though some pundits warn that his injury history and time away might deter top-tier sides.

Elsewhere, Ligue 1’s Marseille has emerged as a potential landing spot, offering a return to France and a chance to play in a competitive European league. The Saudi Pro League, with its financial allure and Pogba’s prior visits to the region, is another option, while Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs like LAFC and Inter Miami have been discussed, though roster constraints could complicate a move. Pogba himself has expressed a desire to compete at the highest level, hinting at a preference for Europe’s top five leagues.

Pogba’s immediate focus will be regaining match fitness and proving he can still deliver the flair, vision, and physicality that once made him one of the world’s most coveted midfielders. His last competitive appearance was in September 2023, and the past 18 months have been spent training independently. While he’s reportedly eager to return—“excited like a child who wants to be professional,” as he put it in a 2024 interview—adapting to the pace of top-flight football after such a layoff will be no small feat.

Clubs considering a move will weigh his undeniable upside against the risks. His salary demands, previously among Juventus’ highest at €500,000 per week (reduced to €2,000 monthly during his ban), may now be more flexible, as he’s indicated a willingness to prioritize playing time over earnings. A short-term deal could be the ideal scenario, allowing both Pogba and a prospective team to assess his impact without long-term commitment.

Paul Pogba’s return is more than a comeback—it’s a redemption arc in the making. Once the most expensive player in football history, he’s now a free agent with a point to prove. Whether he lands at a European giant, a surprise contender, or a new frontier like the MLS or Saudi Arabia, his journey back to the spotlight will be one of 2025’s most compelling football stories. As he steps onto the pitch again, the world will watch to see if the “new Paul Pogba,” as he’s called himself, can recapture the magic that defined his peak.

 

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