<p>Diego Maradona, the former football World Cup winner and Argentine legend&nbsp;defended Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi, who is famously jinxed in the finals of the&nbsp;major tournaments like&nbsp; World Cup and Copa America has experts baying for his blood once again as Argentina gets set for Russia.</p>

<p>In the last football World Cup in Brazil, the Barcelona sensation led the team in the finals but suffered a terrible fate when Germany scored the winner in the extra time and became world champions.</p>

<p>Apart from the World Cup, he also faced defeats in the finals of Copa America. Not to forget the&nbsp;Copa 2016, when he suddenly announced retirement which he later overturned after facing a tragic defeat against Chile in the penalties.</p>

<p>Recently, Messi said he could retire from international matches if Argentina doesn&#39;t win the World Cup.</p>

<p>Responding to this, former Argentine legend Maradona said, &quot;Messi always showed he loves football, that doesn&#39;t change whether he plays or doesn&#39;t play in a World Cup. Messi is Messi, with or without a World Cup.&quot;</p>

<p>Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup. He hailed it as a landmark decision.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;I think that technology now is doing good in football...and I think it will be at the forefront for transparency in this new FIFA.&quot;</p>

<p>In a recent interview to a TV news program which broadcast on the America TV channel, Messi said, &quot;I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????️???????? | &quot;I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing&quot;<br />
<br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/Argentina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Argentina</a>&#39;s Lionel Messi, speaking with <a href="https://twitter.com/LaCornisaok?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaCornisaok</a> ahead of important <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> preparation matches <a href="https://t.co/A9tpEMUDmp">pic.twitter.com/A9tpEMUDmp</a></p>
&mdash; FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/976590665852293121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup

Diego Maradona, the former football World Cup winner and Argentine legend defended Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018. Lionel Messi, who is famously jinxed in the finals of the major tournaments like World Cup and Copa America has experts baying for his blood once again as Argentina gets set for Russia. In the last football World Cup in Brazil, the Barcelona sensation led the team in the finals but suffered a terrible fate when Germany scored the winner in the extra time and became world champions. Apart from the World Cup, he also faced defeats in the finals of Copa America. Not to forget the Copa 2016, when he suddenly announced retirement which he later overturned after facing a tragic defeat against Chile in the penalties. Recently, Messi said he could retire from international matches if Argentina doesn't win the World Cup. Responding to this, former Argentine legend Maradona said, "Messi always showed he loves football, that doesn't change whether he plays or doesn't play in a World Cup. Messi is Messi, with or without a World Cup." Maradona also supported the use of video review (Video Assistant Referee-VAR) to help referees at the World Cup. He hailed it as a landmark decision. He said, "I think that technology now is doing good in football...and I think it will be at the forefront for transparency in this new FIFA." In a recent interview to a TV news program which broadcast on the America TV channel, Messi said, "I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing." ????️???????? | "I have seen in many places in the world that people want this to be a good World Cup for me. The truth is I find this amazing" ???? @Argentina's Lionel Messi, speaking with @LaCornisaok ahead of important #WorldCup preparation matches pic.twitter.com/A9tpEMUDmp — FIFA World Cup ???? (@FIFAWorldCup) March 21, 2018 ×

Messi is Messi, with or without World Cup: Diego Maradona

<p>Lionel Messi begins his road to World Cup redemption on Friday as Argentina take on Italy in a glamour friendly, desperate to win a major international prize to crown his glorious career.</p>

<p>In Barcelona&#39;s colours, Messi has experienced nothing but success, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, while earning FIFA&#39;s Ballon d&#39;Or award five times.</p>

<p>But pulling on Argentina&#39;s blue-and-white striped shirt has brought the forward some of the most painful moments of his career.</p>

<p>Rarely able to hit the same heights with Argentina that he routinely scales with Barcelona, Messi has endured stinging criticism from &#39;Albiceleste&#39; fans at times.</p>

<p>Nobody would dispute Messi&#39;s status as one of the all-time greats, but many in Argentina believe he cannot be considered on the same level as Diego Maradona until he wins a major honour with his country, as his compatriot did at the 1986 World Cup.</p>

<p>Rubbing salt into those wounds, Messi has lost in three successive major finals with Argentina as the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles slipped from his grasp.</p>

<p>&quot;I cried many times because of games like these, for lost finals, for what they mean and for not being able to achieve the dream of a country. It was a hard blow to take,&quot; Messi recently told Argentine television programme La Cornisa.</p>

<p>The last World Cup was devastating to Messi as he missed a golden opportunity to put Argentina ahead in the final against Germany, who went on to win 1-0 in extra-time.</p>

<p>As if that was not bad enough, for the first time in his career, he missed in a penalty shootout when Argentina were beaten by Chile in the Copa America final two years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Last chance?</strong><br />
Although Messi is still in his prime, the 30-year-old realises the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June, could represent his last chance to hoist the famous gold trophy.</p>

<p>He will be approaching the twilight of his career by the time the 2022 edition kicks off in Qatar. Messi will have also noted that key Argentina team-mates Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano will all be 30 or over this year.</p>

<p>&quot;Obviously, we depend on results and therefore the thinking in this group is that having got to three finals and not being able to win and even then people say a lot of things about us, if we are not champions then we won&#39;t have another one (opportunity),&quot; Messi said.</p>

<p>Having edged through to the finals thanks to Messi&#39;s treble in a 3-1 win over Ecuador in October, Argentina are focused on peaking in Russia, where they will play Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in the group stage.</p>

<p>First up is an intriguing test against an Italy side that failed to qualify for the World Cup.</p>

<p>Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli believes the match at Manchester City&#39;s ground will help to sharpen his side before a second friendly in Spain next week.</p>

<p>&quot;Each match and training session is fundamental for us in preparation for the World Cup. Playing against Italy, in a venue as important as Etihad Stadium, is an invitation to a great event,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Every Argentine in the world wants to be there when the national team plays. We are certain they will accompany us for this one.&quot; AFP</p>


This could be Messi's last chance to win the World Cup

Lionel Messi begins his road to World Cup redemption on Friday as Argentina take on Italy in a glamour friendly, desperate to win a major international prize to crown his glorious career. In Barcelona's colours, Messi has experienced nothing but success, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, while earning FIFA's Ballon d'Or award five times. But pulling on Argentina's blue-and-white striped shirt has brought the forward some of the most painful moments of his career. Rarely able to hit the same heights with Argentina that he routinely scales with Barcelona, Messi has endured stinging criticism from 'Albiceleste' fans at times. Nobody would dispute Messi's status as one of the all-time greats, but many in Argentina believe he cannot be considered on the same level as Diego Maradona until he wins a major honour with his country, as his compatriot did at the 1986 World Cup. Rubbing salt into those wounds, Messi has lost in three successive major finals with Argentina as the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America titles slipped from his grasp. "I cried many times because of games like these, for lost finals, for what they mean and for not being able to achieve the dream of a country. It was a hard blow to take," Messi recently told Argentine television programme La Cornisa. The last World Cup was devastating to Messi as he missed a golden opportunity to put Argentina ahead in the final against Germany, who went on to win 1-0 in extra-time. As if that was not bad enough, for the first time in his career, he missed in a penalty shootout when Argentina were beaten by Chile in the Copa America final two years ago. Last chance? Although Messi is still in his prime, the 30-year-old realises the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June, could represent his last chance to hoist the famous gold trophy. He will be approaching the twilight of his career by the time the 2022 edition kicks off in Qatar. Messi will have also noted that key Argentina team-mates Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano will all be 30 or over this year. "Obviously, we depend on results and therefore the thinking in this group is that having got to three finals and not being able to win and even then people say a lot of things about us, if we are not champions then we won't have another one (opportunity)," Messi said. Having edged through to the finals thanks to Messi's treble in a 3-1 win over Ecuador in October, Argentina are focused on peaking in Russia, where they will play Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in the group stage. First up is an intriguing test against an Italy side that failed to qualify for the World Cup. Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli believes the match at Manchester City's ground will help to sharpen his side before a second friendly in Spain next week. "Each match and training session is fundamental for us in preparation for the World Cup. Playing against Italy, in a venue as important as Etihad Stadium, is an invitation to a great event," he said. "Every Argentine in the world wants to be there when the national team plays. We are certain they will accompany us for this one." AFP

Football World Cup friendlies: Argentina take on Italy

<p>Argentinian football squad is gearing up for the upcoming World Cup warm-up match which is scheduled to take place on March 24 against Italy at Eastlands, Manchester.</p>

<p>Argentine star, Lionel Messi joined up with the teams mates for the training sessions.</p>

<p>The Barca striker arrived to start working with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and was present at a training session open to media in the afternoon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">[SELECCI&Oacute;N MAYOR] Con la presencia de Lionel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Argentina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Argentina</a> realiza su entrenamiento vespertino. Pr&oacute;ximo desaf&iacute;o: <a href="https://twitter.com/azzurri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@azzurri</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/ubXOpW9gxu">pic.twitter.com/ubXOpW9gxu</a></p>
&mdash; Selecci&oacute;n Argentina (@Argentina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Argentina/status/976157043131285506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sergio Aguero, who was present at the training session but was not participating in the training session as he has been sidelined with a knee injury.</p>

<p>Few other players were also there like Nicolas Otamendi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Marcos Rojo.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgjGjkegWJ5/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">[SELECCI&Oacute;N MAYOR] &iexcl;Lleg&oacute; el capit&aacute;n! Lionel #Messi ya se encuentra en la concentraci&oacute;n argentina en Manchester.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/afaseleccion/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Selecci&oacute;n Argentina</a> (@afaseleccion) on <time datetime="2018-03-20T14:32:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 20, 2018 at 7:32am PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgjvZxxgnNE/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">[SELECCI&Oacute;N MAYOR] Pas&oacute; el segundo entrenamiento del d&iacute;a. &iexcl;Mir&aacute; las mejores im&aacute;genes!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/afaseleccion/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Selecci&oacute;n Argentina</a> (@afaseleccion) on <time datetime="2018-03-20T20:28:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 20, 2018 at 1:28pm PDT</time></p>
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Argentine star, Lionel Messi joined up with the teams mates for the training sessions for upcoming World Cup warm-up match against Italy

Argentinian football squad is gearing up for the upcoming World Cup warm-up match which is scheduled to take place on March 24 against Italy at Eastlands, Manchester. Argentine star, Lionel Messi joined up with the teams mates for the training sessions. The Barca striker arrived to start working with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and was present at a training session open to media in the afternoon. [SELECCIÓN MAYOR] Con la presencia de Lionel #Messi, @Argentina realiza su entrenamiento vespertino. Próximo desafío: @azzurri ???????? pic.twitter.com/ubXOpW9gxu — Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 20, 2018 × Sergio Aguero, who was present at the training session but was not participating in the training session as he has been sidelined with a knee injury. Few other players were also there like Nicolas Otamendi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Marcos Rojo. [SELECCIÓN MAYOR] ¡Llegó el capitán! Lionel #Messi ya se encuentra en la concentración argentina en Manchester. A post shared by Selección Argentina (@afaseleccion) on Mar 20, 2018 at 7:32am PDT × [SELECCIÓN MAYOR] Pasó el segundo entrenamiento del día. ¡Mirá las mejores imágenes! A post shared by Selección Argentina (@afaseleccion) on Mar 20, 2018 at 1:28pm PDT ×

Football: Argentina to play Italy before World Cup

<p>FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0</a> at home.</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, &quot;What I&#39;m expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different.&quot;</p>

<p>He also added, &quot;He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team&#39;s needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It&#39;s a two-way road.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj">https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975560024020930560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Argentine scored for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-messi-magic-prevails-as-barcelona-beat-athletic-bilbao-36302">the sixth game</a> in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign.</p>

<p>Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different"

FC Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde hailed Lionel Messi as Barca moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home. In a recent media interaction, Valverde said, "What I'm expecting is that he (Messi) will teach me things because every single day he discovers something new, something different." He also added, "He is very conscious of what he has to do and the team's needs. On so many occasions here in Barcelona the managers learn from the players to be able to teach them back. It's a two-way road." ???? Coach Ernesto Valverde and his players reflect on win that puts them 11 points clear in @LaLiga #BarçaAthletic https://t.co/LkkD6S7jNj — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2018 × The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign. Barcelona maintained their unbeaten La Liga record this season having nine league games remaining. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

I am expecting Messi will teach me things: Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde

<p>Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half.</p>

<p>Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left.</p>

<p>The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca&#39;s lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ca">⏰ Final whistle!<br />
FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club<br />
⚽ Alc&aacute;cer and Messi<br />
???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/Chvqy0YjYW">pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975419594440691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? <a href="https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu">https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu</a> ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/ExI4sWte9z">pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975451807064514560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona.</p>

<p>The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post.</p>

<p>The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca&#39;s area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0

Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half. Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left. The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca's lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. ⏰ Final whistle! FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club ⚽ Alcácer and Messi ???????????? #ForçaBarça #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × ???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu ???????? #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona. The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post. The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca's area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

La Liga: Messi magic prevails as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

<p>Liverpool forward Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said.</p>

<p>Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool&#39;s 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club.</p>

<p>Asked about the similarities in&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;and Messi&#39;s style of play, Klopp said: &quot;Mo is on the way, that&#39;s good. I don&#39;t think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>&quot;He (Messi) has been doing what he&#39;s been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona.&quot;</p>

<p>The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi&#39;s current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez.</p>

<p>The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013.</p>

<p>&quot;Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly,&quot; Klopp added.</p>

<p>&quot;His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it&#39;s good.&quot;</p>

<p>Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.</p>


Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said. Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday. The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club. Asked about the similarities in Salah and Messi's style of play, Klopp said: "Mo is on the way, that's good. I don't think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi. "He (Messi) has been doing what he's been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona." The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi's current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013. "Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly," Klopp added. "His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it's good." Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.

Salah 'on his way' to Messi comparisons: Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp

<p>Chelsea suffered an early exit from the race of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">winning Champions Leauge</a> title as FC Barcelona thrashed the &#39;Blues&#39; in the decisive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">second leg clash</a> of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-throwback-to-lionel-messis-first-goal-in-champions-league-35861">Lionel Messi</a> at his best blasted two magnificent goals to inspire the team to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. He also reached the milestone of completing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-throwback-to-lionel-messis-first-goal-in-champions-league-35861">100 goals in Champions League</a>.</p>

<p>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte too hailed Lionel Messi for his splendid performance in both the legs. He was asked about Messi&#39;s performance and he said, &quot;We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference.<br />
<br />
Antonio Conte on the Barcelona magician who put in yet another special display. We&#39;ve lost count...<br />
<br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/DesKellyBTS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DesKellyBTS</a> <a href="https://t.co/zgYG8R8v0o">pic.twitter.com/zgYG8R8v0o</a></p>
&mdash; Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/974061899456290817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Conte was obviously not happy after the match and was blaming the &quot;luck&quot; and poor start in the first half of the game.</p>

<p>In the post-match conference, he said, &quot;You can see that the result is unfair and we conceded a goal - our start was terrible - but to concede a goal after two minutes...after this we tried to play football, and for a long time we dominated the game and created chances to score - over the two legs we hit the post four times.&quot;</p>

<p>Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde responded to Conte&#39;s remark of being &quot;unlucky&quot; and said, &quot;We all see the game from our own perspective. We scored with our first shot and we clearly had more chances. They could have scored as well, but we all make an analysis from our own perspective. I accept his.&quot;</p>


Antonio Conte was not happy after the match and was blaming the "luck" and poor start for Chelsea's ouster

Chelsea suffered an early exit from the race of winning Champions Leauge title as FC Barcelona thrashed the 'Blues' in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou. Lionel Messi at his best blasted two magnificent goals to inspire the team to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. He also reached the milestone of completing 100 goals in Champions League. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte too hailed Lionel Messi for his splendid performance in both the legs. He was asked about Messi's performance and he said, "We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference." "We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference. Antonio Conte on the Barcelona magician who put in yet another special display. We've lost count... ???? @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/zgYG8R8v0o — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 14, 2018 × Conte was obviously not happy after the match and was blaming the "luck" and poor start in the first half of the game. In the post-match conference, he said, "You can see that the result is unfair and we conceded a goal - our start was terrible - but to concede a goal after two minutes...after this we tried to play football, and for a long time we dominated the game and created chances to score - over the two legs we hit the post four times." Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde responded to Conte's remark of being "unlucky" and said, "We all see the game from our own perspective. We scored with our first shot and we clearly had more chances. They could have scored as well, but we all make an analysis from our own perspective. I accept his."

'Messi made the difference,' says Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

<p>Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal of Champions League&nbsp;against Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash in the round of 16 at Camp Nou and inspired the team to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League.</p>

<p>Messi scored the opener within three minutes of the first half and later assisted Ousmane Dembele to double Barca&#39;s lead.</p>

<p>In the second half, he scored another goal and slammed a century of goals in total 123 appearances to complete a 3-0 victory.</p>

<p>Messi became the second player to reach the milestone of 100 goals after Real Madrid&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games.</p>

<p>When we talk about Messi&#39;s 100th goal, let&#39;s take a look back to the mesmerising journey from where it began.</p>

<p>He scored his first goal of Champions Trophy on November 2, 2005, in the 34th minute of a group stage match against Panathinaikos at the Camp Nou.</p>

<p>In that match, Barca was already leading 2-0 and Messi did the addition when he flicked the ball over goalkeeper Galinovic scoring his first goal of UEFA champions league.</p>

<p><em>Watch Messi&#39;s first goal of Champions League.</em></p>

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<p>Messi yesterday&#39;s goal was more than magical,<em> Watch the highlights:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi vs Chelsea.<br />
<br />
The greatest player of all time. <a href="https://t.co/sF3pfIijyO">pic.twitter.com/sF3pfIijyO</a></p>
&mdash; fabiano&trade; (@XaviTempo) <a href="https://twitter.com/XaviTempo/status/974049272630038528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo messi goal (Full) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> <a href="https://t.co/9fA7x1MAqh">pic.twitter.com/9fA7x1MAqh</a></p>
&mdash; Messinho (@i_Messinho) <a href="https://twitter.com/i_Messinho/status/974012879933452293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored his first and 100th goal in UEFA Champions League at Barcelona's home ground Camp Nou

Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal of Champions League against Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash in the round of 16 at Camp Nou and inspired the team to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League. Messi scored the opener within three minutes of the first half and later assisted Ousmane Dembele to double Barca's lead. In the second half, he scored another goal and slammed a century of goals in total 123 appearances to complete a 3-0 victory. Messi became the second player to reach the milestone of 100 goals after Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games. When we talk about Messi's 100th goal, let's take a look back to the mesmerising journey from where it began. He scored his first goal of Champions Trophy on November 2, 2005, in the 34th minute of a group stage match against Panathinaikos at the Camp Nou. In that match, Barca was already leading 2-0 and Messi did the addition when he flicked the ball over goalkeeper Galinovic scoring his first goal of UEFA champions league. Watch Messi's first goal of Champions League. × Messi yesterday's goal was more than magical, Watch the highlights: Leo Messi vs Chelsea. The greatest player of all time. pic.twitter.com/sF3pfIijyO — fabiano™ (@XaviTempo) March 14, 2018 × Leo messi goal (Full) #Messi pic.twitter.com/9fA7x1MAqh — Messinho (@i_Messinho) March 14, 2018 ×

Watch: Throwback to Lionel Messi's first goal in Champions League

<p>The law firm at the heart of the &quot;Panama Papers&quot; global tax evasion scandal that brought down two world leaders announced that it would shut down operations, citing negative press and what it called unwarranted action by authorities.</p>

<p>&quot;Reputational deterioration, the media campaign, the financial consequences and irregular actions by some Panamanian authorities have caused irreparable damage, resulting in the total ceasing of public operations at the end of this month,&quot; Mossack Fonseca said in a statement.</p>

<p>But it added a smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups.</p>

<p>Last August, co-founder Jurgen Mossack acknowledged the firm had closed most of its offices abroad after its damaged credibility caused business to flounder.</p>

<p>April 3, 2016 marked the beginning of the &quot;Panama Papers&quot; scandal -- a leak of 11.5 million files from Mossack Fonseca&#39;s digital archive that revealed how wealthy and influential figures across the world had created offshore businesses to safeguard assets.</p>

<p>The information was obtained by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, who shared it with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. It was released as a searchable database, with revelations continuing to be unearthed to this day.</p>

<p>Icelandic prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was forced to resign after it was revealed his family had offshore accounts -- while former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified for life from office after being implicated in the documents.</p>

<p>Other figures implicated included former British premier David Cameron, football star Lionel Messi, Argentina&#39;s President Mauricio Macri, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, to name but a few.</p>

<p>At least 150 investigations were opened in 79 countries to examine possible tax evasion and money laundering, according to the US-based Center for Public Integrity.&nbsp;<strong> </strong></p>


A smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups

The law firm at the heart of the "Panama Papers" global tax evasion scandal that brought down two world leaders announced that it would shut down operations, citing negative press and what it called unwarranted action by authorities. "Reputational deterioration, the media campaign, the financial consequences and irregular actions by some Panamanian authorities have caused irreparable damage, resulting in the total ceasing of public operations at the end of this month," Mossack Fonseca said in a statement. But it added a smaller group would continue working to address requests from authorities and other public and private groups. Last August, co-founder Jurgen Mossack acknowledged the firm had closed most of its offices abroad after its damaged credibility caused business to flounder. April 3, 2016 marked the beginning of the "Panama Papers" scandal -- a leak of 11.5 million files from Mossack Fonseca's digital archive that revealed how wealthy and influential figures across the world had created offshore businesses to safeguard assets. The information was obtained by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, who shared it with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. It was released as a searchable database, with revelations continuing to be unearthed to this day. Icelandic prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was forced to resign after it was revealed his family had offshore accounts -- while former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified for life from office after being implicated in the documents. Other figures implicated included former British premier David Cameron, football star Lionel Messi, Argentina's President Mauricio Macri, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, to name but a few. At least 150 investigations were opened in 79 countries to examine possible tax evasion and money laundering, according to the US-based Center for Public Integrity.

'Panama Papers' law firm shuts down operations

<p>FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at&nbsp;Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as &quot;The King&quot; and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> goals for Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>!<br />
????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/HwrkBFFR5s">pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974030114789847040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After unfurling a banner showing the words &quot;God Save The King&quot; before kick-off, Barca&#39;s fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass.</p>

<p>He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca&#39;s lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate.</p>

<p>Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe&#39;s premier tournament, following Real Madrid&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Together!<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/kRFZOVd4m4">pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974080312090259457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out,&quot; Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. &quot;We enjoy him. We&#39;re lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history.&quot;</p>

<p>By the end, the Argentinian&#39;s scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele&#39;s first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass.</p>

<p>&quot;I think that a fantastic player moved the final result,&quot; Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. &quot;In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It&#39;s a pity.&quot;</p>

<p>It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday&#39;s La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child.</p>

<p>Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations.</p>

<p>&quot;I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it&#39;s right,&quot; Conte added. &quot;It&#39;s right to recognise a super, super, super top player.&quot;</p>

<p>Conte&#39;s team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored two brilliant goals as Barcelona thrashed Chelsea 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals

FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as "The King" and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes. ???? @ChampionsLeague goals for Leo #Messi! ????#BarçaChelsea ???????? pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 14, 2018 × After unfurling a banner showing the words "God Save The King" before kick-off, Barca's fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass. He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca's lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate. Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe's premier tournament, following Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games. Together! ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 15, 2018 × "He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We enjoy him. We're lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history." By the end, the Argentinian's scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele's first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass. "I think that a fantastic player moved the final result," Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. "In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It's a pity." It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday's La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child. Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best. At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations. "I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it's right," Conte added. "It's right to recognise a super, super, super top player." Conte's team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.

Champions League: Messi strikes twice as Barcelona crush Chelsea

<p>FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time.</p>

<p>Ahead of the match, Barca coach&nbsp;Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led&#39;s clash, he said, &quot;I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them.&quot;</p>

<p>He further said that Chelsea&#39;s &#39;qualities&#39; are worrying him he said,&nbsp;&quot;We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea&#39;s qualities,&quot; Barca&nbsp;manager showed his concerns.</p>

<p><strong>FC Barcelona squad news:</strong></p>

<p>Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho won&#39;t he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer.</p>

<p>Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Su&aacute;rez are also both out with injuries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Squad list<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YgKzKnl1U">pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973631752395808776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time. Ahead of the match, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde talked to media about second led's clash, he said, "I expect a similar rival to the one we faced during the first leg, with all of their virtues and with all the danger attached to them." He further said that Chelsea's 'qualities' are worrying him he said, "We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy." "I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea's qualities," Barca manager showed his concerns. FC Barcelona squad news: Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury. Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby. Philippe Coutinho won't he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer. Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Suárez are also both out with injuries. ???? Squad list ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 ×

Barca coach Valverde worried ahead of Chelsea clash

<p>&quot;In the first leg, we made a mistake we paid a lot because of this mistake&quot; - Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager</p>

<p><em><strong>Remember what the mistake was, see the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-barcelona-chelsea-willian-lionel-messi-iniesta-chelseabarca-football-soccer-33540">highlights</a> of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-barcelona-chelsea-willian-lionel-messi-iniesta-chelseabarca-football-soccer-33540">last clash</a>:&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Conte is talking about the loophole in Chelsea&#39;s defence when Iniesta&#39;s beautiful assist to Messi equalised the score in the 75the minute to relax the Barcelona fans and followers.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time.</p>

<p>The nailbiting first leg tied 1-1 and now both the teams are ready to carry forward the clash tonight. The winner of today&#39;s game will enter the quarterfinals of Champions League.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tomorrow is a big day! ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/e4zYfi8f88">pic.twitter.com/e4zYfi8f88</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973688269048180736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Antonio Conte-led Chelsea has a chance only if something extraordinary happens. In a recent interview, he said, &quot;The final result of the first leg, give(s) a great advantage to Barcelona, but at the same time I think we know very well the philosophy of Barcelona and for sure they want to try to play their football tomorrow, to try to score and to try to win the game.&quot;</p>

<p>He further added, &quot;When you play against Barcelona, against a team that I consider, Barcelona, one of the best in the world.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❗ Iniesta is included in the squad for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a><br />
All the details ???? <a href="https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI">https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/Y6dT9et0V2">pic.twitter.com/Y6dT9et0V2</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973642412202569730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the other hand, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said, &quot;We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;They have so many virtues, players such as (Eden) Hazard or William who are able to shoot at goal from anywhere on the pitch,&quot; he further added.</p>

<p>He mentioned about Chelsea&#39;s qualities, &quot;I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea&#39;s qualities.&quot;</p>

<p>With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the &#39;Blues&#39; are unbeaten in their last eight matches.</p>

<p><strong>Squad news:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Chelsea:</strong></p>

<p>Blues have no injury issues and back with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as he missed the last clash against Crystal Palace.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spirits high at the Camp Nou! ???? <a href="https://t.co/F9IlCGPPm9">pic.twitter.com/F9IlCGPPm9</a></p>
&mdash; Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/973626363021324289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>FC Barcelona:</strong></p>

<p>Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho won&#39;t he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer.</p>

<p>Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Su&aacute;rez are also both out with injuries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Squad list<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> <a href="https://t.co/7YgKzKnl1U">pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/973631752395808776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the 'Blues' are unbeaten in their last eight matches

"In the first leg, we made a mistake we paid a lot because of this mistake" - Antonio Conte, Chelsea manager Remember what the mistake was, see the highlights of the last clash: Conte is talking about the loophole in Chelsea's defence when Iniesta's beautiful assist to Messi equalised the score in the 75the minute to relax the Barcelona fans and followers. FC Barcelona will host Chelsea in a decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at their home ground Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. The match will start at 1:15 pm local time. The nailbiting first leg tied 1-1 and now both the teams are ready to carry forward the clash tonight. The winner of today's game will enter the quarterfinals of Champions League. Tomorrow is a big day! ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/e4zYfi8f88 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 × Antonio Conte-led Chelsea has a chance only if something extraordinary happens. In a recent interview, he said, "The final result of the first leg, give(s) a great advantage to Barcelona, but at the same time I think we know very well the philosophy of Barcelona and for sure they want to try to play their football tomorrow, to try to score and to try to win the game." He further added, "When you play against Barcelona, against a team that I consider, Barcelona, one of the best in the world." ❗ Iniesta is included in the squad for #BarçaChelsea All the details ???? https://t.co/dMDd6ioYhI ???? pic.twitter.com/Y6dT9et0V2 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 × On the other hand, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said, "We are worried about the danger Chelsea can put us under because they have a great counter-attack and strategy." "They have so many virtues, players such as (Eden) Hazard or William who are able to shoot at goal from anywhere on the pitch," he further added. He mentioned about Chelsea's qualities, "I am worried because of that statistic, but even more so because of Chelsea's qualities." With Messi in their line-up, Barcelona has a superior record against nearly every opponent they have faced in Europe, but that is not the case against Chelsea as the 'Blues' are unbeaten in their last eight matches. Squad news: Chelsea: Blues have no injury issues and back with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as he missed the last clash against Crystal Palace. Spirits high at the Camp Nou! ???? pic.twitter.com/F9IlCGPPm9 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 13, 2018 × FC Barcelona: Andres Iniesta was spotted training so fans are expecting his return in the big clash as he suffered a hamstring injury. Lionel Messi is back into the action as he missed his last match due to the birth of his third baby. Philippe Coutinho won't he is ineligible for the match having previously played for Liverpool in the group stage of the competition before the transfer. Nelson Semedo and midfielder Denis Suárez are also both out with injuries. ???? Squad list ???????? #BarçaChelsea pic.twitter.com/7YgKzKnl1U — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 13, 2018 ×

Champions League preview: Barcelona to host Chelsea at Camp Nou

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-suffers-injury-out-for-2-weeks-35439">Sergio Aguero</a> has been included in Argentina&#39;s squad for upcoming friendly matches against Italy and Spain even though the Manchester City striker is currently injured.</p>

<p>Aguero revealed at the weekend that he would be out for two weeks with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-suffers-injury-out-for-2-weeks-35439">knee injury</a>, meaning he will not feature for City again until after the international break.</p>

<p>It would also appear to make his presence doubtful for the matches against Spain on March 23 and Italy four days later.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!</p>
&mdash; Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/972859117726588928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona&#39;s game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad.</p>

<p>Argentina plays Italy at City&#39;s Etihad Stadium in Manchester before facing Spain at Atletico Madrid&#39;s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.</p>

<p><strong>Squad:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Goalkeepers</strong>: Sergio Romero (Manchester United/ENG), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres/MEX), Willy Caballero (Chelsea/ENG)</p>

<p><strong>Defenders</strong>: Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax/NED), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Fabricio Bustos (Independiente)</p>

<p><strong>Midfielders</strong>: Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), &nbsp;Leandro Paredes (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris SG/FRA), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris SG/FRA), Pablo Perez (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente)</p>

<p><strong>Forwards</strong>: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Diego Perotti (Roma/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Lautaro Martinez (Racing Club)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona's game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad

Sergio Aguero has been included in Argentina's squad for upcoming friendly matches against Italy and Spain even though the Manchester City striker is currently injured. Aguero revealed at the weekend that he would be out for two weeks with a knee injury, meaning he will not feature for City again until after the international break. It would also appear to make his presence doubtful for the matches against Spain on March 23 and Italy four days later. During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery! — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 11, 2018 × Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona's game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad. Argentina plays Italy at City's Etihad Stadium in Manchester before facing Spain at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Squad: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United/ENG), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres/MEX), Willy Caballero (Chelsea/ENG) Defenders: Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax/NED), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Fabricio Bustos (Independiente) Midfielders: Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), Leandro Paredes (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris SG/FRA), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris SG/FRA), Pablo Perez (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente) Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Diego Perotti (Roma/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Lautaro Martinez (Racing Club)

Sergio Aguero named in Argentina squad despite injury

<p>Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to &quot;personal reasons&quot; as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The &quot;personal reasons&quot; were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy &quot;Ciro.&quot;</p>

<p>In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun.</p>

<p>The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy&nbsp;moments together.</p>

<p>It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, &quot;Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We&#39;re so happy!!&quot;</p>

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<p>Earlier in the month, Messi&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Barcelona star&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram)</p>
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<p>The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barcelona&#39;s striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago.</p>

<p>Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites.</p>

<p>On Mother&#39;s Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption &quot;Family of five&quot;.</p>

<p>Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


FC Barcelona striker shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites quoting, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!"

Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to "personal reasons" as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The "personal reasons" were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy "Ciro." In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun. The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy moments together. It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday. Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!" × Earlier in the month, Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro. The Barcelona star's wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram) × The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage. Barcelona's striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago. Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites. On Mother's Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption "Family of five". Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina. × ×

Messi out of Barca squad to welcome baby 'Ciro'

<p>FC Barcelona defeated the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0 at their home ground&nbsp;Camp Nou on Sunday. Both the teams are neck-to-neck and are racing to be at number one spot at the Spanish League table. Barca has maintained a modest lead throughout the season but in the previous matches, Atletico displayed a splendid performance to cut the gap between them and the table leaders.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which further extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick and hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi&#39;s 600th career goal from 25 yards out.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Another landmark for Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>!<br />
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U">https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U</a> <a href="https://t.co/kqLEVeAVBY">pic.twitter.com/kqLEVeAVBY</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970392218602233856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Messi&#39;s goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining.</p>

<p>Besides Barca fans and followers, the coach Ernesto Valverde is also very happy after the vital win against Atletico. In the post-match presentation, he said, &quot;(Lionel) Messi there is just one in the world.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t know what would have happened (if he would not be playing for Barcelona), but what is the reason to think about that if he is playing with us?&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also focused on further matches and hoped the team would compete well in such important and crucial games and said, &quot;We have made a step forward, but it is not definitive.&quot;</p>

<p>Before the match, Atletico coach Diego Simeone had hailed&nbsp;Griezmann saying, &quot;Antoine is an extraordinary footballer and when he is at his level like this, he is one of the best, and it is clear that in his present position he is in the perfect place.&quot;</p>

<p>But Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Messi's goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining

FC Barcelona defeated the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0 at their home ground Camp Nou on Sunday. Both the teams are neck-to-neck and are racing to be at number one spot at the Spanish League table. Barca has maintained a modest lead throughout the season but in the previous matches, Atletico displayed a splendid performance to cut the gap between them and the table leaders. FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which further extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick and hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi's 600th career goal from 25 yards out. ???? Another landmark for Leo #Messi! ➡️ https://t.co/2M3jsXs79U pic.twitter.com/kqLEVeAVBY — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 × Messi's goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 win against second-place Atletico Madrid and widened the gap over their closest rivals to eight points with 11 games remaining. Besides Barca fans and followers, the coach Ernesto Valverde is also very happy after the vital win against Atletico. In the post-match presentation, he said, "(Lionel) Messi there is just one in the world." "I don't know what would have happened (if he would not be playing for Barcelona), but what is the reason to think about that if he is playing with us?" He also focused on further matches and hoped the team would compete well in such important and crucial games and said, "We have made a step forward, but it is not definitive." Before the match, Atletico coach Diego Simeone had hailed Griezmann saying, "Antoine is an extraordinary footballer and when he is at his level like this, he is one of the best, and it is clear that in his present position he is in the perfect place." But Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous.

Messi just one in the world: FCB coach Ernesto Valverde

<p>FC Barcelona won against the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0&nbsp;at Camp Nou on Sunday. The match was labelled as &quot;the Grand Final&quot; by some Spanish media houses,&nbsp;as&nbsp;both the teams are neck-to-neck and are&nbsp;racing to be at number spot in the League table.</p>

<p>The game started in the second half when Atletico Madrid displayed enough intent and courage to win the Spanish title race. Otherwise, the first half was entirely dominated by FC Barcelona and&nbsp;Atletico seemed as if they have surrendered in the initial 45 minutes.</p>

<p>Barcelona sent the first warning in the 3rd minute itself by earning a corner, they had put Atletico under immense pressure by claiming 5 corners within 12 minutes, though, none of them was converted. Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, meanwhile, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vital win ???? <a href="https://t.co/niHSuzyN5m">pic.twitter.com/niHSuzyN5m</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970351018536873984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite the massive dominance, few of the Barca&#39;s stars were unlucky to some extent, first Luis Suarez as two of his goals were offsides. He thought he had scored a second after half-volleying through Oblak&#39;s legs but was flagged offside before Jose Gimenez applied a crucial block to deflect a Messi shot over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And Iniesta, who suffered an injury to his right hamstring during and will have more tests tomorrow will provide more insight into his condition. Iniesta now has 10 days to recover before next week&#39;s Champions League second leg against Chelsea.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">[INJURY NEWS] <a href="https://twitter.com/andresiniesta8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andresiniesta8</a> has a hamstring injury in his right leg. More tests are needed to find out the extent of the problem <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAtleti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAtleti</a> <a href="https://t.co/2rhv79AekT">pic.twitter.com/2rhv79AekT</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970336976137342981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick by hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi&#39;s 600th career goal from a free-kick from 25 yards out.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? With that goal Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> reaches 600 as a professional! ????<br />
???????? 539 ⚽<br />
???????? 61 ⚽<br />
???? Congratulations, Leo! ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/8o7gBNoSaH">pic.twitter.com/8o7gBNoSaH</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970324755327963136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The second half was bit competitive but the 1-0 lead helped the Catalans to maintain the pressure and the efforts of Atletico Madrid went in vain.</p>

<p>Though they were close to equalizing and almost did also but the goal in the second half was offside, a very close one.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona has earned a crucial 3 points and stand at top of LaLiga charts and continues its unbeaten run.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">????<br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? For&ccedil;a Bar&ccedil;a <a href="https://t.co/riabW56GFS">pic.twitter.com/riabW56GFS</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/970349427528433664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored from the 25 yards out and whipped the free-kick beyond the scrambling Oblak and into the top corner

FC Barcelona won against the visitors Atletico Madrid by 1-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday. The match was labelled as "the Grand Final" by some Spanish media houses, as both the teams are neck-to-neck and are racing to be at number spot in the League table. The game started in the second half when Atletico Madrid displayed enough intent and courage to win the Spanish title race. Otherwise, the first half was entirely dominated by FC Barcelona and Atletico seemed as if they have surrendered in the initial 45 minutes. Barcelona sent the first warning in the 3rd minute itself by earning a corner, they had put Atletico under immense pressure by claiming 5 corners within 12 minutes, though, none of them was converted. Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann, meanwhile, who came in with seven goals in two games, was largely anonymous. Vital win ???? pic.twitter.com/niHSuzyN5m — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 × Despite the massive dominance, few of the Barca's stars were unlucky to some extent, first Luis Suarez as two of his goals were offsides. He thought he had scored a second after half-volleying through Oblak's legs but was flagged offside before Jose Gimenez applied a crucial block to deflect a Messi shot over. And Iniesta, who suffered an injury to his right hamstring during and will have more tests tomorrow will provide more insight into his condition. Iniesta now has 10 days to recover before next week's Champions League second leg against Chelsea. [INJURY NEWS] @andresiniesta8 has a hamstring injury in his right leg. More tests are needed to find out the extent of the problem #BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/2rhv79AekT — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 × FC Barcelona was five points ahead of second-ranked Atletico Madrid which extended to eight as marvellous Messi netted in the 26th minute by clearing a free-kick by hitting a swinging banana shot into the top right corner and gave a 1-0 lead. It was Messi's 600th career goal from a free-kick from 25 yards out. ???? With that goal Leo #Messi reaches 600 as a professional! ???? ???????? 539 ⚽ ???????? 61 ⚽ ???? Congratulations, Leo! ???? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/8o7gBNoSaH — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 × The second half was bit competitive but the 1-0 lead helped the Catalans to maintain the pressure and the efforts of Atletico Madrid went in vain. Though they were close to equalizing and almost did also but the goal in the second half was offside, a very close one. FC Barcelona has earned a crucial 3 points and stand at top of LaLiga charts and continues its unbeaten run. ???? ???? @LaLiga ???????? Força Barça pic.twitter.com/riabW56GFS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2018 ×

Messi makes difference again to beat Atletico Madrid

<p>Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-fighting Las Palmas on Thursday in an unexpected setback that left them with a five-point lead in La Liga ahead of their top-of-the-table showdown with Atletico Madrid this weekend.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi fired Barca ahead in the 21st minute with a thunderous free-kick into the top corner but third-bottom Las Palmas pulled themselves back into the game with a penalty by Jonathan Calleri three minutes into the second half.</p>

<p>The Argentine forward sidefooted the spot kick into the top corner after stand-in defender Lucas Digne was judged to have handled the ball after it hit the post, the first time Barca have given away a spot kick in the league for over two years.</p>

<p>The Catalans had little fortune with refereeing decisions and their players and coach Ernesto Valverde were furious when Las Palmas goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola was not punished for appearing to handle the ball outside of the area.</p>

<p>Barca have 66 points and lead the table from Atletico, who visit the Nou Camp on Sunday having won their last eight games in all competitions. Barca have drawn four of their last eight. Third-placed Real Madrid have 51 points with Valencia on 50.</p>

<p>Valverde told reporters he still did not know if the penalty had been given for Digne&#39;s handball or a foul and the usually pragmatic coach could not hide his despair at the decision.</p>

<p>&quot;The penalty came as a shock to us because of how it was awarded. We felt that they equalised with an &#39;invisible&#39; penalty, they grew stronger after that and we played in too much of a hurry,&quot; the agitated Valverde said.</p>

<p>&quot;We really wanted to leave here with three points. In the first half we felt we were always creating danger and their players kept on picking up yellow cards. We went ahead in the first half but it was not a big enough margin.&quot;</p>

<p>Las Palmas coach Paco Jemez snapped a miserable run of eight consecutive defeats to Barca from when he was in charge of Rayo Vallecano and said his team were slowly but surely finding their feet in their fight against the drop.</p>

<p>&quot;Right now we sure are playing like a team, we&#39;re able to help each other out and keep fighting until the last minute,&quot; he said. &quot;We&#39;re still not creating as many chances as we are capable of but I&#39;m seeing signs of progress.</p>

<p>&quot;Taking a point against Barca gives us more belief than if it was any old point,&quot; he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi fired Barca ahead in the 21st minute with a thunderous free-kick into the top corner but third-bottom Las Palmas pulled themselves back into the game with a penalty by Jonathan Calleri three minutes into the second half.

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-fighting Las Palmas on Thursday in an unexpected setback that left them with a five-point lead in La Liga ahead of their top-of-the-table showdown with Atletico Madrid this weekend. Lionel Messi fired Barca ahead in the 21st minute with a thunderous free-kick into the top corner but third-bottom Las Palmas pulled themselves back into the game with a penalty by Jonathan Calleri three minutes into the second half. The Argentine forward sidefooted the spot kick into the top corner after stand-in defender Lucas Digne was judged to have handled the ball after it hit the post, the first time Barca have given away a spot kick in the league for over two years. The Catalans had little fortune with refereeing decisions and their players and coach Ernesto Valverde were furious when Las Palmas goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola was not punished for appearing to handle the ball outside of the area. Barca have 66 points and lead the table from Atletico, who visit the Nou Camp on Sunday having won their last eight games in all competitions. Barca have drawn four of their last eight. Third-placed Real Madrid have 51 points with Valencia on 50. Valverde told reporters he still did not know if the penalty had been given for Digne's handball or a foul and the usually pragmatic coach could not hide his despair at the decision. "The penalty came as a shock to us because of how it was awarded. We felt that they equalised with an 'invisible' penalty, they grew stronger after that and we played in too much of a hurry," the agitated Valverde said. "We really wanted to leave here with three points. In the first half we felt we were always creating danger and their players kept on picking up yellow cards. We went ahead in the first half but it was not a big enough margin." Las Palmas coach Paco Jemez snapped a miserable run of eight consecutive defeats to Barca from when he was in charge of Rayo Vallecano and said his team were slowly but surely finding their feet in their fight against the drop. "Right now we sure are playing like a team, we're able to help each other out and keep fighting until the last minute," he said. "We're still not creating as many chances as we are capable of but I'm seeing signs of progress. "Taking a point against Barca gives us more belief than if it was any old point," he added.

La Liga: Barcelona lead by five points after draw at Las Palmas

<p>The first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-match-preview-of-barcelona-vs-chelsea-33534">FC Barcelona and Chelsea</a> ended with a 1-1 score.</p>

<p>The third time lucky Willian scored a stunner in the second half to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/good-to-be-compared-with-messi-eden-hazard-33431">Chelsea 1-0 lead</a>.</p>

<p>In the first half, Willian proved two-time unlucky as he hit side post twice from both the wings, if not, then Chelsea would have leading the game by 3-0 and Willian scoring a hat-trick.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GOAL!!! 1-0!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/UjIUmhdgrI">pic.twitter.com/UjIUmhdgrI</a></p>
&mdash; Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/966056319827480577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Iniesta&#39;s beautiful assist to Messi equalises the score in the 75the minute to&nbsp;relax&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-why-philippe-coutinho-is-not-playing-against-chelsea-33539">Barcelona fans</a> and followers.</p>

<p>After the match, Iniesta said, &quot;Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe and in general we played well. The second leg will also be a tough contest.&quot;</p>

<p>It was not only the mesmerising moment of a reverse pass and accurate hit into the bottom corner of the net also a sloppy piece of defence tackle by Andreas Christensen was the reason.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">&quot;Leo Messi has n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ scored against Chelsea.&quot;<br />
&hellip;<br />
✅ Done. <a href="https://t.co/3NlCQIvLha">pic.twitter.com/3NlCQIvLha</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/966060110073114625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lionel Messi had a jinx of not scoring against English clubs which he broke today by scoring an equalizer and also his first goal against Chelsea in the last nine matches.</p>

<p>However, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-why-philippe-coutinho-is-not-playing-against-chelsea-33539">Barca</a> remains unbeaten in 31 La Liga and Champions League games under Ernesto Valverde thanks to a late rally.</p>

<p>The first warning&nbsp;was given by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/good-to-be-compared-with-messi-eden-hazard-33431">Eden Hazard</a> when he&nbsp;fired just over from 20 yards five minutes in.</p>

<p>The match&nbsp;revolved around Chelsea striker Willian, either he was missing to score or playing exponentially amazing with bleeding nose.</p>

<p>So, a&nbsp;big shout out to Willian&#39;s performance, brilliance and fighting spirit and his ability to score from outside the box off either foot.</p>

<p>The English defending champions must now score when they travel to the Camp Nou on March 14 to have any chance of making the last eight.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-match-preview-of-barcelona-vs-chelsea-33534">Click here</a> to know what was expected of this clash.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi struck for the first time in nine games against Chelsea to give Barcelona a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 between FC Barcelona and Chelsea ended with a 1-1 score. The third time lucky Willian scored a stunner in the second half to give Chelsea 1-0 lead. In the first half, Willian proved two-time unlucky as he hit side post twice from both the wings, if not, then Chelsea would have leading the game by 3-0 and Willian scoring a hat-trick. GOAL!!! 1-0!!! #CHEBAR pic.twitter.com/UjIUmhdgrI — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2018 × Iniesta's beautiful assist to Messi equalises the score in the 75the minute to relax the Barcelona fans and followers. After the match, Iniesta said, "Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe and in general we played well. The second leg will also be a tough contest." It was not only the mesmerising moment of a reverse pass and accurate hit into the bottom corner of the net also a sloppy piece of defence tackle by Andreas Christensen was the reason. "Leo Messi has n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ scored against Chelsea." … ✅ Done. pic.twitter.com/3NlCQIvLha — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 20, 2018 × Lionel Messi had a jinx of not scoring against English clubs which he broke today by scoring an equalizer and also his first goal against Chelsea in the last nine matches. However, Barca remains unbeaten in 31 La Liga and Champions League games under Ernesto Valverde thanks to a late rally. The first warning was given by Eden Hazard when he fired just over from 20 yards five minutes in. The match revolved around Chelsea striker Willian, either he was missing to score or playing exponentially amazing with bleeding nose. So, a big shout out to Willian's performance, brilliance and fighting spirit and his ability to score from outside the box off either foot. The English defending champions must now score when they travel to the Camp Nou on March 14 to have any chance of making the last eight. Click here to know what was expected of this clash.

Champions League: Lionel Messi breaks jinx after scoring against Chelsea

<p>The first leg of Chelsea vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at Stamford Bridge, London.</p>

<p>It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team.</p>

<p>FC Barcelona and support staff have arrived in London and the training has started.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez meet former English footballer and current sports broadcaster, Gary Lineker ahead of Chelsea clash.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewProfilePic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewProfilePic</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryLineker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaryLineker</a>! ???? <a href="https://t.co/89N6tpQ46B">pic.twitter.com/89N6tpQ46B</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/965711583719538689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gary Lineker holds England&#39;s record for goals in FIFA World Cup finals with 10 goals.</p>

<p>Lineker began his football career at Leicester City in 1978. He then moved to League Champions Everton.</p>

<p>His first team honours came at Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners&#39; Cup in 1989.</p>

<p>He returned to England in 1989, joining Tottenham Hotspur, and over three seasons he scored 67 goals in 105 games and won the FA Cup.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


At Barcelona, Gary Lineker won the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1989

The first leg of Chelsea vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at Stamford Bridge, London. It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team. FC Barcelona and support staff have arrived in London and the training has started. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez meet former English footballer and current sports broadcaster, Gary Lineker ahead of Chelsea clash. #NewProfilePic for @GaryLineker! ???? pic.twitter.com/89N6tpQ46B — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 19, 2018 × Gary Lineker holds England's record for goals in FIFA World Cup finals with 10 goals. Lineker began his football career at Leicester City in 1978. He then moved to League Champions Everton. His first team honours came at Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1989. He returned to England in 1989, joining Tottenham Hotspur, and over three seasons he scored 67 goals in 105 games and won the FA Cup.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez meet former Barca star Gary Lineker

<p>The first leg of Chelsea&nbsp;vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at&nbsp;Stamford Bridge, London.</p>

<p>It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team.</p>

<p>In a pre-match interview, Eden Hazard said, &quot; We know that it is tough to beat Chelsea. We are in a good position. We play the first game here. So we will give everything here.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Of course, Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world but in the past, they were a little bit in trouble against Chelsea and I hope tomorrow is going to be the same because we want to win,&quot; he further added.</p>

<p>On asking him about being compared with Messi and Ronaldo he said, &quot;First it is good to be compared with the greatest ever (like Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but I am different. I am completely different.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We play in a different league. I try to do my job. I try to reach that level. You need to play well in big games and tomorrow is a big game. So, let&#39;s go for it and try to give everything,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested for the 4-0 win over Hull City in the English FA Cup fifth round.</p>

<p>Summer signing Alvaro Morata will be battling it out with Olivier Giroud for the central striker berth. French international Giroud, who arrived in January from Premier League rivals Arsenal, gave his chances a boost with his first goal for the club in the Hull City victory.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested against Hull City

The first leg of Chelsea vs Barcelona is scheduled for February 21 at Stamford Bridge, London. It is supposed to be one of the major clashes of Champions Leauge and fans and supporters of both sides have high expectations for their favourite team. In a pre-match interview, Eden Hazard said, " We know that it is tough to beat Chelsea. We are in a good position. We play the first game here. So we will give everything here." "Of course, Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world but in the past, they were a little bit in trouble against Chelsea and I hope tomorrow is going to be the same because we want to win," he further added. On asking him about being compared with Messi and Ronaldo he said, "First it is good to be compared with the greatest ever (like Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but I am different. I am completely different." "We play in a different league. I try to do my job. I try to reach that level. You need to play well in big games and tomorrow is a big game. So, let's go for it and try to give everything," he added. Eden Hazard is expected to be recalled to the team after the Belgian international was rested for the 4-0 win over Hull City in the English FA Cup fifth round. Summer signing Alvaro Morata will be battling it out with Olivier Giroud for the central striker berth. French international Giroud, who arrived in January from Premier League rivals Arsenal, gave his chances a boost with his first goal for the club in the Hull City victory.

Good to be compared with Messi: Eden Hazard

<p>Lionel Messi, five-time Ballon d&rsquo;Or winner was awarded the Barca Players Association&rsquo;s Fair Play Award on Monday for the season 2015-2016 for his splendid performance during that season.</p>

<p>Messi was handed the award by Barca Players Association President Ramon Alfonseda at a ceremony attended by FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu as well.</p>

<p>This award is given annually to the Barca first team after observing both on and off-field conduct. More than 3,300 people voted for the award on social media. Among the six finalists, Messi was chosen for the award by a 15-person jury.</p>

<p>In the ongoing season with 20 goals, Messi is leading La Liga in scoring.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done, Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>! ????<a href="https://t.co/VouIrVIgh0">https://t.co/VouIrVIgh0</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/963169623960059905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The award is given annually by Barca Players Association, Messi received the award for the season 2015-2016 for his splendid performance and his conduct on and off field

Lionel Messi, five-time Ballon d’Or winner was awarded the Barca Players Association’s Fair Play Award on Monday for the season 2015-2016 for his splendid performance during that season. Messi was handed the award by Barca Players Association President Ramon Alfonseda at a ceremony attended by FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu as well. This award is given annually to the Barca first team after observing both on and off-field conduct. More than 3,300 people voted for the award on social media. Among the six finalists, Messi was chosen for the award by a 15-person jury. In the ongoing season with 20 goals, Messi is leading La Liga in scoring. Well done, Leo #Messi! ????https://t.co/VouIrVIgh0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 12, 2018 ×

Lionel Messi receives Fair Play Award

<p>Barca defeated&nbsp;Real Betis and bounced back from their first defeat for 29 games in the Copa del Rey to secure an excellent 5-0 win in their third away match in a week.</p>

<p>This means the Catalans extended their lead to 11 points -- and 19 ahead of Real Madrid -- as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit a brace in a 5-0 romp at&nbsp;Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on January 21.</p>

<p>Messi thumped home the second from outside the box on 64 minutes before he and Rakitic teamed up to present Suarez with a volley on 69 minutes to effectively seal the three points.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLigaEN</a><br />
One more win....one less fixture<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/ESDY6v6UDS">pic.twitter.com/ESDY6v6UDS</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/955199981358641152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Betis were making mistakes at the back and when Zouhair Feddal clumsily gave the ball away on halfway to Suarez, the Uruguayan sent Messi scampering away.</p>

<p>Faced with two defenders, Messi dummied to shoot, drifted past both and calmly slotted home past goalkeeper Antonio Adan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???????????? The best photos from the win over Betis ???? <a href="https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO">https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetisBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetisBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/ooMiEgWqeM">pic.twitter.com/ooMiEgWqeM</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/955262511762280448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>There was still time for Suarez to complete his brace with a crisp finish after Messi had driven at the heart of an over-matched defence.</p>

<p>The only downside for the league leaders was a hamstring injury to Thomas Vermaelen in the first half that precipitated French centre-back Samuel Umtiti&#39;s own return from a hamstring problem.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis and has extended the lead to 11 points

Barca defeated Real Betis and bounced back from their first defeat for 29 games in the Copa del Rey to secure an excellent 5-0 win in their third away match in a week. This means the Catalans extended their lead to 11 points -- and 19 ahead of Real Madrid -- as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit a brace in a 5-0 romp at Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on January 21. Messi thumped home the second from outside the box on 64 minutes before he and Rakitic teamed up to present Suarez with a volley on 69 minutes to effectively seal the three points. ???? @LaLigaEN One more win....one less fixture ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/ESDY6v6UDS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 21, 2018 × Betis were making mistakes at the back and when Zouhair Feddal clumsily gave the ball away on halfway to Suarez, the Uruguayan sent Messi scampering away. Faced with two defenders, Messi dummied to shoot, drifted past both and calmly slotted home past goalkeeper Antonio Adan. ???????????? The best photos from the win over Betis ???? https://t.co/iNzbYP1lWO #BetisBarça pic.twitter.com/ooMiEgWqeM — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 22, 2018 × There was still time for Suarez to complete his brace with a crisp finish after Messi had driven at the heart of an over-matched defence. The only downside for the league leaders was a hamstring injury to Thomas Vermaelen in the first half that precipitated French centre-back Samuel Umtiti's own return from a hamstring problem.

Messi and Suarez inspire FC Barcelona to sensational victory

<p>Barcelona escaped a scare on Philippe Coutinho&#39;s first start as Lionel Messi struck with a trademark free-kick to drag the La Liga leaders back from a goal down to beat Alaves 2-1 and restore their 11-point lead at the top.</p>

<p>Messi whipped home a beautiful free-kick six minutes from the end to down resilient Alaves, who are just two points from the drop zone in 17th despite John Guidetti silencing the Camp Nou with a shock breakaway opener in the 23rd minute.</p>

<p>Luis Suarez had broken the away side&#39;s tough resistance with a sweet volley from Andres Iniesta&#39;s cross 18 minutes from the end, setting the stage for Messi&#39;s dramatic and stylish winner.</p>

<p>The Argentine&#39;s strike ensures that Barca stays unbeaten in the league, and keeps Atletico Madrid 11 points back despite their 3-0 hammering of Las Palmas earlier.</p>

<p>With Diego Costa out injured, Atletico took a while to get going and had to wait until the 61st minute to open the scoring, Antoine Griezmann latching on to Juanfran&#39;s fine ball down the right flank before dinking neatly over Las Palmas stopper Leandro Chichizola.</p>

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&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/957743864542121984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;The first half was not very good but the coach gave us a good talking to at half-time, and we responded well,&quot; said Griezmann, whose goal was just his seventh in the league this season but his fourth in league and cup since the turn of the year.</p>

<p>&quot;I feel good, I&#39;ve started the year well and I hope to continue the goals and assists.&quot;</p>

<p>Frenchman Griezmann started the move that led to Atletico&#39;s second, intercepting a loose pass and setting Angel Correa free to scamper down the pitch and feed Fernando Torres, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and lashed home just his second goal of the season, the 600th scored by Atletico in all competitions during Diego Simeone&#39;s seven-year reign as coach.</p>

<p>An easy tap-in from Thomas Partey after great work from Yannick Carrasco two minutes from time completed the second-half rout of a desperate Las Palmas, who remain second from bottom and five points from safety.</p>

<p>Sevilla was denied the chance to close within three points of Real Madrid and the Champions League places after Angel Rodriguez scored a controversial equaliser deep in stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw for Getafe at the Roman Sanchez Pizjaun stadium.</p>

<p>Luis Muriel had slid in a 72nd-minute for hosts but with seconds to spare Juan Cala challenged Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico for a hopeful high ball, and with the Sevilla fans and players clamouring for a free-kick, Angel lashed home the leveller and celebrated under a hail of whistles and boos.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Argentine's strike ensures that Barca stays unbeaten in the league, and keeps Atletico Madrid 11 points back despite

Barcelona escaped a scare on Philippe Coutinho's first start as Lionel Messi struck with a trademark free-kick to drag the La Liga leaders back from a goal down to beat Alaves 2-1 and restore their 11-point lead at the top. Messi whipped home a beautiful free-kick six minutes from the end to down resilient Alaves, who are just two points from the drop zone in 17th despite John Guidetti silencing the Camp Nou with a shock breakaway opener in the 23rd minute. Luis Suarez had broken the away side's tough resistance with a sweet volley from Andres Iniesta's cross 18 minutes from the end, setting the stage for Messi's dramatic and stylish winner. The Argentine's strike ensures that Barca stays unbeaten in the league, and keeps Atletico Madrid 11 points back despite their 3-0 hammering of Las Palmas earlier. With Diego Costa out injured, Atletico took a while to get going and had to wait until the 61st minute to open the scoring, Antoine Griezmann latching on to Juanfran's fine ball down the right flank before dinking neatly over Las Palmas stopper Leandro Chichizola. ???? FORÇA BARÇA! ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/BUvCswTmzM — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 28, 2018 × "The first half was not very good but the coach gave us a good talking to at half-time, and we responded well," said Griezmann, whose goal was just his seventh in the league this season but his fourth in league and cup since the turn of the year. "I feel good, I've started the year well and I hope to continue the goals and assists." Frenchman Griezmann started the move that led to Atletico's second, intercepting a loose pass and setting Angel Correa free to scamper down the pitch and feed Fernando Torres, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and lashed home just his second goal of the season, the 600th scored by Atletico in all competitions during Diego Simeone's seven-year reign as coach. An easy tap-in from Thomas Partey after great work from Yannick Carrasco two minutes from time completed the second-half rout of a desperate Las Palmas, who remain second from bottom and five points from safety. Sevilla was denied the chance to close within three points of Real Madrid and the Champions League places after Angel Rodriguez scored a controversial equaliser deep in stoppage time to snatch a 1-1 draw for Getafe at the Roman Sanchez Pizjaun stadium. Luis Muriel had slid in a 72nd-minute for hosts but with seconds to spare Juan Cala challenged Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico for a hopeful high ball, and with the Sevilla fans and players clamouring for a free-kick, Angel lashed home the leveller and celebrated under a hail of whistles and boos.

LaLiga: Messi strikes late to defeat Alaves

<p>Spanish tax authorities are investigating whether payments from FC Barcelona to Lionel Messi&#39;s foundation were used to help the player evade taxes, Spanish daily El Mundo reported on Saturday.</p>

<p>The newspaper, which has acquired Football Leaks documents, reported that the club gave the foundation &quot;at least 12.7 million euros ($15.5 million) between 2010 and 2016&quot;.</p>

<p>The paper said that the payments from Barca represented 71.5 percent of the foundation&#39;s revenue between 2013 and 2016.</p>

<p>The foundation says on its website that it &quot;was created in 2007 with the wish that all children should have the same opportunities to make their dreams come true, and to promote equality in education and health.&quot;</p>

<p>Between 2010 and the official registration of the foundation in June 2013, the club reduced the corporate tax they paid on the money by 35 per cent, in line with rules on donations to charities.</p>

<p>Those payments raised the suspicions of the authorities which, in January 2016, began to investigate whether the money&nbsp;had been &quot;remunerative&quot; and evaded corporate and income tax. In April 2016, tax investigators visited the Barcelona offices -- not for the first time in recent years.</p>

<p>After the official scrutiny began, the club stopped making the deductions from their donations and started withholding 45 per cent for taxes suggesting, the newspaper said, that the payments &quot;were considered part of the salary&quot; of the Argentine star.</p>

<p>El Mundo said that the club had urged Messi, already being investigated for a 4.1 million-euro tax fraud relating to his image rights, to &quot;regularise the donations to his foundation&quot;. In the image rights case, Messi and his father, Jorge, were found guilty in &nbsp;2016.</p>

<p>El Mundo said that, by law, 70 percent of a charity&#39;s revenue should be spent on the aims for which it was created but a report in another Spanish newspaper, ABC, found the foundation&#39;s accounts were full of gaps but included large sums spent on external consultants, rent and refurbishing its offices or transferred to its branch in Argentina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to documents examined by El Mundo, a tax settlement was paid to the Spanish treasury, in theory by Messi but ultimately by Barca, which made up the amount in a complex transaction days before the player signed a new contract last November.</p>

<p>That contract, which runs until 2021, will pay Messi more than 100 million euros a year including salary and image rights according to information published on Friday by the European Investigation Collaborations, which includes El Mundo.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Spanish tax authorities scrutinise Messi's foundation to investigate tax fraud

Spanish tax authorities are investigating whether payments from FC Barcelona to Lionel Messi's foundation were used to help the player evade taxes, Spanish daily El Mundo reported on Saturday. The newspaper, which has acquired Football Leaks documents, reported that the club gave the foundation "at least 12.7 million euros ($15.5 million) between 2010 and 2016". The paper said that the payments from Barca represented 71.5 percent of the foundation's revenue between 2013 and 2016. The foundation says on its website that it "was created in 2007 with the wish that all children should have the same opportunities to make their dreams come true, and to promote equality in education and health." Between 2010 and the official registration of the foundation in June 2013, the club reduced the corporate tax they paid on the money by 35 per cent, in line with rules on donations to charities. Those payments raised the suspicions of the authorities which, in January 2016, began to investigate whether the money had been "remunerative" and evaded corporate and income tax. In April 2016, tax investigators visited the Barcelona offices -- not for the first time in recent years. After the official scrutiny began, the club stopped making the deductions from their donations and started withholding 45 per cent for taxes suggesting, the newspaper said, that the payments "were considered part of the salary" of the Argentine star. El Mundo said that the club had urged Messi, already being investigated for a 4.1 million-euro tax fraud relating to his image rights, to "regularise the donations to his foundation". In the image rights case, Messi and his father, Jorge, were found guilty in 2016. El Mundo said that, by law, 70 percent of a charity's revenue should be spent on the aims for which it was created but a report in another Spanish newspaper, ABC, found the foundation's accounts were full of gaps but included large sums spent on external consultants, rent and refurbishing its offices or transferred to its branch in Argentina. According to documents examined by El Mundo, a tax settlement was paid to the Spanish treasury, in theory by Messi but ultimately by Barca, which made up the amount in a complex transaction days before the player signed a new contract last November. That contract, which runs until 2021, will pay Messi more than 100 million euros a year including salary and image rights according to information published on Friday by the European Investigation Collaborations, which includes El Mundo.

Messi's foundation under scrutiny

<p>Lionel Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga with the opening goal as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 win over struggling Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday.</p>

<p>Messi&#39;s 365th goal in Spain&#39;s top flight came inside 12 minutes, with Luis Suarez adding the second before the interval and Paulinho completing the victory late on as Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the table back to nine points over Atletico Madrid.</p>

<p>The Catalans are still unbeaten in La Liga this season and have Philippe Coutinho to come in, with the Brazilian expected to be officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday following the announcement of his 160 million-euro ($192 million) move from Liverpool.</p>

<p>With all the talk ahead of this game on Coutinho, coach Ernesto Valverde was eager for his side to keep their focus on winning their first league outing since beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the Clasico on December 23.</p>

<p>&quot;Levante had not lost away since September. We were very good in the first half, but the rhythm was not the same in the second half,&quot; said Valverde.</p>

<p>Coutinho, whose transfer is the third-biggest in football history, was not in attendance at the Camp Nou as the club&#39;s previous record recruit Ousmane Dembele started.</p>

<p>The Frenchman, signed for 105 million euros from Borussia Dortmund at the start of the campaign, was included in the line-up here for the first time since tearing his hamstring nearly four months ago.</p>

<p>He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, including from one 20-yard strike that was beaten away by Levante goalkeeper Oier Olazabal.</p>

<p>&quot;I think he has to bring something to the team, and he also has to face up to the competition for places and for the tackles he will face on the pitch, from opponents who don&#39;t want to let him past,&quot; said Valverde, who took Dembele off midway through the second half.</p>

<p>&quot;It is a process, but I thought he looked good and we still hope he can improve.&quot;</p>

<p>It was Messi who broke the deadlock from a Jordi Alba assist, a combination that has proved fruitful on so many occasions this season.</p>

<p>The Argentine&#39;s flighted pass found Alba, and the left-back headed the ball down for Messi, arriving in the area, to finish first-time in off the far post for his 16th league goal of the campaign.</p>

<p>The second goal arrived seven minutes before the interval, as Suarez controlled Sergi Roberto&#39;s fine ball into the box before firing home.</p>

<p>It was the Uruguayan&#39;s 400th professional goal, his 131st for Barca putting him seventh on the club&#39;s all-time list of leading scorers.</p>

<p>Barca rounded out the victory in the third minute of added time as Messi&#39;s low ball across goal at the end of a jinking run was turned in by Paulinho.</p>

<p>Atletico beat Getafe 2-0 on Saturday, with Diego Costa scoring and then being sent off in his first league appearance since returning to the club from Chelsea.</p>

<p>Valencia are 11 points behind Barcelona in third after coming from behind to beat Girona 2-1 at Mestalla on Saturday.</p>

<p>Real Madrid are a massive 17 points adrift of the leaders in the fourth spot, although they do have two games in hand, including away to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.</p>


Lionel Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga with the opening goal as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 win

Lionel Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga with the opening goal as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 win over struggling Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday. Messi's 365th goal in Spain's top flight came inside 12 minutes, with Luis Suarez adding the second before the interval and Paulinho completing the victory late on as Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of the table back to nine points over Atletico Madrid. The Catalans are still unbeaten in La Liga this season and have Philippe Coutinho to come in, with the Brazilian expected to be officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday following the announcement of his 160 million-euro ($192 million) move from Liverpool. With all the talk ahead of this game on Coutinho, coach Ernesto Valverde was eager for his side to keep their focus on winning their first league outing since beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the Clasico on December 23. "Levante had not lost away since September. We were very good in the first half, but the rhythm was not the same in the second half," said Valverde. Coutinho, whose transfer is the third-biggest in football history, was not in attendance at the Camp Nou as the club's previous record recruit Ousmane Dembele started. The Frenchman, signed for 105 million euros from Borussia Dortmund at the start of the campaign, was included in the line-up here for the first time since tearing his hamstring nearly four months ago. He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, including from one 20-yard strike that was beaten away by Levante goalkeeper Oier Olazabal. "I think he has to bring something to the team, and he also has to face up to the competition for places and for the tackles he will face on the pitch, from opponents who don't want to let him past," said Valverde, who took Dembele off midway through the second half. "It is a process, but I thought he looked good and we still hope he can improve." It was Messi who broke the deadlock from a Jordi Alba assist, a combination that has proved fruitful on so many occasions this season. The Argentine's flighted pass found Alba, and the left-back headed the ball down for Messi, arriving in the area, to finish first-time in off the far post for his 16th league goal of the campaign. The second goal arrived seven minutes before the interval, as Suarez controlled Sergi Roberto's fine ball into the box before firing home. It was the Uruguayan's 400th professional goal, his 131st for Barca putting him seventh on the club's all-time list of leading scorers. Barca rounded out the victory in the third minute of added time as Messi's low ball across goal at the end of a jinking run was turned in by Paulinho. Atletico beat Getafe 2-0 on Saturday, with Diego Costa scoring and then being sent off in his first league appearance since returning to the club from Chelsea. Valencia are 11 points behind Barcelona in third after coming from behind to beat Girona 2-1 at Mestalla on Saturday. Real Madrid are a massive 17 points adrift of the leaders in the fourth spot, although they do have two games in hand, including away to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.

Messi marks new milestone in Barcelona victory as Coutinho waits

<p>A clause in Lionel Messi&#39;s contract has ensured that he could become a free agent if Barcelona no longer plays in a major European league as a result of Catalan independence.</p>

<p>According to a report, the contract Messi signed last November includes a clause that he must remain a Barcelona player only as long as the club is playing in &quot;a top-level European league.&quot;</p>

<p>A source at Barcelona told AFP that &quot;for reasons of confidentiality the club never comments on contractual relations with players.&quot;</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Catalonia with the population of 7.5 million and history of over 1000 years old had voted in favour of its exit from Spain.</span></p>

<p>Catalonian nationalists proclaimed independence from Spain after a referendum on October 1, precipitating a crisis which is still unresolved.&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">More than 90&nbsp;</span>per cent<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&nbsp;population had voted for independence.</span></p>

<p><strong><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-fc-barcelona-exit-spanish-football-league-21270">Will FC Barcelona exit Spanish football league?</a></span></strong></p>

<p>The Spanish civil and football authorities have said repeatedly that Catalan secession would end the participation of the region&#39;s clubs in the Spanish League.&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">After the separation of Catalonia from Spain, the club may shut down.</span></p>

<p>If Catalonia becomes independent and Barcelona are booted out of La Liga and cannot persuade another major league (France, Italy, Germany or England) to give them a home, Messi could leave without having to pay his 700 million euro ($843 million).</p>

<p>Catalans have everything they need to flourish as an independent nation. A state which has its own police and parliament, amazing infrastructure and rich as well as varied heritage. Almost everything that is necessary for a country to get along with other developing nation.</p>

<p>But, when it comes to football, Catalonia may suffer a lot after its separation from Spain. Likewise whole Europe, Catalans also has undying madness for football. FC Barcelona holds a very important place in Spanish football leagues. Laliga,&nbsp;the most important of the Spanish league, will be incomplete without FC Barcelona.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The contract Messi signed last November includes a clause that he must remain a Barcelona player only as long as the club is playing in 'a top-level European league'

A clause in Lionel Messi's contract has ensured that he could become a free agent if Barcelona no longer plays in a major European league as a result of Catalan independence. According to a report, the contract Messi signed last November includes a clause that he must remain a Barcelona player only as long as the club is playing in "a top-level European league." A source at Barcelona told AFP that "for reasons of confidentiality the club never comments on contractual relations with players." Catalonia with the population of 7.5 million and history of over 1000 years old had voted in favour of its exit from Spain. Catalonian nationalists proclaimed independence from Spain after a referendum on October 1, precipitating a crisis which is still unresolved. More than 90 per cent population had voted for independence. Also read: Will FC Barcelona exit Spanish football league? The Spanish civil and football authorities have said repeatedly that Catalan secession would end the participation of the region's clubs in the Spanish League. After the separation of Catalonia from Spain, the club may shut down. If Catalonia becomes independent and Barcelona are booted out of La Liga and cannot persuade another major league (France, Italy, Germany or England) to give them a home, Messi could leave without having to pay his 700 million euro ($843 million). Catalans have everything they need to flourish as an independent nation. A state which has its own police and parliament, amazing infrastructure and rich as well as varied heritage. Almost everything that is necessary for a country to get along with other developing nation. But, when it comes to football, Catalonia may suffer a lot after its separation from Spain. Likewise whole Europe, Catalans also has undying madness for football. FC Barcelona holds a very important place in Spanish football leagues. Laliga, the most important of the Spanish league, will be incomplete without FC Barcelona.

Barcelona's Messi to become 'free agent', if Catalonia exit Spain

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone on Thursday ahead of Real Madrid&#39;s clash against Barcelona this weekend, after sustaining a knock to his calf during the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>The Portugal star received rough treatment as he scored the winner in last Saturday&#39;s 1-0 victory over Brazilians Gremio in the final, but Ronaldo had insisted he would be fit for the visit of Barcelona.</p>

<p>&quot;Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone out on the pitch, both with and without the ball,&quot; Real wrote on their website, two days ahead of Saturday&#39;s Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

<p>Following Real&#39;s return to Spain, the five-time Ballon d&#39;Or recipient had remained in the gym on Tuesday and Wednesday before finally lacing up his boots for an individual training session on Thursday.</p>

<p>Spanish sports daily As reported it was simply a &quot;precaution&quot; as Real look to trim the 11-point gap between themselves and leaders Barcelona, who are unbeaten in La Liga this season.</p>

<p>&quot;He will play in the Clasico barring last-minute surprise,&quot; the paper added.</p>

<p>Zinedine Zidane&#39;s Real, who also trail Atletico Madrid and Valencia, are fourth in the table and realistically must win this weekend to remain in the running for the Spanish title.</p>


Cristiano took a knock to his calf during the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi

Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone on Thursday ahead of Real Madrid's clash against Barcelona this weekend, after sustaining a knock to his calf during the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. The Portugal star received rough treatment as he scored the winner in last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Brazilians Gremio in the final, but Ronaldo had insisted he would be fit for the visit of Barcelona. "Cristiano Ronaldo trained alone out on the pitch, both with and without the ball," Real wrote on their website, two days ahead of Saturday's Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Following Real's return to Spain, the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient had remained in the gym on Tuesday and Wednesday before finally lacing up his boots for an individual training session on Thursday. Spanish sports daily As reported it was simply a "precaution" as Real look to trim the 11-point gap between themselves and leaders Barcelona, who are unbeaten in La Liga this season. "He will play in the Clasico barring last-minute surprise," the paper added. Zinedine Zidane's Real, who also trail Atletico Madrid and Valencia, are fourth in the table and realistically must win this weekend to remain in the running for the Spanish title.

Ronaldo fitness worry ahead of Clasico

<p>Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d`Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Real Madrid forward won the award, handed out by magazine France Football, for the second consecutive year having led his side to the La Liga title with 25 goals and a successive Champions League crown, netting 12 goals including two in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the final.</p>

<p>Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola.</p>

<p>&quot;I feel very happy, it`s a fantastic moment in my career,&quot; Ronaldo said upon collecting the award, standing with his mother Maria Dolores and his oldest son Cristiano Jr.</p>

<p>&quot;I`ve waited a long time for this. This has been a stupendous year for me, we won the Champions League and La Liga and on a personal level, I was top scorer in the Champions League.</p>

<p>&quot;Trophies help me win prizes like this and I have to thank my teammates at Madrid and Portugal. They`ve been very important to me.&quot;</p>

<p>Messi came second while Paris St Germain forward Neymar Jr, the most expensive player in the world, came third; veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished fourth and Real midfielder Luka Modric came fifth.</p>

<p>Chelsea and France midfielder N`Golo Kante was the highest ranked Premier League player, coming eighth, while Tottenham Hotspur`s Harry Kane, ranked 10th, was the only English player to make it into the top 10.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, who this year also helped the national side qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year, won his first Ballon d`Or in 2008 while with Manchester United and collected it again in 2013, 2014 and 2016.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old was last month named the Best FIFA Men`s Player in the global soccer body`s own awards ceremony.</p>

<p>Real Madrid president Florentino Perez joined Ronaldo on stage and paid tribute to the Portuguese, who he said was the best player of all time alongside late Real great Alfredo di Stefano.</p>

<p>&quot;This fifth Ballon d`Or is a great honour and a great achievement for the club and Real Madrid fans around the world. Cristiano is the best player in the world, he represents the values of Real Madrid. Cristiano is the best player in history along with Di Stefano, he is his heir,&quot; Perez said.</p>

<p>The Ballon d`Or was first awarded in 1956 and was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola.

Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d`Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times. The Real Madrid forward won the award, handed out by magazine France Football, for the second consecutive year having led his side to the La Liga title with 25 goals and a successive Champions League crown, netting 12 goals including two in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the final. Ronaldo collected the trophy in a glitzy ceremony at the Eiffel Tower in the French capital, presented by former France player David Ginola. "I feel very happy, it`s a fantastic moment in my career," Ronaldo said upon collecting the award, standing with his mother Maria Dolores and his oldest son Cristiano Jr. "I`ve waited a long time for this. This has been a stupendous year for me, we won the Champions League and La Liga and on a personal level, I was top scorer in the Champions League. "Trophies help me win prizes like this and I have to thank my teammates at Madrid and Portugal. They`ve been very important to me." Messi came second while Paris St Germain forward Neymar Jr, the most expensive player in the world, came third; veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished fourth and Real midfielder Luka Modric came fifth. Chelsea and France midfielder N`Golo Kante was the highest ranked Premier League player, coming eighth, while Tottenham Hotspur`s Harry Kane, ranked 10th, was the only English player to make it into the top 10. Ronaldo, who this year also helped the national side qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year, won his first Ballon d`Or in 2008 while with Manchester United and collected it again in 2013, 2014 and 2016. The 32-year-old was last month named the Best FIFA Men`s Player in the global soccer body`s own awards ceremony. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez joined Ronaldo on stage and paid tribute to the Portuguese, who he said was the best player of all time alongside late Real great Alfredo di Stefano. "This fifth Ballon d`Or is a great honour and a great achievement for the club and Real Madrid fans around the world. Cristiano is the best player in the world, he represents the values of Real Madrid. Cristiano is the best player in history along with Di Stefano, he is his heir," Perez said. The Ballon d`Or was first awarded in 1956 and was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.

Ronaldo pips Messi to win Ballon d'Or for joint-record fifth time

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-dangles-middle-east-peace-plan-to-limit-jerusalem-outcry-26170">Trump dangles Middle East peace plan to limit Jerusalem outcry</a></p>

<p>When President Donald Trump told the Palestinian president of his intention to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&rsquo;s capital, he assured him a peace plan being put together would please the Palestinians, officials said, an apparent effort to limit fallout over his break with longtime U.S. policy.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mattis-meeting-with-pakistan-leaders-was-to-find-common-ground-in-fight-against-terror-pentagon-chief-spokesperson-dana-white-26164">Mattis meeting with Pakistan leaders was to find common ground in fight against terror: Pentagon</a></p>

<p>The meeting of US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis with the leaders of Pakistan during his visit to Islamabad early this week was to find common ground in the fight against terrorism, the Pentagon said today.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/ronaldo-pips-messi-to-win-ballon-dor-for-joint-record-fifth-time-26168">Ronaldo pips Messi to win Ballon </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/ronaldo-pips-messi-to-win-ballon-dor-for-joint-record-fifth-time-26168">d&#39;&#39;Or</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/ronaldo-pips-messi-to-win-ballon-dor-for-joint-record-fifth-time-26168"> for joint-record fifth time</a></p>

<p>Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d`Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-us-senator-franken-says-he-will-resign-over-sexual-misconduct-allegations-26174">The Democratic US Senator Franken says he will resign over sexual misconduct allegations</a></p>

<p>Democratic US Senator Al Franken announced his resignation from office on Thursday, bowing to pressure from party colleagues after a series of sexual misconduct allegations against him.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/banks-failed-to-evaluate-credit-worthiness-of-kingfisher-airlines-mallyas-team-26172">Banks failed to evaluate credit-worthiness of Kingfisher Airlines: Mallya&#39;s team</a></p>

<p>An expert witness called by Vijay Mallya&#39;s defence team on Thursday described as &quot;superficial&quot; the processes employed by banks to grant loans totalling more than Rs 2,000 crore to now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines in 2009.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Washington's major Western and Arab allies have warned that Trump's decision on Jerusalem could doom attempts to achieve what the U.S. president has called the ?ultimate deal? of Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Trump dangles Middle East peace plan to limit Jerusalem outcry When President Donald Trump told the Palestinian president of his intention to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, he assured him a peace plan being put together would please the Palestinians, officials said, an apparent effort to limit fallout over his break with longtime U.S. policy. Mattis meeting with Pakistan leaders was to find common ground in fight against terror: Pentagon The meeting of US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis with the leaders of Pakistan during his visit to Islamabad early this week was to find common ground in the fight against terrorism, the Pentagon said today. Ronaldo pips Messi to win Ballon d''Or for joint-record fifth time Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d`Or for world player of the year on Thursday for a joint-record fifth time, going level with eternal rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the player to have won the prize the most times. The Democratic US Senator Franken says he will resign over sexual misconduct allegations Democratic US Senator Al Franken announced his resignation from office on Thursday, bowing to pressure from party colleagues after a series of sexual misconduct allegations against him. Banks failed to evaluate credit-worthiness of Kingfisher Airlines: Mallya's team An expert witness called by Vijay Mallya's defence team on Thursday described as "superficial" the processes employed by banks to grant loans totalling more than Rs 2,000 crore to now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines in 2009.

WION Morning News Brief, December 8, 2017

<p>Barcelona scored twice in the second half to beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 at home on Tuesday, rounding off their unbeaten group stage campaign with a fourth win, while knocking the Portuguese side out of the competition.</p>

<p>With Lionel Messi left on the bench, Paco Alcacer gave Barca the lead in the 59th minute with a glancing header from a corner while former Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu clumsily slid Aleix Vidal`s low cross into his own net in stoppage time.</p>

<p>Barca had already secured their place in the last 16 of the competition as Group D winners before the game, while Sporting needed to win and for Juventus not to beat Olympiakos in order to reach the knockouts for the first time in nine seasons.</p>

<p>Their hopes were quickly dashed when Juan Cuadrado put Juventus ahead in the 15th minute in Athens and Federico Bernardeschi made it 2-0 in the 90th to ensure Sporting dropped into the Europa League whatever happened at the Nou Camp.</p>

<p>Barca coach Ernesto Valverde made eight changes to the team that had drawn 2-2 with Celta Vigo on Saturday, including picking Thomas Vermaelen in place of injured Samuel Umtiti and starting without Messi for the second European game in a row.</p>

<p>Messi came on moments after Alcacer had broken the deadlock and the Argentine instantly lifted Barca`s tempo. He went close to doubling their lead three times in quick succession, twice missing the target and forcing a save from visiting goalkeeper Rui Patricio.</p>

<p>At the other end Barca`s reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made an outstanding save to thwart his Dutch international team mate Bas Dost.</p>

<p>Sporting defender Mathieu left Barca after an inconsistent yet trophy-filled three-year spell at Barca but had the home fans chanting his name ironically after he unwittingly knocked in the second goal to seal the victory.&nbsp;</p>


With Lionel Messi left on the bench, Paco Alcacer gave Barca the lead in the 59th minute

Barcelona scored twice in the second half to beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 at home on Tuesday, rounding off their unbeaten group stage campaign with a fourth win, while knocking the Portuguese side out of the competition. With Lionel Messi left on the bench, Paco Alcacer gave Barca the lead in the 59th minute with a glancing header from a corner while former Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu clumsily slid Aleix Vidal`s low cross into his own net in stoppage time. Barca had already secured their place in the last 16 of the competition as Group D winners before the game, while Sporting needed to win and for Juventus not to beat Olympiakos in order to reach the knockouts for the first time in nine seasons. Their hopes were quickly dashed when Juan Cuadrado put Juventus ahead in the 15th minute in Athens and Federico Bernardeschi made it 2-0 in the 90th to ensure Sporting dropped into the Europa League whatever happened at the Nou Camp. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde made eight changes to the team that had drawn 2-2 with Celta Vigo on Saturday, including picking Thomas Vermaelen in place of injured Samuel Umtiti and starting without Messi for the second European game in a row. Messi came on moments after Alcacer had broken the deadlock and the Argentine instantly lifted Barca`s tempo. He went close to doubling their lead three times in quick succession, twice missing the target and forcing a save from visiting goalkeeper Rui Patricio. At the other end Barca`s reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen made an outstanding save to thwart his Dutch international team mate Bas Dost. Sporting defender Mathieu left Barca after an inconsistent yet trophy-filled three-year spell at Barca but had the home fans chanting his name ironically after he unwittingly knocked in the second goal to seal the victory.

Champions League: Barca end Sporting's hopes with 2-0 win

<p>Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Liga leaders confirmed, ending speculation that the five-times world player of the year could leave the club where he has spent his entire career for free next June.</p>

<p>&quot;FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season,&quot; said a statement from Barca, posting a picture of Messi signing the deal alongside president Josep Maria Bartomeu.</p>

<p>&quot;The buyout clause was set at 700 million euros ($835.10 million).&quot;</p>

<p>Messi, 30, agreed the new contract with Barcelona in July but the club did not release the usual photo of the player putting pen to paper, fuelling speculation he could depart in June 2018, when his previous deal ran out, for free.</p>

<p>Messi is Barca&#39;s all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King&#39;s Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13.</p>

<p>He leads the scoring charts in La Liga with 12 goals and on Friday picked up the 2017 European Sports Media Golden Shoe for being the top scorer in a domestic league last season with 37 goals.</p>

<p>Barca can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points if they beat second-placed Valencia on Sunday.</p>

<p>&quot;We should have signed this a long time ago and now we have and I&#39;m happy to continue with the club, which is my home,&quot; Messi told Barca&#39;s official television channel.</p>

<p>&quot;My dream was to finish my career at Bar&ccedil;a and we are moving down that path. Our objective is to continue achieving great things, fill the trophy cabinet and keep making history.</p>

<p>&quot;We&#39;ve been lucky enough to have won a great many things and I hope there will be more in the future.&quot;</p>

<p>Barca president Bartomeu hinted that Messi&#39;s buy-out clause had been cranked up from 300 million euros in the agreement in June up to 700 million euros after the club lost Neymar to Paris St Germain in August after the French giants paid the Brazilian international&#39;s clause of 222 million euros.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a new contract that we have signed today, because although the one we signed in June was up to par with his greatness as a player, the new one is more in line with the current situation in the ever-changing world of football,&quot; Bartomeu said.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a great contract for the best player in football history. It fills me with pride to see him with us renewing his love for the club.&quot;</p>


Messi is Barca's all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King's Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13.

Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Liga leaders confirmed, ending speculation that the five-times world player of the year could leave the club where he has spent his entire career for free next June. "FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season," said a statement from Barca, posting a picture of Messi signing the deal alongside president Josep Maria Bartomeu. "The buyout clause was set at 700 million euros ($835.10 million)." Messi, 30, agreed the new contract with Barcelona in July but the club did not release the usual photo of the player putting pen to paper, fuelling speculation he could depart in June 2018, when his previous deal ran out, for free. Messi is Barca's all-time top scorer with 523 goals in all competitions and has won eight Liga, five King's Cup and four Champions League titles since making his debut for the Catalan club in 2004, having joined their youth academy in 2000 aged 13. He leads the scoring charts in La Liga with 12 goals and on Friday picked up the 2017 European Sports Media Golden Shoe for being the top scorer in a domestic league last season with 37 goals. Barca can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points if they beat second-placed Valencia on Sunday. "We should have signed this a long time ago and now we have and I'm happy to continue with the club, which is my home," Messi told Barca's official television channel. "My dream was to finish my career at Barça and we are moving down that path. Our objective is to continue achieving great things, fill the trophy cabinet and keep making history. "We've been lucky enough to have won a great many things and I hope there will be more in the future." Barca president Bartomeu hinted that Messi's buy-out clause had been cranked up from 300 million euros in the agreement in June up to 700 million euros after the club lost Neymar to Paris St Germain in August after the French giants paid the Brazilian international's clause of 222 million euros. "It's a new contract that we have signed today, because although the one we signed in June was up to par with his greatness as a player, the new one is more in line with the current situation in the ever-changing world of football," Bartomeu said. "It's a great contract for the best player in football history. It fills me with pride to see him with us renewing his love for the club."

Football: Messi signs new contract with  Barcelona until 2021

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