It’s the Messiah and Ibracadabra! Oh dear, how we’ve missed thee. Anyway, our friends can’t stop yelling Bobojan’s names into our ears so we just had to put this up. This and the fact that Senor Pep was recently inducted an ambassador for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid. Yes, even the cat sitting outside thinks it’s all pretty random, but Pep actually played for Al Ahli for two years so that explains it all!
Of course, the Messiah believes they will beat FC Stuttgart in the Champs League tonight despite the fact that “German sides are always strong.” Pique the Pout however, is giving you the benefit of the doubt….
via Gettyimages & AP
Ola Futbolitas! Many of you may not know this (and a few amici still tease us about it) but last December, we interviewed Greaseano himself aka Cristiano Ronaldo via phone from Japan). And yes, he was nice and sent us his autographed book – so we’ve been pretty mean calling him names. Anyway, we didn’t get to speak to this year’s Jugador del Ano (Player of the Year) on the phone because of his tight schedule. Still, that didn’t stop us from getting Leo Messi!
Yes, The Messiah exclusively answered our questions on Monday – mid-flight to Zurich to collect his FIFA Award. It was a loco week for Barca, but thanks to our dear amigos, Messi dished out a series of interesting answers for our newspaper, on his good friends, family, the awards (of course) and winning the World Cup with Argentina! We’ve included a few of Messi’s relevant quotes below from the main interview so read on … and Happy Boxing Day to you!
ON HIS EMOTIONS
“I am happy. For many reasons, this year was my best year. Fortunately, I did not have many injuries and continued to play at a good level. Since I arrived (at) Barça, I have been very involved with the team. In football, teamwork and goals is what I love most.”
ON FAMILY AND HIS GIRLFRIEND, ANTONELLA
“For me, it is very important that I have my family’s support. I know that I am privileged (now) so the best thing is to enjoy what I have and to be the same person as always. I am happy that my family is more settled now.”
“Yes, I’ve seen (Antonella) grow up and she knows me very well. Our families are good friends, so I had no doubts about her. I’ve grown as a person and as a footballer and it is clear (she) supports that.
ON HIS BEST FRIENDS
“As I said before about (Eric) Abidal, he’s one of my good friends in the team and he always jokes around. Gabriel Milito is like a brother to me and he’s a great person. He’s very strong and we’re happy to have him back (from injury).? At Barcelona, I am close to everyone. Gerard Pique is also a ‘buen amigo’ (good friend) and I can always laugh with (Brazilian defender) Dani Alves as he’s a very outgoing person.”
ON THE LA LIGA
“The La Liga is even stronger this season, and for sure, it will continue to get better with more big signings. But I think that the quality of the league is also improving. So I believe that in the next few years, Spanish football will be more popular and I hope more people (around the world) will watch it.”
ON HIS ADVICE FOR ALL OF US!!!
“Always have a positive attitude, and dreams can come true with hard work and effort. With hard work, anything is possible. I can assure you that you can dream and that dream can be achieved.”
ON THE WORLD CUP
“I also want to win the World Cup in 2010, a title that the Argentinean people have been waiting for a long time. Lastly, I dream of another treble first because winning six trophies again is very difficult.”
Ok, so it isn’t just Bobojan Babe who is making up that sullen face for the cameras. The Barca boys – who must be exhausted – have arrived in Abu Dhabi to compete in the World Club Championships. La Liga’s Christmas break has officially commenced which means that Gonzalo Higuain has already started his shopping for The Dona but unfortunately, all that will have to wait for the likes of the Messiah.
Senor Pep didn’t bother to hide it at all. “We’re tired and it must be noticeable. We’re going to train a little, rest as much as possible and see if we can win (the World Club Championship),” he said. Added Iniesta : “This year we have won every competition we have been in, this is the only one left for us to win. This is enough to give us 100 percent motivation. Most of the other sides are unknown to us, but we must remember they are still the champions of their respective regions.”
Anyway, don’t forget to check out photos of the Messiah receiving the Ballon d’Or from his mother. Very sweet, but the resemblance between those two…. uncanny, isn’t it?
Doesn’t The Messiah look all forlorn and contemplative in that photo? And haven’t we seen that familiar look before…. on a Mime’s face somewhere? Il est un acteur beau! UEFA should commission an opera about football and call it Le Grande Affair. All that’s left for Leo to do is to put on white gloves and wait for the lights to go out! Domenech, The Dona and Henry will each have their own parts to play (unscripted, naturally!) Tickets to the play will be sold out in ten minutes – especially when it starts showing at Milan’s La Scala Opera House and Berlusconi buys the entire front row.
Anyway, we’re digressing as usual but your hero of European Mimes for 2009 has claimed his gold and glistening Ballon d’Or award in Paris. He said : “I want to thank my family, my friends, and my brothers who are always there for me.”
Yes, Messiah’s referring to those protective bro’s of his who ban him from chilling with The Dona at the hotel bars. Tipos need to chillllllll…. he’s only having Coke!
So El Clasico is finally upon us… and what better way to embrace it than by playing one of our own games? We rounded up two loco and incredible passionate futbolitas – Messa (Barca) and Leo (Real Madrid) who were more than excited to get fired up about everything from Pep’s formations to the sexy jugadores themselves.
So let’s get the ball rolling and we promise you, this one has no winners! (PS : See Leo’s incredibly awesome tattoo on her arm – the same one as Sergio Ramos – at the bottom!)
Click find out “3 things that could go terribly wrong”…
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You know that baby wanted a photo with Martin Palermo… but his family stopped Veron’s sleek black ride instead as it drove up to Estudiantes’ training ground last week. The baby’s got the “Papa, you lied. We were supposed to go to Boca’s training ground, dammmit!” look.
Anyway, Veron gave a pretty fascinating one-to-one interview to Argentinean newspaper, Ole. He spoke about the criticism faced by Los Albicelestes to the controversy facing Messi.
“There were things that were turned into shit. After defeating Peru, we read the newspaper aloud at the back that said Lionel Messi did not know the national anthem. Everybody laughed. We sent him a message about it. And he was the bench (during the game). What do you do? Are you going to get angry?” said Veron.
“That day of the game against Uruguay, Martin Palermo and I got up at eleven in the morning and then we took a nap for three hours. He was calm.”
“I learnt that there is no margin for error in the World Cup. You have to give your fullest and enjoy the moment. During the game, the feeling is completely different. “
Also, in the spirit of our CQC Friday Club, here’s the loco Chilean journalist at his country’s game against Ecuador last month… doing what he does best, as always. Enjoy!
Move along now pessoas, there’s nothing dodgy about Messiah’s Barcelona contract. So stop flashing him mean, accusatory looks!
Apparently, FIFPro weren’t too happy about Senor Laporta and his bow-tie wearing ways. They’re questioning the validity of the contract, which binds tipo here to the club till 2015. Are you kidding? We’ll be 92 years old by then.
“The renewal contract (Messi) was held in full compliance with state labor law and in accordance with Article 18.2 of the Regulation on the Status and Transfer of Players from FIFA, which allows employment contracts longer than five years where, as in this case, the local law permits,” said the club.
Barca folks have also stressed that the contract “strictly respects the law and, more specifically, the provisions applicable arising in relation to duration of contract and unilateral termination clause.”
And with that, we invite the world’s best vocalist, Greaseano Gaga, to sing for ya…
So The Dona and gang have a mission to qualify for the World Cup. And obviously a place in South Africa is muy importante! As you can see, he probably cracked a ball joke in the photo above and Kind Messiah decided that it would’ve only been polite if he laughed along. The Pied Piper of Higuain, however, could not be arsed.
Meanwhile, Argentinean newspapers are alleging that he will quit (no matter the outcome) after these two upcoming games against Peru and Uruguay.
Anyway, The Dona wanted Carlos Bilardo to travel to Manchester to pressure Tevez and Zabaleta from playing against Aston Villa yesterday – which eventually happened. Zabaleta then arrived to join the Argentinean team with an injury and has resulted in The Dona having to improvise, find another player to replace Zanetti. All this has angered el tio.
“After these two games, I’ll see if I continue (with Argentina) and I will evaluate (what has happened),” he said. “At the time, Julio called me to his house and offered me the job, I said it was the happiest guy in the world. But then, there were things that I didn’t like and to continue (as coach), my conditions will have to be met,” he said.
Fotos de Reuters, AP
Messiah’s dad, Jorge Messi, has denied the threats alleging that a futbolista from the Argentinean team wants to break his son’s legs… Oh Veron, your time was over. Ok, ok, estamos solo bromeando! We’re only joking..
“If a teammate tells you that and continues to be called up to the team, something is wrong,” Jorge pointed out, following a radio interview made by the player’s lawyer, Marcelo Open. The Messiah was also said to “feel uncomfortable” around The Dona and Jorge vehemently denied this as well. Of course we all know he’d much rather be on his Playstation than eat chocolates with the coach.
Someone needs to produce a telenovela about this.
Messiah has signed a new deal with Los Cules… and Potter Perez better watch out, because the agreement runs until 2016 and Laporta’s lovely bow-tie wearing comrades have included a buy-out clause of €250million in the contract. It’s still hard to believe that este tipo is only 22 and has already achieved so much in world football. Well, there’s still the World Cup of course. And the quest to become The Dona’s second son-in-law. Dalma’s still around, OK?
Also, while we’re at it, nothing like Drunk Messi ringing in the weekend for ya! Enjoy…
Oooh, what a way to start the season… by winning the Supercopa! Aplausos, por favor! Yet another brilliant show from Los Cules after they pulled off this convincing 3-0 win over Bilbao last night. The Messiah scored twice and your best friend Bobojan netted in the third! Ibracadabra had a few chances but give him time and maybe he won’t fall for the curse of Luca Toni. Ya’ll better pray!
As usual, Pep couldn’t help but throw a few jokes at the post match press conference. “It is the fifth (title) because I won the promotion with Barcelona B,” he said before adding seriously : “We do not intend to win three titles, just the next one. The team has been good, moved well and created chances. I congratulate them on the first title of the season.”
via Reuters
Poor Messi. He didn’t feature in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Moscow (thankfully, no Russian was reported to have called The Dona a ‘witch’) but Messssiah is so forward-thinking that he’s already asked Pep to “rest him” for the La Liga opener against Sporting Gijon – so that he can concentrate on the Brazil game.
“I’m quiet and I am well. When I felt the pain, I was a little scared but now I hope I can play. But it is clear that we’ve just started the season and prevention is better than being injured for a long time,” he said.
The player arrived back in Barcelona yesterday with his physiotherapist, Juanjo Brau and Espanyol’s Nico Pareja. He will go for a medical to determine his availability for the Spanish Supercopa against Athletic Bilbao next week.
via Ole
.. And so are we, but he’s the coach of the Albicelestes so he’d better suck it in! Anyway, is it just us or does tipo over here appear to be packing the pounds? Don’t tell us he’s been eating Benjie’s portions too…
Anyway, The Dona walked into the press conference room yesterday looking visibly worried about the state of things. The Argies are scheduled to play Russia later today and his favorite tipo, Messi, injured himself during training.
“We’re a dream team with Messi and he’s hurt. It’s tough, it’s tough because you want to create a team where you feel comfortable and I cannot handle (it),” Maradona said, as if to justify his annoyance.
He’s only freaking out because Argentina will meet Brazil next month and for that, he needs to field a full-strength squad.
“I’m a witch because I told (the AFA) that this squad should not be playing a pre-match friendly,” The Dona said. “They did not want to postpone it. This is not life threatening and we could’ve played the game after the World Cup qualifiers. The Russians are not going to kill us or hit us on the street for postponing it.”
By JC Olivera for LatinContent Editorial
Awwww…. Messiah is officially “on holiday” in the USA because – you know – they’re trying to promote the sport’s popularity there and Mickey Mouse wanted to hang out with him. But how nice of ESPN Deportes to award him with the title of Latino Athlete of the Year 2009! The ceremony took place in the Katsuya Restaurant of the L.A Live Complex. Yeah, after all that sushi, poor Messiah had to get up and make a speech as the ninos above all wanted a piece of him!
“It’s a very nice prize, all (my awards) are important and special. I am quiet and enjoying (the time) with my family here. Nothing caught my attention here, (this place) is like the tranquility of Barcelona and Argentina,” he said.
Leo Messsssiah harboured dreams of meeting Mickey Mouse from a very young age. Geez, who didn’t? I always wanted to meet Speedy Gonzalez.
Anyway, he got his wish yesterday when he visited Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Los Angeles. “It’s something I always wanted to do when I was young, but I had no time. I wanted to see all these beautiful things a long time ago.”
Don’t you know? Standing next to Mickey makes your voice all high and squeaky, so you can’t say anything mean. The Messiah also took time out to sign autographs and show kids what makes him earn 35 million a year. Kaaaaching!
“Having this whole complex and these facilities makes it easier for one to (play football),” he said.
Never underestimate Leo Messiah! In the next few days, all the top modeling agencies in the world will contact him to become their commercial face. It isn’t just Greaseano who can worrrrrrrrrk the fashion catalogues anymore. Don’t you know it’s all about the ‘Boy next Door’ look now?
Anyway, here are some shots of The Messiah posing for an Argentinean shoe brand. Who came up with the theme of this shoot? They’re supposed to be selling shoes - but we don’t see any in the photos. Bad!
Via globo
Pay close attention to this – it’s Argentinean Football’s homage to Three Men and a Baby, except that four of their players have kids. And it seems like the Messiah is not amused!
Well, at least he doesn’t have to endure another one of these “Baby Baller Anthems” prior to kick-off. The Dona will not start him against Ecuador later today. Messiah has a yellow card to his name and Dona doesn’t want to risk losing him for the Brazil game in September. Mascherano will also not be playing as he picked up a yellow card against Colombia last weekend.
Brasil had a pretty tough time up at Quito the last time, so all the best to Argentina. The 2,800 metre altitude is not to be messed with! Well at least the fans who bought the tickets (below) can be assured of a good time.
Photos : AFP
Proud daddy Kun Aguero may not be interested in Real Madrid but he doesn’t mind joining their rivals, Barca. That is subject to The Dona’s approval of course. You can’t marry into the Maradona family without him deciding on your football future. He even makes sure that Kun doesn’t watch videos of Pele’s on YouTube!
“I will never betray (Atletico) because I was always treated very well. If (I played) for Real Madrid, I will lose the fans’ respect,” he said.
The bigger surprise was when he implied that he’s open to joining the Catalan Caras.
“I hope Messi can help (me to) join the team, but it’s a matter of waiting for the leaders to decide,” he said.
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