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Wednesday Kickoff: Messi leaves door open for future move; Sturridge injured again; and more

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By RYAN TOLMICH

Lionel Messi has repeatedly stated his intentions of staying at Barcelona for life, but the Argentine forward understands that the world of soccer is hardly ideal.

The Barca star admitted Tuesday that he understands the potential for an eventual move away from the Camp Nou, as Messi stated that change is inevitable when it comes to the sport.

“I’m taking things day by day at the moment,” Messi said, “doing my best to put together a solid season and help Barcelona do well so we can win all the titles that we want to win, that we’re trying to win, and that’s it really. Then we’ll see.

“There’s a lot of movement in football. If it were up to me I’d stay with Barcelona until I retire. But sometimes you don’t get everything you want, especially in the footballing world, where so much happens and there are so many changes.”

Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, was quick to dismiss such an idea and insisted that Messi is happy with his current situation.

“Today there is nothing. The thought is to stay here, but as people read between the lines is exaggerated,” said the elder Messi. “But it is clear that if tomorrow the club tells you ‘have this offer, you want to sell,’ he will have to study it. Even today there is no thought.”

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Wednesday:

STURRIDGE SUFFERS YET ANOTHER INJURY SETBACK

Daniel Sturridge’s injury nightmare continues to get worse and worse.

The Liverpool forward limped out of practice Tuesday with what appeared to be yet another thigh injury. Sturridge is set to undergo a scan in the near future to assess how much time he will miss.

Tuesday’s setback is Sturridge’s third of the season, as the Liverpool star hasĀ been out of action for Liverpool since late August. The forward was scheduled to make his long-awaited return in this weekend’s matchup with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool have struggled to score in the absence of Sturridge with just 14 goals in 11 games this season after last season’s high-flying goalscoring exploits.

DEL BOSQUE ‘UNHAPPY’ AS SPAIN CONTINUE TRANSITION PERIOD

After crashing out of this summer’s World Cup, the Spanish national team has undergone plenty of changes.

Manger Vicente Del Bosque understands that those changes, which includes the international retirements of stars David Villa and Xavi, are ushering in a new era for Spain, even though the Spanish manager is unhappy with the current setup.

“We are in a transition period and we want to keep looking to the future with optimism, but we are not happy with everything,” said Del Bosque. “We cannot boast that 2014 has been a great year. We want to look forward to the future with optimism. To sum up, we are not happy with the year, for what happened at the World Cup in Brazil.

“I am sticking with the positive things that the players have done,” he added. “We must think about March 27, when we are playing for qualification. We have to look for a team, we have to make a team, this is about that.”

QUICK KICKS

Phillip Lahm is expected to miss three months after the Bayern Munich star was diagnosed with a fractured right ankle. (REPORT)

England are set to play friendlies against France and Germany while the FA is also continuing negotiations with Spain and the Netherlands. (REPORT)

Sporting Lisbon winger Nani believes he will be welcomed back to Manchester United following his loan with the Portuguese club. (REPORT)

Bayern Munich has agreed to a three-year extension with sporting director Matthias Sammer. (REPORT)

What do you make of Messi’s comments? How will Liverpool handle another Sturridge absence? How do you see Spain shaping up in the next few years?

Share your thoughts below.

 

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