By DAN KARELL
Lionel Messi fanned the flames of the current Barcelona crisis on Monday evening by claiming he was unsure of his club future.
At the annual FIFA gala in Zurich, Switzerland, the gifted forward hinted that he was unsure of his future on the field, and couldn’t initially confirm that he’d remain at Barcelona next season. Messi finished second in the FIFA Ballon d’Or voting behind rival Cristiano Ronaldo and ahead of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
When asked about what his future held, Messi said: “I don’t know if I’ll play for Newell’s (Old Boys) in the future, and I don’t know where I’ll be next year. Like Cristiano said, lots of things change in football and anything can happen.”
A little while later in the press mixed zone, Messi attempted to clarify his comments, though he blamed the media for “twisting” his words.
“No matter what I say, my words get twisted, which is why I often don’t speak at all. I’m in no way thinking about leaving,” Messi reportedly said, via Spanish publication Marca.
Despite the backtracking, rumors and speculation have increased exponentially, and reports in England claim that Manchester United have been alerted to Messi’s potential availability. The reports claim that only Man United could afford Messi’s reported €250 million buy-out clause.
Here are some more stories to kick off your Tuesday:
AUSTRALIA QUALIFY FOR KNOCKOUT ROUND WITH SECOND WIN
Australia’s AFC Asian Cup campaign is going exactly as planned.
The host nation completed a 4-0 rout of Oman today in both team’s second game of the tournament, ensuring Australia a place in the final eight of the competition. It’s the second consecutive four-goal performance from the Socceroos, who came back to beat Kuwait, 4-1, in the tournament opener.
Matt McKay, Robbie Kruse, and Mark Mulligan each scored first-half goals, with Mulligan’s coming via the penalty spot in the third minute of first half stoppage time. In the 70th minute, Mathew Leckie set up Tomi Juri to complete the rout.
CONCACAF HAND DOWN BANS, FINES TO CRUZ AZUL AND ALAJUELENSE
Nearly three months after a fight broke out following the final whistle of a CONCACAF Champions League match, the confederation’s disciplinary committee has levied some serious fines against the aggressors.
Both Mexico’s Cruz Azul and Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense have been hit with multiple undisclosed fines for their participation in the fight, including fines to Cruz Azul for being a repeat offender and fines to Alajuelense for failing to properly secure the field.
In addition, Cruz Azul’s Mauro Formica and Alajuelense pair Patrick Pemberton and Kevin Sancho have all been handed six-game suspensions, which will be served in CONCACAF competitions.
MODRIC CLOSE TO COMEBACK
Luka Modric’s three-month spell on the sidelines could be coming to an end in the next few weeks.
The Croatian playmaker returned to Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training facility on Tuesday morning after completing physical therapy work in Antwerp, Belgium, and a scan on his injured left thigh showed that his recovery is going to plan, albeit a week or two later than originally hoped once the initial scans showed a tear, according to Marca.
Although he couldn’t play, Modric was on the bench to cheer on his teammates during the Club World Cup final when Real Madrid defeated San Lorenzo, 2-0. Manager Carlo Ancelotti recently said he hoped that Modric would be available to play in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, which begin for Los Blancos on Feb. 18.
QUICK KICKS
Liverpool are set to begin discussions with Martin Skrtl over a new contract. (REPORT)
Crystal Palace have signed Arsenal forward Yaya Sanogo on loan through the rest of the season. (REPORT)
Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Ricardo Goulart, who is reportedly moving from Cruzeiro for a €15 million transfer fee. (REPORT)
Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand is considering his future after the club accepted his request to leave him off their winter training camp squad. (REPORT)
Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld is expected to miss three to four weeks with a thigh injury. (REPORT)
Hertha Berlin prospect Hany Mukhtar has agreed to join Portugal’s Benfica on a contract through 2020, for a transfer fee of €500,000. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? What do you think of Messi’s comments? Do you see him ever leaving Barcelona? Do you see Australia as favorites to win the Asian Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
Guy has won everything, more than once.
He should relax, sign a bazillion dollar contract to play one year in MLS, one year in China and Qatar and India in the off season and enjoy life, no pressure, no uptught Europe and just praise.
So he can focus on winning the WC with Argentina.
“one year in MLS, one year in China and Qatar and India in the off season and enjoy life, no pressure, no uptught Europe and just praise……So he can focus on winning the WC with Argentina.”
Sounds like the perfect program to keep Leo sharp for the World Cup.
Messi will eventually play for Newell’s for free.
His earning potential won’t stop with his retirement not to mention he already has more money that he knows what to do with.
When he becomes a free agent, he should look to Seattle. I read here that we invented soccer. Come back to where it all started. Wear Rave Green Messi !
Leo Messi to TFC! You heard it here first folks!
Even he couldn’t get them into the playoffs.
skip the ManU & Chelsea and jump back to Newells!
probably have to be on a free transfer but that would really shake things up..
1) “My heart is with Club FC and I want to finish my career here.”
2) “Media reports that I want to leave are not true.”
3) “Who knows what will happen in the future. I am just concentrating on doing the best I can for Club FC now.”
4) “It is my dream to play for my boyhood club someday. Anything is possible.”
5) “I will stay at Club FC as long as they will have me.”
6) “I’m not going to comment on the manager’s decisions. That’s between us.”
7) “Of course you always want to be treated with respect, on and off the field.”
8) “Team United is a fantastic club. It would be a honor to play there, but I am not thinking about that.”
9) “I can’t respond to rumors. I am a Club FC player.”
10) “Team United’s manager is a good friend who I admire and respect. I know a number of players there. I’m just worried about our next game.”
11) “I’ve had a number of big offers from America, but perhaps I’ll go there later in my career. Now I just want to win the Champions League again.”
12) “I think it will be very difficult for Club FC to win the Champions League this year. There are a lot of strong clubs.”
13) “Playing for Team United someday would be a dream. I can’t say what will happen.”
14) “Club FC needs to make a commitment. Its up to them.”
15) “There just comes a time when you want to explore your options. Your career lasts only so long.”
16) “This has been a fantastic time and I am grateful to the fans for their support over the years.”
17) “I don’t have a rivalry with our other stars. Its natural. Everyone wants goals.”
18) “I’m still a Club FC player.”
19) “I can confirm that I have requested a transfer.”
20) “Playing for Team United has always been a dream. I am very happy to be a Team United Player and look forward to winning many trophies for their fans.”
are you a pro footballer’s agent? seem to have the script down
Why wouldn’t CONCACAF disclose the fines?
Oddly enough that seems to be the one thing the MLS is always seems happy to disclose. I guess CONCACAF wants to be secretive in their own special way.
Sure, then they will let us know who bought a new car with that money…
Gouuuuuuulart