Tag Archives: #Messi

The Revs Transfer Swoops

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Bolstering the Revs attack

As we close in on the summer transfer window opening, something has emerged in Revs land that doesn’t emerge too often. Transfer rumors. Not just one, not two, but three rumors in one day. Newly appointed Sporting Director and head coach Bruce Arena has said the team will only sign one or two players this window, but he is looking to be active come this off season. One of the targets that has reportedly already signed a four year DP contract, is 29 year old Gustavo Bou. Bou, currently plays for Mexican side Club Tijuana, where he has scored 12 goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances this season.

There’s been a debate about who should be the Revs primary striker up top for months now. The debate manly consists of Teal Bunbury, who has five goals in 21 games including open cup play, versus Juan Fernando Caicedo, who has four goals in 15 games for the season. The Revs have lacked a pure goal scorer up top for years now. Gustavo Bou, could be the answer to our problems. While Bou is no Lionel Messi, he would definitely make our attack a lot more dangerous if he does join the Revs when the window opens on July 9th .

Locking down the back line

Another target is former FC Barcelona center back Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen, has been out of contract since July 1st when Barcelona did not extend his contract. The 33 year old has been with such clubs as AS Roma, Arsenal, and Ajax, and has played along with players like Lionel Messi as well. Adding a guy like Vermaelen would only bolster the Revs back line more. There’s only one problem: His history with injuries. Since April of 2016 until now, Thomas has had 15 injuries that caused him to miss at least one game. At his age, coming to play for New England, on turf, my not be a good combination.

Help on the flanks

The final transfer rumor that has come out is US International, and former Bruce Arena call up, Fabian Johnson. The left back, currently plays in Germany for BMG, but has recently been linked to a move to MLS. The 31 year old, could make a move to the New England Revolution or FC Cincinnati this summer.

The Revs have been looking for a quality left back for years now, and the departure of Chris Tierney has made their search even harder. Some thought the search was over when the Revs acquired Edgar Castillo this off season. But Castillo quickly fell off the deep end with Revs supporters. Most prefer Michigan State rookie DeJuan Jones to play the position, even though he is a natural right Winger. Jones has stepped up and played any position New England have needed to play him at this year, but he is far from a natural left back. Fabian would be able to come in and really make a change on the left side defensive, and offensive wise. If the Revs are able to acquire two of these three players, they might be able to make a run at the playoffs.

Who Is the Greatest Footballer of All-Time: Lionel Messi

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International championships or not, Lionel Messi is the greatest player to ever live. There is no one better. While some will argue Cristiano Ronaldo, or argue Diego Maradona is better. They are sadly mistaken. With Messi’s hat trick today, he has 48 career hat tricks and eight total in the Champions League, which gives him one more than Ronaldo’s seven. There is only one Messi and the world may never get someone quite like him ever again.

Messi’s Accolades

Let’s start with his club awards. Since 2004, Lionel Messi has brought nine La Liga championships in 14 years. That’s a 64% winning rate for him. In the five years, he didn’t win the league, Messi and Barcelona were the runner-ups four times. In Messi’s 14-year career with Barcelona, he has come in first or second place 13 out of 14 years. Messi has also helped bring Barcelona six Copa del Rey championships, two runner-ups, seven Spanish Super Cups, four UEFA Champions Leagues, UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups. That is a total of 32 championships for club. In comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo only has 25 total championships, and he has played for four different teams over his 16-year career. All of that only makes up Messi’s club championships. For is individual honors he’s won five Ballon d’Or, been the runner-up five times and came in third once. He’s won FIFA World Player of the Year once came in second twice, Won the World Cup golden ball and the FIFA Club World Cup golden ball twice. In terms of championships, no one even comes close to what Messi has accomplished over his 14 years career.

Stats

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Lionel Messi also has the stats to back up his accolades. Just for Barcelona, he has made 643 appearances scored 558 goals and registered 215 assists. That is only 17 goals less than Christiano Ronaldo, who has two years in hand on Messi. If you think Messi won’t score 17 goals in two years, you have never watched Lionel Messi play. Messi also has a higher goal per game average than Ronaldo with an outstanding 0.87 goals per game compared to Ronaldo’s 0.75 goals per game ratio. Now for internatonal play. Yes, Lionel Messi has never won any International competitions, but that doesn’t take away from his stats on the national team. In 128 caps he has scored 65 goals and tallied up 40 assists. Ronaldo might have better stats than Messi in some departments, but there is no doubt that Messi will eventually catch up to the majority of what Ronaldo has done. No matter where Messi plays, he dominates the field like no other athlete ever has. And that is why messi is the greatest footballer of all time

Lionel Messi’s Impact On The World Is Unparalleled

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The Messi effect is one that has impacted people worldwide. Whether it be attracting crowds, inspiring children, or jersey sales, people can’t seem to get enough of the Argentinian phenom. There’s a reason why Lionel is very often, and rightly so, involved in the talk to be the greatest football player in the world.

Messi’s Reputation is Worldwide 

Messi has spent his entire career in Barcelona, but he is still world renown. He has led the world in jersey sales the last few years and is followed everywhere. No matter where he plays, a crowd will follow at the sound of his name. A big example of this was in 2016 at Gillette Stadium, a place that barely averages 20,000 spectators for MLS games. In 2016, Argentina played Venuzuala and sold 59,183 tickets. Being in attendance myself, the commotion every time Messi touched the ball was absurd. People rose out of their seats when he took a corner. Messi is just one player on a team, but it doesn’t take an expert to know he is the centerpiece.

There have been borderline riots over people who have been mistaken as Lionel Messi. In 2017, a 25 year old student in Pakistan was detained for disturbing the public because he looked like the star. Who could forget the 6 year old boy who gained fame after making a makeshift Argentina jersey out of a plastic bag? Lionel went on to walk out onto the pitch with the 6 year old during a friendly in Qatar.

                                                           Respect

Lionel Messi has turned himself and his team into a tourist attraction. In fact, some people claim Messi ruined the atmosphere of Barcelona games by turning Camp Nou from a football stadium into a tourist attraction.

The coversation about Messi cannot be had without mention of his undeniable rain of success. He has notched nine league championships, six Spanish cups, five Ballon d’Or, and many more championships. His claim to fame is much deserved. There’s a reason why Messi is the highest paid athlete in the world, earning $84,000,000 a year. The fact that Messi started off in Barcelona’s academy team and has been a member of the Barcelona squad his whole career is just icing on the cake.

Recapping the World Cup Round of 16

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This World Cup has been nothing but surprises and the Round of 16 games were no different.

The road ended abruptly for both Ronaldo and Messi fans. The team many expected to win it all were ousted by the host nation. There some familiar names still remaining, as well as others who are battling to win it for the first time.

Let’s Break it Down

France vs Argentina

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In one of the most entertaining games so far of the tournament, France prevailed after taking an early lead. Even after Argentina fought back to take a 2-1 lead, Mbappe took over the game and lead them to a 4-3 win. There is even speculation that this could have been Messi’s last game for Argentina.

Uruguay vs Portugal


Photo courtesy: FIFA

Cavani was the star of this game, scoring both goals for Uruguay. An earlier header broke the game open. Portugal would go on to tie it, but moments later Cavani’s beautiful strike ended Ronaldo’s hopes of World Cup glory.

Russia vs Spain

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In a game many expected to to go Spain’s way, Russia silenced the doubters. Both teams exchanged goals in regular time, but in spectacular fashion, the Russian goalie made clutch saves and a beautiful kick save on the final chance for Spain. The Russians relished in the 4-3 win on penalties.

Croatia vs Denmark

Photo courtesy: FOX

This game was a goalie duel. Both teams worked tirelessly to notch the winning goal in full time. Croatia had a penalty awarded to them in the final moments and had a chance to win the game, but the shot was stopped. No goals were scored in extra time. Croatia finally won 3-2 on penalties after several exciting saves by both goalies.

Brazil vs Mexico

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Mexico has never prevailed past this round and this year was no different. Brazil, who started the tournament slowly, has finally found its groove and won 2-0 as Neymar scored and assisted on both goals. Mexico had their chances but simply could not capitalize.

Belgium vs Japan 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Japan looked to upset the world. However, Belgium clawed its way out of the depths of soccer despair. Japan was able to take a 2-0 lead, but Belgium snatched momentum back in a matter of minutes. A three-pass sequence from Belgium ended with the ball in the back of the net right before extra time. Belgium was the first team to come back from two goals in the second half in World Cup history.

Sweden vs Switzerland

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Sweden is heading to the Quarterfinals as they held on to beat Switzerland by a score of 1-0. This was a game that started off in a fast pace and was back and forth. But as the game went along, it became a stalemate. Switzerland tried to find the equalizer, but other than a header in the box in the final moments that was stopped, they didn’t have many good chances.

England vs Columbia 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

England finally broke its curse with penalties but not after a scare. Kane had scored a penalty and it looked like they were on their way to victory. Columbia mustered a late-time header to tie it up. Despite both teams having their chances in extra time, the game needed to be decided in penalties, . England finally were victorious in penalty kicks; they flipped the script of the previous three games in which they were eliminated. The keeper made a beautiful one-handed save and sealed the 4-3 win.

 

Lookout for the next article where I will preview and predict the Group of 8 games.

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WORLD CUP – Knockout Stage Preview and Predictions

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Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Kane big names in Europe-South America who dominate the big stage. Of the 20 previous World Cups, Europe has lifted the trophy 11 times and South America nine. The world awaits, as they dream of a Ronaldo-Messi matchup and will Spain and Brazil dominate as they have before?

  • France and Uruguay have had a good tournament but both Portugal and Argentina have struggled to get in gear.
  • Spain and host team Russia both have shown signs of brilliance, as Croatia and Denmark have also had a good showing.
  • Belgium has been the dark horse of the tournament, and also Brazil has found their swagger. Mexico and Japan backed up into the knockout round.
  • Sweden and England seem to be the teams no one wants to face, as Columbia and Switzerland just seem to be in their way.

Here are the matchups

Saturday, June 30

France vs. Argentina – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Argentina wins a close one

 

Uruguay vs. Portugal – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Ronaldo helps Portugal advance

Photo Courtesy: Sporting News

Sunday, July 1

Spain vs. Russia – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Spain to edge it.

 

Croatia vs. Denmark – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Croatia keeps looking strong

 

Monday, July 2

Brazil vs. Mexico – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Brazil advances in penalties

 

Belgium vs. Japan – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Belgium takes it comfortably.

 

Tuesday, July 3

Sweden vs. Switzerland – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Sweden gets ready to face England

 

Colombia vs. England – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Harry Kane and England prevail.

 

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS