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Xavi drops eye-opening take on Robert Lewandowski’s first season at Barcelona

June 3, 2023

Robert Lewandowski has had a debut season at Barcelona that has garnered mixed reviews from many. For Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, he sees that there is much to like about the Polish striker’s opening campaign with the Catalan side.

During a pre-match press conference ahead of Barca’s La Liga away fixture against Celta Vigo, Xavi took some time to share his takeaways from Lewandowski’s 2022-2023 campaign.

“He is having a great season,” Xavi said. “He has changed the dynamics of the group. You have to see how he has adapted to the city, to the team. … He has been a marvel, not only because of the goals. Because of his attitude. He has made a difference.

“He’s a world top player.”

Lewandowski opened up this season on a strong note. He recorded goal contributions in multiple crucial matches for Barcelona in the first half of the year. For one, he notched a double in Barca’s UEFA Champions League home group stage matchup against Inter Milan.

Lewandowski has been in roller-coaster form in the second half of the ongoing campaign, although he has managed to turn the tide as of late. He has chipped in with five goal contributions in his last four appearances in La Liga play.

Lewandowski has not only been pleased with his first year at Barca, but he also believes that the “future is going to be much better.”

“I am very happy with what we have achieved this year, for the club, for the teammates, and also for the city and the fans,” Lewandowski told RTVE.

“I wanted to be part of this project and I knew that the team needed time, that you can’t change everything right away. But I see that the future is going to be much better, and I am pleased to be able to be part of the change that Barca is having. … For us the Champions League last year was a great disappointment, but what we have done in the league is very positive. Next season, both things can work very well.”

Lewandowski has scored 33 goals in all competitions with the reigning La Liga champions this season.

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Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2023

June 1, 2023

Lionel Messi is without a doubt one of the best players to ever set foot on a soccer pitch. His many awards and endorsements have allowed Messi to accumulate a total net worth in 2023 of an estimated $600 million.

Messi performed at a high level for both Paris Saint-Germain after his Barcelona departure and Argentina, though his days with PSG ended in 2023. With Argentina beating France in the 2022 World Cup Final, Messi finally got his first World Cup. Today, we’re going to look at Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2023.

Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2023 (estimate): $600 million

The seven-time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner is estimated to be worth a crazy $600 million due to a combination of his playing contracts, endorsement deals, and investments. So in simpler terms, Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2023 is $600 million.

Messi has spent the majority of his club career with Barcelona, but he transferred to PSG in 2021. Here’s a tidbit on him leaving Barcelona: “Despite having reached an agreement between Barça and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it will not be possible to formalize due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).”

Messi’s time with PSG has been … messy, but he did enjoy an epic World Cup run in 2022. Messi scored two goals in the World Cup Final against France and also scored in the penalty kick shootout, with Argentina coming out on top. It was the perfect capper to his GOAT resume.

Lionel Messi’s earnings in 2023

Forbes ranks Messi second among the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2023 with $130 million in total earnings as of May 2023, putting him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and right ahead of Kylian Mbappe.

Messi has a huge amount of endorsements that help keep high on the wealthy athletes list. Most notable would be his lucrative lifetime deal with the shoe brand adidas, where his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike continues off the pitch. Messi also has deals with a number of other notable brands.

Lionel Messi’s business dealings

While all his business dealings are not public knowledge, he definitely has more than

a handful. One of the few known investments is in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina where he is part of the Azahares del Parana project. The endeavor is an enclave of seven gated communities with a huge park, 220-yard beach, sports center with volleyball and football pitches, tennis courts and a golf course and, of course, a marina with berths for 60 boats. It’s basically a resort, a retreat and a paradise rolled into one.

Messi also has his own clothing line and opened his first retail outlet, the Messi Store, in 2019. The Argentine legend also gives back to the less fortunate with the Leo Messi Foundation.

Lionel Messi’s family life

In 2017, Lionel Messi married Antonela Roccuzzo in their hometown of Rosario in what was often described as the “Wedding of the Century.” Messi had known Roccuzzo since they were children. The couple has three children together, all boys.

With plenty of life to live coupled with his brand having serious drawing power, his value should only increase as the years go on, even well after he no longer is a major name in the pitch. Players like Messi come around every so often, but when they do, they’re never truly out of the limelight.

Who will Messi play with next?

At 35 years old, Messi’s playing career might soon be coming to an end, but he will continue to make the big bucks for many years to come. He has an absolute ton of earning potential left as he enters the twilight of his career, and there are rumors of a potential huge move in the future as he deals with controversy at PSG.

There were previously rumors of a possible jump to the United States to play for Inter Miami. However, the hype is now surrounding either a return to Barcelona or a move to Saudi Arabia, which would have him following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps.

Nonetheless, did Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2023 surprise you?

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Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez admits weight of Pep Guardiola comparison

May 31, 2023

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has expressed his frustration with the constant comparisons to his predecessor Pep Guardiola, reported by goal.com. Despite delivering Barcelona’s first La Liga title since 2019, Xavi has faced criticism for his pragmatic style of play, which has led to several narrow victories and a strong defensive record. As a former player under Guardiola, who led Barcelona to unprecedented success with his “tiki-taka” philosophy, Xavi feels burdened by the expectations to replicate his style.

In an interview with Catalan outlet TV3, Xavi openly addressed the issue, stating, “The figure of Guardiola is weighing me down as a coach. I don’t think it’s fair [to constantly make the comparison]. It happened to me when I was a player as well. Everyone has to turn the page.”

Despite the criticism, Xavi remains committed to Barcelona and is ready to extend his contract until 2026. When asked about the progress of negotiations, he expressed confidence in reaching an agreement soon, stating, “Yes. We will come to an understanding sooner rather than later. I know the club will make as much of an effort as they can, and there won’t be any problems. I’ll end up renewing, and hopefully, I can continue here for many years.”

Barcelona has already secured the Primera Division trophy for the 2022-23 season. With their domestic success confirmed, the team will aim to end the campaign on a high note in their final match against Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Xavi’s tenure as Barcelona head coach has brought success, but he continues to face the challenge of carving out his own path while being compared to the iconic Guardiola. With a contract extension on the horizon and the determination to build his own legacy, Xavi remains focused on leading Barcelona to further achievements in the seasons to come.

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Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard sparks interest from Barcelona and Manchester United

May 31, 2023

Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard has attracted interest from both Barcelona and Manchester United as he looks set to leave the German club as a free agent, reported by goal.com. According to L’Equipe, Pavard has no plans to renew his contract, which is set to expire in 2024, and top European clubs are vying for his signature.

Manchester United, in particular, have identified Pavard as a key target for their summer transfer plans. With the impending departure of Harry Maguire and injury concerns surrounding Raphael Varane, United see Pavard as a suitable option to bolster their defense. The 27-year-old French international is reportedly open to playing as a center-back, which aligns with United’s requirements.

However, Barcelona is also in the mix for Pavard’s services. The Catalan club has shown interest in the past and has reportedly been in contact with Pavard’s representatives this summer. Barcelona is specifically seeking a right-back to address their issues in that position. This positional preference may pose a challenge for Pavard, as he sees himself primarily as a center-back.

The potential disagreement over position could sway Pavard towards Manchester United, as he would want to avoid being deployed out of position like Jules Kounde was at Barcelona last season. Nevertheless, there is still a chance for Bayern Munich to negotiate a new contract with Pavard, especially with the absence of former sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. Contract talks are scheduled, and it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached.

As the race for Pavard’s signature intensifies, both Manchester United and Barcelona will be eager to secure the talented defender for the upcoming season. The coming weeks will shed more light on Pavard’s future and the destination he ultimately chooses.

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Lionel Messi homecoming a step closer with Barcelona,Inter Miami team-up

May 31, 2023

Barcelona fans may be in for a pleasant surprise as Lionel Messi’s return to the club seems to be a step closer, with negotiations taking place between Barcelona and MLS side Inter Miami, according to goal.com. According to L’Equipe, discussions are underway for a potential buy-and-loan exchange deal involving Messi.

The proposed deal would see Inter Miami sign Messi as a free agent this summer and then loan him back to Barcelona for an 18-month period. Afterward, the Argentine superstar would return to Miami to continue his career in the twilight stages. This arrangement would allow Messi to continue playing at the highest level until the 2024 Copa America before transitioning to Major League Soccer.

Barcelona has always been Messi’s preferred destination after his contract with PSG expires next month. However, the club’s financial challenges have posed a significant hurdle in securing his return, even with the departure of high-earning veterans such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

While reports have linked Messi with a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would face Cristiano Ronaldo, no agreement has been reached with any party at this stage. Al-Hilal recently increased their offer to a staggering €600 million per year, which would double Ronaldo’s salary at Al-Nassr. However, Messi is expected to make a decision after concluding the season with PSG.

Messi’s recent involvement in securing PSG’s Ligue 1 title and his upcoming appearances for the club indicate that his focus remains on finishing the season strong. Barcelona fans will anxiously await further developments regarding Messi’s potential homecoming, hoping to witness the Argentine magician grace the Camp Nou once again.

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Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets namedrops his successor in Barca

May 30, 2023

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has named Manchester City‘s Rodri as his ideal successor at the Catalan club as they continue their search for a player to fill his role, reported by goal.com.

After a successful 15-year career at Camp Nou, Busquets has confirmed his departure from Barcelona this summer, despite efforts by manager Xavi to persuade him to stay for another season. As the club looks for options to replace the influential midfielder, Busquets himself has revealed his preferences for the role, with Rodri and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi topping his list.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Busquets acknowledged the qualities of Rodri and Zubimendi, stating that they are the players who most closely match Barcelona’s DNA and style of play. He also mentioned Nico Gonzalez, currently on loan at Valencia, as a viable option who understands the club’s ethos and style.

However, Busquets expressed reservations about pursuing Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as a potential replacement, noting the differences between German and Spanish football. Instead, he emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to young players within the Barcelona system who possess the necessary talent and understanding of the club.

Barcelona’s search for a suitable replacement for Busquets is complicated by the financial constraints the club is facing. While Kimmich and Rodri are highly regarded and valued by their respective clubs, the cost of securing their services may pose a challenge for Barcelona.

With Busquets set to depart, Barcelona faces the task of identifying a player who can seamlessly step into his role and contribute to the team’s success. As they navigate financial limitations, the club will need to carefully evaluate their options and prioritize players who not only possess the desired qualities but also align with Barcelona’s footballing philosophy.

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Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez disagrees with Pep Guardiola on racism in Spain

May 28, 2023

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has expressed his disagreement with former teammate Pep Guardiola regarding the issue of racism in Spanish football, reported by mirror. The recent incident involving the abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has sparked a heated debate, with Guardiola and Xavi having contrasting views on the matter.

Guardiola had previously expressed his skepticism about the possibility of racism improving in Spain in the near future. He based his opinion on his extensive experience as both a player and manager in Spain before venturing elsewhere in Europe. Guardiola stated that racism is prevalent not only in terms of race but also in terms of gender and attitudes. He called for La Liga to learn from the strict measures implemented in the Premier League to combat racism, although he remained doubtful about the situation in Spain.

In contrast, Xavi, who played alongside Guardiola at Barcelona, offered a different perspective. Ahead of Barcelona’s match against Mallorca, Xavi emphasized that he disagreed with Guardiola’s assessment. He attributed the issue to an educational problem and stressed the need for progress. Xavi proposed that if games were to be halted when incidents of racism occur and individuals were sent home, it would serve as an educational measure. He emphasized that insults and racism should not be considered normal in any workplace. Xavi called for action from the state, federations, government, and La Liga to address the issue.

The difference in opinion between two highly respected figures in football highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach to combat racism in Spanish football. While Guardiola expressed doubts about the prospects for improvement, Xavi emphasized the importance of education and taking a stand against racism. The debate serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in tackling discrimination in the sport and the collective responsibility to work towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant environment.

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Barcelona ready to make Lionel Messi captain on his return

May 27, 2023

Barcelona is prepared to welcome Lionel Messi back to the club with open arms and a significant responsibility. The Catalan giants are ready to offer Messi the captain’s armband if he decides to rejoin Barcelona in the summer, reported by goal.com.

With Messi’s departure from PSG on the horizon, Barcelona sees an opportunity to bring their former talisman back to Camp Nou. Mundo Deportivo reports that the club is willing to reinstate Messi as captain, a role he held before his move to PSG in 2021. Following Messi’s departure, the captaincy was passed to Sergio Busquets.

As the current season draws to a close, Barcelona is faced with the impending departures of two senior players, Busquets and Jordi Alba. In an effort to entice Messi back to the club, Barcelona aims to offer him the captaincy once again. However, if the return of Messi fails to materialize, alternatives such as Robert Lewandowski or Ronald Araujo could assume the leadership role within the team.

Speculation surrounding Messi’s potential return to Barcelona has been ongoing, especially after it became clear that he would not extend his contract with PSG beyond the summer. Barcelona manager Xavi recently commented on the situation, suggesting that Messi’s future remains uncertain.

In the meantime, Messi continues to represent PSG and is set to be in action against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Saturday. A positive result in the match would secure yet another league title for the French giants.

Barcelona remains hopeful that their former captain will choose to return, reestablishing his connection with the club and potentially leading them to future success. The prospect of Messi once again donning the captain’s armband at Camp Nou has undoubtedly sparked excitement among Barcelona fans, who eagerly await his decision in the upcoming transfer window.

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French superstar could leave Barcelona at the right price

May 27, 2023

Barcelona could allow winger Ousmane Dembele to leave Camp Nou at the right price this summer. The former Borussia Dortmund man has had an injury-plagued career with the Calatans and could be closing the chapter with them as early as the upcoming window.

According to Jonathan Johnson, in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Dembele is liked by many Premier League clubs. He also said that the closest the winger has come to leaving the Catalans was when there was interest from Paris Saint Germain.

“Ousmane Dembele’s future is under the spotlight again as we approach the summer, and he’s a player who will always have interest in him, as he’s a talented player who is still regarded as a potential star, only for ongoing issues with fitness and consistency. He signed a new contract with Barcelona last summer, and my understanding is that it has a release clause in the region of €50m. That’s a lot of money for a player who, like Neymar, would represent a bit of a gamble for most clubs,” Johnson said.

Dembele has always been perceived as a player with immense potential. However, he has struggled to remain fit and gain constant minutes at Camp Nou. When he moved to the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, he was seen as the next Lionel Messi. Moreover, he had the responsibility of replacing Neymar Jr., who had left on a world record fee to PSG.

Considering his lack of ability to stay match fit, it remains to be seen if there are suitable destinations for him in the summer. Moreover, PSG have already had too many injury problems during the 2022/23 season. Hence, it is unlikely that they would add the risk of further injury problems in the French capital.

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Barcelona news: Raphinha could be the key for Lionel Messi transfer

May 26, 2023

Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha could play a pivotal role in facilitating Lionel Messi’s return to the club, reported by goal.com. As the newly-crowned Spanish champions seek to improve their squad, raising funds through Raphinha’s potential transfer could be the key.

Raphinha’s initial presentation as a Barcelona player was marked by uncertainty. However, over the past 10 months, he has become an integral part of the team, making 34 league appearances, winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, and earning a place in the Brazilian national team. Despite his success, he may be the first player to depart Barcelona during their summer transition.

With ambitious plans in the transfer market, including the desire to sign Lionel Messi, Barcelona must sell players before they can make significant investments. Raphinha’s expected high transfer fee could unlock a busy summer for the club and pave the way for Messi’s return.

Although there is no indication that Raphinha wants to leave Barcelona, his potential departure is seen as a necessary sacrifice to address the club’s financial challenges and facilitate Messi’s return. However, the situation could become complicated, especially with recent changes in Barcelona’s boardroom and the involvement of Raphinha’s agent, Deco, who has recently joined the board.

The club understands the importance of handling the situation delicately, as they aim to avoid a repeat of last summer’s Frenkie de Jong saga, which became a major distraction. Barcelona is keen to streamline their operations and prioritize their pursuit of Messi without any unnecessary controversies.

While Raphinha may not be pleased with the prospect of leaving, and Xavi, Barcelona’s newly appointed manager, may have reservations as well, the club recognizes the necessity of generating immediate funds. Parting ways with Raphinha could turn a quiet summer into a financially robust one, allowing Barcelona to pursue other key additions in crucial areas.

In the clash of personalities, priorities, and personnel, Barcelona views Raphinha’s presumed sale as an opportunity to unlock the long-awaited signing of Lionel Messi and bolster the squad. Despite potential complications, the club is aware of the need to make difficult decisions to ensure their financial stability and strengthen the team for the upcoming season.

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