Lionel Messi 'didn't have one good moment' during his Paris Saint-Germain spell due to Neymar's rivalry with Kylian Mbappe. A figure said to be close to the legendary Argentine has offered a rare insight into his uncomfortable two-year stint in the French capital, revealing he felt alienated and undermined amid internal tensions at the club.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso lost a key figure ahead of Juventus clash, with David Alaba ruled out for the remainder of the Club World Cup. The 33-year-old Austrian international had been sidelined since April after sustaining a meniscus injury in his left knee, which required surgery. Though he was making progress in his rehabilitation, his latest calf problem has forced Madrid to rule him out.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso praised young striker Gonzalo Garcia after his Club World Cup display, calling him a “typical No. 9” with Raul-like traits.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited the age-old rivalry with Real Madrid by publicly contrasting the fundamental values and structures that define Spain's two footballing giants. Speaking on the club’s official podcast, Laporta emphasised that Barcelona's ethos lies in nurturing homegrown talent, while he claimed that Real Madrid’s success relies heavily on financial power and high-profile transfers.
Red Bull Salzburg brutally mocked Cristiano Ronaldo after going down to Real Madrid in the Club World Cup by posting a video of from his Juventus days on social media. The forward was given the marching orders during a Champions League group stage encounter against Valencia in 2018 after he fouled defender Jeison Murillo. The Portuguese was furious and frustrated with the decision as he kept insisting his innocence.