Argentina Football Fans

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has said that there are plenty of things to improve after the nation progress to the quarter-final stage of the Copa America. Argentina managed just one point from the games against Paraguay and Colombia, and they still managed to secure qualification for the final eight after a 2-0 triumph over Qatar.

Speaking after the game, Scaloni acknowledged that there were positives to take forward after the team played with confidence in the second half against the Asian champions. He added that they need to adjust more depending on the opposition and the players are feeling more at war with the pressure and expectations of the tournament.

The agent and wife of Mauro Icardi has dismissed the speculation linking the striker with a potential move to Inter Milan. The Argentina international has experienced a mixed season by his standards at the Nerazzurri and there have been claims that he could be offloaded in the summer after his antics earlier in the year after being dropped from the captain’s role.

Speaking to Tiki Taka, Wanda Nara clarified that Icardi has never spoken about a potential switch to Juventus and he has remained silent since being stripped from the captaincy, she said: “Icardi never said he wanted Juve, that's not what he thinks. No-one's heard Mauro talk since he had the captaincy taken away from him. I was sure it would've been decided by now [Champions League qualification for Inter]. We're used to suffering, but we'll qualify for the Champions League. We deserve it.”

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has heaped praise on the performances of Lionel Messi in the lead-up to the La Liga clash against Real Sociedad. The Blaugrana recently progress to the semi-final stage of the Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate triumph over Manchester United and Messi made a key contribution towards the outcome with a brace in the second leg.

Speaking in a pre-match conference, Valverde said that the club are enjoying the performances of Messi, who recently scored 40 goals for the tenth successive season, he said: "I would like to have an assortment of words but what can I say about Leo? He is breaking all the records, and those he will still beat. He makes the public always expect something special from him, and he delivers it. We know what he is, what he means from a global point of view and we are enjoying that."

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that Lionel Messi will undergo a medical examination on a bruised nose suffered during the first leg of the Champions League tie against Manchester United on the road. The Argentina international picked up the injury after he was clattered by Chris Smalling during the first period, and his performance was thereafter unimpressive with signs that he had not completely recovered from the blow.

Speaking after the game, Valverde said that Messi was far from comfortable with the proceedings on the field after he took a big blow on his nose through a Chris Smalling challenge. He added that a thorough examination over the same would be made by the club’s doctors to determine the extent of the damage, he told: “It’s clear that he was not more comfortable playing after that. He took a big blow and he will have to be examined by the doctors. We will have to see how Messi is, but he has a big bruise.”

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has said that he will continue to compete with Sergio Aguero for the centre-forward role at the Premier League holders. The 21-year-old has been playing second fiddle to the Argentina international for most of the season, but this has not discouraged him from the quest to secure the striker’s position.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Jesus acknowledged that he had made a meteoric rise with the Citizens over the past few years where he has already trophy success. He added that he remains grounded at his current age and there are no concerns regarding the regular bench role afforded to him this campaign.

Former Argentina international Javier Saviola believes Lionel Messi has the credentials to guide Argentina to success at the 2022 World Cup. The Barcelona star has failed to win a single international trophy through his career and he recently experienced disappointment at the summer World Cup where the nation were ousted at the round of 16 stage.

Speaking to Goal.com, he said: "Messi, unfortunately, has not yet managed to win any trophy or tournament for the national team and the Argentine fans are very demanding. I was Leo's colleague, I know what he feels about the country and how much it hurts when things don't go as he would like. The most important thing is to trust that everything will go well and I believe that the next World Cup will be for Argentina."

Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain has spoken about his time together with Maurizio Sarri at former club Napoli. The 31-year-old recently signed for Chelsea on a short-term loan from Juventus but the Blues have the option to extend the contract by a further 12 months, should they wish to do so.

Speaking to reporters, Higuain highlighted that he has a close relationship with Sarri from their Naples day with the Italian managing to understand him on the emotional point of view. He added to exhibit the difference between Serie A and Premier League by saying that defenders in England tend to regularly close down on the opposition when on possession of the ball.

Juventus star Paulo Dybala has said that it is impossible to judge who is better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and the duo are influential in their own ways. Speaking to Telefoot, Dybala talked up the experience of playing with both Ronaldo and Messi at the club and international respectively and suggested that their performances are on par with each other.

He said: “I am lucky enough to have Cristiano at my club and Leo in my national team but it’s impossible to make a comparison between the two of them or say who is the best because they are at a level on a par with each other and well above everybody else and that has been the case for several years. They are different, they have enormous influence because they can decide games on their own and because of the effect they have on the opposition.”

Both Ronaldo and Messi shared a rivalry in the Spanish La Liga for nine seasons but that ended during the summer with the former making the switch to Juventus. Since then, the Portuguese had quickly adapted to the new surroundings and he has already become their main contributor for the Bianconeri as they seek to end their long wait for the Champions League crown.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed that he would be holding discussions with Lionel Messi at the turn of the year in order to convince the Barcelona star to return to the national team fold. The 31-year-old has declined to feature for the nation since their disappointing exit at the summer World Cup and during this period, Scaloni has taken interim charge of the country before earning the role on a permanent basis.

Speaking to reporters, Scaloni highlighted that he does not hold a regular communication line with the Barcelona superstar but they nevertheless have a fruitful connection between themselves. He added that fresh talks are planned with the attacker in the New Year after he previously met with his compatriot during the Copa Liberatores final in Madrid earlier in December.

Juventus ace Paulo Dybala has stressed that Lionel Messi remains a key contributor for the Argentine national side but it is up to the Barcelona star to decide upon his return to international duty. The 31-year-old has not featured for his nation since the summer World Cup where they were largely disappointing before their round of 16 exit at the hands of Argentina.

Speaking after Argentina’s friendly game against Mexico, Dybala highlighted the importance of Messi saying: “We all want Messi back in the national team. We all know the importance of Leo for us, but it’s up to him. We are a group made up of many young players and we need the support of the people.”