Lionel Messi was given the whole of the second-half in Barcelonas 4-1 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly, in the first ever Wembley Cup. Leo showed some neat touches and one such flick set up Barcelona’s third goal, scored by youngster Jeffren Suarez. The other goals came from Bojan Krkic, Jose Manuel Rueda and Pedrito. Barcelona now travel to the United States of America, where they will play three more games, before they return to Spain to start the defence of their treble of last year.
We are proud to present to you a new emotional video compilation of Lionel Messi, entitled, ‘Go The Distance’
More videos can be found in the Video Pages.
After initially being scheduled to return to Barcelona headquarters on 27th July, the Argentine has decided to cut his holiday short and travel to London with the side for the first part of their preseason preparations.
The side will be in the UK from Friday until Sunday and will play two friendly games against Tottenham Hotspur and Al-Ahly.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has yet to officially conclude his transfer to Barcelona from Inter, but he is already dreaming of wreaking havoc alongside Lionel Messi.
There were rumours that the Swedish ace had lost his drive with the Nerazzurri because of coach Jose Mourinho, although the player himself has denied saying he is desperate for a change.
Reported Barcelona target Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken about his ambitions to play for the Catalans, as a potential swap deal involving Samuel Eto’o is said to be in agreement
“Barca is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Sport quoted the player telling his close friends. “It’s a dream to play alongside Leo Messi. I will run amok with Messi next to me.”
His current boss Jose Mourinho has also credited both Messi and Ibrahimovic, but the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ maintains that ‘Ibracadabra’ is the top man.
“When I think of what a good player is like, I’m reminded of players like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi, a phenomenon who will one day win the Ballon d’Or,” Sport reported him saying. “But for me, Ibra is the best of them all. Zlatan immerses himself in football, he has plenty of heart and he’s emotionally aggressive. He has all the characteristics to win the Ballon d’Or. He will surely win it.”
Amidst speculation in Spain over Barcelona looking to strengthen their squad, Lionel Messi has indicated that he would welcome two of the frequently linked players to the Catalans, Cesc Fabregas and Javier Mascherano.
“We were spectacular last season and we hope that this term, we will be able to do the same, or at least repeat a little of what we achieved,” Messi told Sport.
“We were surprised by what we did last season but if players such as those who have been mentioned in the press arrive at the club to strengthen the team, it would be even better because it is important to be stronger.
“I hope Mascherano can come and we can form a solid partnership. His qualities are always appreciated. The same goes for Fabregas. A good footballer like him who can contribute a lot is always welcome.
