[captionpix imgsrc=”https://thecostaricanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/rosselmessi.jpg” align=”left” captiontext=”Rosell said this week he has no plans to let the reigning two-time FIFA World Player of the Year depart the Spanish side as long as he’s running the team.”]BARCELONA, Spain – FC Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has a simple message for Lionel Messi: You aren’t going anywhere.
Rosell said this week he has no plans to let the reigning two-time FIFA World Player of the Year depart the Spanish side as long as he’s running the team. Messi continues to shine for the defending Champions League winners, as Barcelona is in second place with 31 points, three points behind rival Real Madrid.
“At Barcelona, there are many things that are not for sale at any price, and Messi is a person who is just that for us,” Rosell told reporters. “As long as I’m the president at Barcelona, and he does not want to leave, Leo will continue to be a Barça player. If it were up to me, he would never leave the club.”
Messi scored his 26th goal of the season in a 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Nov. 29.
Meantime, Portugal legend Eusébio also voiced his opinion of Messi this week, calling him the best player in the world. Eusébio and fans around the world will know for sure when FIFA names its Player of the Year on Jan. 9.
“Who won the award [last year]? Messi? So, for me, Messi is the best,” Eusébio told reporters. “Right now, the best player in the world is called Messi. There is no second-best, third-best or fourth best. Ronaldo, too, has won it in the past, but right now, FIFA and the people who voted chose Messi. He is a player who deserves this.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other on Dec. 10 in Madrid.
Neymar, Ganso ready to lead Santos to FIFA Club World Cup title
Neymar and Ganso don’t have to play for the national team to put Brazilian soccer in the global spotlight.
The Santos duo is expected to lead the São Paulo-based team at the FIFA Club World Cup, which runs from Dec. 8 to 18 in Japan. The Copa Libertadores champions open against the winner of Mexican side Monterrey’s clash against Auckland City or a yet-to-be-named Japanese squad.
[captionpix imgsrc=”https://thecostaricanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/neymar.jpg” align=”right” captiontext=”I’ve always said that I still have a lot to learn, Neymar told reporters. Messi’s a guy who’s already made history and he will achieve a lot more yet. I’m just starting out and I have a lot to do to get to his level.”]Neymar, who scored six goals in the Copa Libertadores to help his team win the tournament for the first time since 1963, was named the MVP of the event. But the dynamic striker said he isn’t satisfied with just one piece of silverware this season.
“It has been a wonderful year, but it is not over yet,” Neymar, 19, told reporters. “There is still the Brasileirão to finish on a high, and also the Club World Cup.”
Neymar’s recent play has drawn comparisons to fellow South American star Lionel Messi. The Argentine midfielder is regarded as the top player on the planet, leading Spanish club FC Barcelona in its defense of its Champions League title.
Neymar can’t think of a better role model.
“I’ve always said that I still have a lot to learn,” Neymar told reporters. “Messi’s a guy who’s already made history and he will achieve a lot more yet. I’m just starting out and I have a lot to do to get to his level. All I’ve ever wanted was to play soccer, have a successful career, do my bit and earn recognition along the way. I’m working to stay on top of my game and perform for my country.”
Ganso, meantime, should also shine in Japan, as the midfielder is expected to be very fresh after missing several weeks with a thigh injury.
“I felt very comfortable on the pitch, that’s what is important,” Ganso told reporters. “Now, I just want to play and have a good run of games before the Club World Cup. I was out a long time. I do not want to miss out any more.”
Dave Carey – Infosurhoy.com
