Iniesta wins UEFA best player

 Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta has scooped UEFA's award for the best player in Europe over the last season ahead of Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 28-year-old shined as Blaugrana endured a frustrating campaign throughout, seeing their Liga title surrender to archrival Real Madrid and crashing out of the Champions League semifinal.And he has now scooped another award, pipping the Argentine and Portuguese forwards, despite their respective 73 and 60-goal campaigns.

"Without my teammates at the Spanish national team and Barcelona I wouldn't have won this individual trophy," Iniesta commented.

His captain at the club level, Carles Puyol, was quick to congratulate the Albacete-born Iniesta on his official Twitter page, writing, "Congratulations, Andres!! You deserve this."

Iniesta received 19 votes from the panel, while Messi and Ronaldo were both given the nod by 17 voters.

now he is the Europe best playerfor this season

 

 

Real Madrid wons supercopa

Real Madrid wons seasons first trophy supercopa. in the last night they won the game2-1(3-3 aggregate result)

in this match Gonzalo Higuain and Christiano Ronaldo scores for Madrid

and Lionel Messi scores the only goal for Barcelona 

what a match it was. severals fault from Barcelona defenders make madrids work easy to win the match. both goal are seems to be gift from them to Madrid.

in the 11min a great mistake from Havier Masherano gift the ball to Higuin and he never missed the chance to take the lead although he missed several chance to score.

in the 19 min another mistake from Pique gives the chance to Ronaldo to score and he makes the score 2-0 in the 20 minute of the match. it seems that Barcelona players are concentrated to lose the match. in the 28 minute of the match second yellow card to Adriano makes Barcelona 10 man army it was difficult for them to play against Madrid without one player. in the 44 minute of the match Barcelona found a free kick . Messi took the free kick and what a free kick it was.The Argentine took charge of a free kick after Xavi was felled 30 yards from goal, and bent a breathtaking effort around the wall, past the outstretched arm of Iker Casillas and into the back of the net.Still, Madrid nearly responded in the dying embers of the first half. Ronaldo’s 35-yard drive bounced inches wide, and Higuain also narrowly missed, after cutting onto his left foot deep inside the area.Late openings appeared for both sides, but no more goals were forthcoming as Madrid held on to claim the Supercopa, and set the pace for what is sure to be a enthralling season in Spain.

Barcelona included Putyol ready for the battle of Madrid clash

The Blaugrana captain looked set for a lengthy absence after suffering the injury during the 2-1 win over Osasuna, but will wear a face mask in order to play against his side's arch rivals on Thursday evening.

Barca will enter the Santiago Bernabeu with a slender 3-2 advantage over Jose Mourinho's men and of the first team squad, only two players will not be among the traveling contingent.

Eric Abidal will be absent as he continues to recover from a liver transplant while Marc Muniesa also undergoes rehabilitation following surgery on his knee.

Although injured, Thiago Alcantara and Issac Cuenca will be present as Tito Vilanova looks to win his first piece of silverware since taking over from Pep Guardiola.

Afellay set to leave Barcelona

The former PSV star appears to be surplus to requirements at the Catalan side and was left out of the squad for the 2-1 win over Osasuna at the weekend.

Therefore, Afellay is keen to move on in order to get regular first-team football elsewhere, and a loan move seems to be on the horizon.

"He has the qualities to succeed at Barcelona, but endured a setback with his injury. It might therefore be better to try and get more playing time elsewhere. We're currently in the process of looking into the possibilities," Jansen stated to Studio Voetbal.

"We are talking about a loan move here. It all depends on Barcelona, though. They decide where their players are going. There are a number of clubs that are very concrete. We are in talks with several clubs."

Afellay joined Barcelona from PSV in January 2011, but a serious knee injury prevented him from making an impact last season.

Liverpool sign sahin for this season on a long term loan

Liverpool have complete a deal to sign Sahin  on a season long deal. Sahin passed a medical at the Reds’ Melwood training ground before putting pen to paper on a move which will see him spend the rest of the current campaign at Anfield.

Arsenal was initially thought to be favorite to secure the services of Sahin and was in advanced negotiations, but interest from Arsene Wenger reportedly cooled to allow Liverpool to capture the Turkey international’s signature.

"I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to playing for Liverpool," Sahin told the club's official website. "It makes me proud to have joined such a big club like Liverpool.

"After the first conversation we had, I was left impressed by Brendan Rodgers. He told me about how he wants to play football and what the goals are he wants to reach with Liverpool. I am looking forward to meeting the fans. I hope it will be a nice year with trophies."

Sahin revealed Real Madrid teammate and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso played a significant role in persuading him to make the switch to Anfield.

"When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool," he added. "He is still in love with Liverpool, I think! He was saying, 'Go there, you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you' and things like that. He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world.

"Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too."

Sahin says he is relishing the prospect of playing for the Merseyside giant - and particularly captain Steven Gerrard, whom he greatly admires.

"Steven Gerrard is a huge name, not only in Liverpool but in world football," he continued. "I am looking forward to playing with him - I've played against him once. There are many other players that I could name - I could start from number one to 25. I know them all, not personally, but I know how they play football and what the style of Liverpool is.

"I am looking forward to meeting them all. If I have to choose one name, it would be Steven Gerrard - but it is not only Gerrard."

Former Dortmund ace Sahin will wear the No.4 shirt at Anfield.

Modric completes Real Madrid move

Modric arrives on a five-year deal, and will wear the No. 19 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu, as the No. 14 he wore at Spurs is already taken by Xabi Alonso.
The Croatian international played no part in the north Londoners' Premier League campaign this year as the two clubs finalized negotiations for the deal, which also includes a long-term 'footballing partnership'.
"I'm very happy," he told reporters. "It's an honor to be at the biggest club in the world. I want to start training and playing for Real Madrid. I look forward to playing with the team. This is my biggest challenge as a footballer and I am sure that I will accomplish my objectives."

Modric is hoping to get on the field as soon as possible for Real Madrid, which beat out rival Barcelona to win La Liga last season.

"My challenge is to earn a place in the team, and for that you must work hard. It's going to be difficult, but I'm ready. My challenge is to win titles and trophies with Real Madrid," Modric said.

"I have trained, I have worked hard and I have played 25 minutes with Croatia. I hope that I only need a couple of games to be fit and to reach the highest level. I have everything that I want. Now i just want to enjoy my football, improve my qualities and help the team win

Real Madrid lose their 2nd game

Real Madrid has handed a five-point lead to Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Division after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Sunday evening.

Los Blancos took the lead halfway through the first half, but a two-goal salvo in the second period and a plucky performance from the hosts left Jose Mourinho's men without a win in their opening two games of the campaign.

Madrid cames within inches of opening the scoring 15 minutes into the match when Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo exchanged a couple of neat one-two's inside the Getafe box. The ball came back to the German six yards out and with the goal gaping he smashed a shot against the crossbar.

Ronaldo had the opportunity to take center stage five minutes later with a couple of free kick attempts towards Miguel Angel Moya. The Getafe goalkeeper had to be at his best for the second as it bounced wickedly a few yards from goal, but the 28-year-old kept concentration to palm the ball to safety.

Jose Mourinho's men eventually took the lead through a well-worked goal just before the 30-minute mark. Angel Di Maria dropped into a pocket of space just in front of the Getafe defense and slid a pass through to Gonzalo Higuain, who showed intelligence to ride the challenge of Alexis and take the ball past Moya before smashing home from a tight angle.

The battle between Moya and Ronaldo continued, and once again the Getafe goalkeeper came out on top just before the break. The Portguese had cut inside from the left-hand side and lashed a shot at goal from the edge of the box, only to be denied by a solid save.

The hosts came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, and with an added impetus in their play, managed to level the game in the 53nd minute. Abdel Barrada was the provider as he whipped in a cross from the right flank for Juan Valera at the back post, who powered a header past the rooted Iker Casillas.

Ronaldo tested Moya yet again in the 70th minute when he drifted into a central area and flicked up the ball on the edge of the box, but his snatched volley bobbled into the hands of the Getafe goalkeeper, with the Real Madrid man cutting a frustrated figure.

Jose Mourinho looked to be going for broke, with the introduction of Karim Benzema in place of Diarra, but the added space in dangerous areas for Getafe lead to the hosts taking the lead fifteen minutes from time. Substitute Adrian Colunga left Albiol for dead down the left and drove forward before sliding a pass inside to Barrada who took a touch then smashed the ball past Casillas.

This result leaves Real Madrid 14th in the league with just one point taken from the opening two matches. Getafe has earned its first win of the season and move on to three points in the Spanish Primera Division.

Barcelona wins against Osasona

what a match it is that was between Barcelona and Osasona

First half Barcelona played a very poor game that was their punishment 

when they leave behind 17 minute goal from joseba by a very good flick

in the first half Osasona played very well that anyone can make fault by thinking that they are not barcelona 

some effortless attack from barcelona makes end thier first half goalless

but in the second half Barcelona played like their game

a lot of attack open their goal line.In the 76minute messi got a pass from alex Sanzes and makes their score 1-1

after the goal Barcelona makes more attack and they took their 2nd goal ina the 80 minute 

it was a planned attack from Barcelona . Villa gives the ball to Xavi and he throw the ball to Jordi Alba then ball to Messi and he makes the scoreline2-1. Both goal from lionel messi takes his tally in this sesson to 4 goals. 

Havier jametti plays 800 match for Inter Milan

17 years ago,he came to  Inter-milan  and  won five times this the Seria  'A', Italian Cup four times. Once the Champions League, UEFA Cup and the World Club Championship. Havier  janetti 'I know intarera Jersey garalena a milestone - Deleting 800 of match play.
Create a memorable day midaphildarera Argentine league play - the first round of follow-up against Romanian club bhasaluiyera days at Inter -0 Endless Shoes & Writing. Janetti round missed, but his goals have countryman  estebana kambiyaso and radrigo palasio.
In 1995,he joined Intermilan from  Buenos Aires, . Get retained the captaincy after four years. This club is not only confirm, Argentina's match record on strong janettirai. The milestone touches janetti says, 'I am very happy and proud that important milestone forever. This is more for pleasure,Inter like this have become so big club. I'm captain of this team, I'm glad it's going to be more. '
Age is 39. Sesabelaya carrier of janetti says, 'There are a lot of memories with Milan. Two memorable event never forget. The first is  to join the previous night. It was a dream for me because it was true. Other champions league final the previous night. It has been our goal to win the Champions League. Finally, we could still win. It's a day I will never forget.

A must win game for Real Madrid

A do or die match for Real madrid.

today they will go to Getafe to play their second game which is to must win game for them

if Madrid lose or make draw their match they will leave behind 5 points than Barcelona .

on the other hand Barcelona has start their season in a flying mode 

they win their first game by 5-1 goals against Real Sociade 

today although they are the visitors they are mostly favorite team against Osasuna football team

this match is mostly important for Ronaldo too because others strikers make their goal 

except him

In the first match Messi scored two fantastic goal which makes him more confident

   to know more visit https://www.footballfest2012.blogspot.com

barcelona smashed real socieded

Barcelona beat real sociadad 5-1 

the spanish giant starts their season smothly with a victory of 5-1 

the unbelieable performance from  from lionel messi has shown up Barcelona to win their first game

the plus point of this match is the performance of  David Villa who scored a goal 

lionel messi was his own form that he continue from last seasons  

on the other match Real Madrid drown their first game with Valencia with a score of 1-1  

Carles Puyol's header gave Barca the lead after four minutes, only for Chory Castro to restore parity with an opportunistic finish moments later. But then Messi took over, scoring a pair of poacher's efforts in the 11th and 16th minutes to give the Catalans a lead they would never relinquish.

Pedro added the fourth just before half time, and Barca's perfect beginning to the season was completed by the return of David Villa from injury, who scored the fifth and final goal six minutes from the end.

Vilanova was not the only debutant for Barca, as Jordi Alba, the 14 million euro signing from Valencia, was handed a start at left back. Sociedad’s own new recruit Chory Castro began up front, but fellow summer signings Carlos Vela and Jose Angel had to settle for a place on the bench.
It took the Catalans only four minutes to break the deadlock, though the goal came, for them, in somewhat unconventional fashion. A corner from Xavi was thumped in by the head of Puyol to send the hosts in front.
Sociedad was straight back down the pitch. Asier Illarramendi slipped a clever pass just in front of Dani Alves, putting Castro through, where he had the time to take a touch and bury his finish high into the roof of the net after.
But just as Sociedad was able to hit back after conceding, so too did Barcelona, which regained the lead within two minutes of restarting the match. Messi’s uncharacteristically poor touch spilled a decent cross from Tello, but Pedro worked the rebound back into the Argentine, who wriggled through his markers and slotted home.
Messi’s instincts came to the fore moments later, the forward reacting quickest to a Tello center to drill the Blaugrana into a 3-1 lead, all after 16 minutes. With a two goal cushion, the hosts settled into their typical monopolization of possession, suffocating Sociedad in its own half with large periods of metronomic passing.
Barcelona was always in control, and, with four minutes to go until half time, it added a fourth in emphatic and enthralling fashion. Messi, Xavi and Fabregas were all involved in a build-up that split Sociedad in two, with the decisive ball worked to Tello on the left, who centered to Pedroto stroke into the far corner. Sociedad set up for a damage-limitation exercise in the second half, though Antoine Griezmann snatched at an early opening as he fired wide from a good position.
However, the focus was always at the other end of the pitch, and an outstanding one-touch sequence between Messi and Pedro ended with the former blasting his finish into the side netting when he should have hit the target.
The home fans were in jubilant spirits, which were kicked up a notch by the introduction of Villa for Pedro with a quarter of an hour to go, the Spain striker making his long awaited return from a broken tibia last December. And Villa did not miss a beat, finishing a mazy run from Iniesta with aplomb in the 84th minute to round off a picture-perfect start to the new season for Barcelona.

barcelona and real madrid wil play their first game

Spanish giant real madrid and barcelona  will play their first game today
Barcelona will face to real Sociedad at noe camp

and Real madrid will play against Valencia  

Now van persie in manchester united

Manchester United completed  a contrac for four year for a fee of 24 m pound

The club confirmed the acquisition of the 29-year-old striker on Friday morning after the Netherlands international completed a medical on Thursday night.

 Van Persie will go straight into the United squad for its Premier League opener away to Everton on Monday night.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football," manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in a press conference.

"His talents need no introduction to our fans – he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding. he will contenue his form to reget our title"

The new Red Devils striker, who scored 30 top flight goals last season, spoke of his delight in putting pen to paper at Old Trafford and is ready to kick off the campaign with his new club.

"It's an honor to sign for Manchester United," said Van Persie.

Argentina beat germany

Germany was defeated by argentina on a match Commerzbank-Arena — Frankfurt am Main stadium last night.

scorecard: argentina 3- germany1                                            hwedes 81

 sami khedira 45+1 ow                       

lionel messi  52′                                                               

 

  angel di maria 73′ 

summary :

Argentina took advantage of Ron-Robert Zieler's red card to record a comfortable 3-1 victory overGermany  in a friendly encounter at the Commerzbank Arena on Wednesday.

The Hannover keeper was given his marching orders after half-an-hour for bringing down Jose Sosa in the area, though Lionel Messi saw his resulting penalty saved by substitute keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

However, Sami Khedira's own goal on the stroke of halftime would give Argentina a lead it would never relinquish, with Messi atoning for his spot-kick faliure with the visitors' second goal on 52 minutes.

Angel Di Maria's stunning drive from 30 yards out sealed the victory with just over a quarter of an hour to go, rendering Benedikt Howedes' 81st minute header nothing but mere consolation.

Things looked to be so different for Germany after a positive opening, where Marco Reus fired the first warning shot in the second minute with a drag across the face of goal after a mazy run past a few defenders.

Miroslav Klose’s enterprising foray down the left flank fashioned the next opening for Die Mannschaft after 12 minutes, but Mesut Ozil was unable to make the most of his cutback, with Sergio Romero able to block.

Argentina played some entertaining football of its own and was able to cause problems in the attacking third. Its movement and interplay out wide was a particular cause for concern, though Messi struggled to cope with the attentions of the home side's defense.

The complexion of the match would change completely on the half hour mark, after Sosa was brought down by Zieler in the box after a quick dart past the German backline.

The Hannover keeper was sent off, with Ter Stegen coming off the bench to replace Thomas Muller, and face Messi from 12 yards out. However, the match would remain goalless, as Messi's weak penalty was read by the 20-year-old keeper, who got down well to smother at his left post.

Argentina would strike just before the break, after a wild attempted clearance from a corner by Khedira instead resulted in him deflecting the ball into his own net.

Germany thought that it had equalized five minutes after the restart when Reus hit the woodwork, with Khedira working the rebound in for Ozil to turn home. However, an offside call on Khedira halted celebrations of the Commerzbank Arena crowd in their tracks, and they were further silenced two minutes later when Argentina doubled the lead.

Messi had not been at his best all game, but would take full advantage of Germany's numerical deficit, slotting home unmarked after he was teed up by Gonzalo Higuain from a flowing counterattack.

The Barcelona star nearly made it 3-0 shortly after an hour with a trademark dink over Ter Stegen, but his finish bounced the wrong side of the post.

There would be no way back for Low's men after the 73rd minute, after Di Maria took aim from 30 yards out and buried an unstoppable effort past the helpless Ter Stegen.

Howedes would pull one back on 81 minutes after nodding in a cutback from Mario Gotze, who had done well to exploit a pocket of space behind the Argentine defense.

Germany finished with a late flourish in the opposition half, but the South Americans nearly scored a fourth late on after Higuain fired Messi's through ball onto the post.

can allen help liverpool to be top four team

We've all scoffed at the fee, but maybe Joe Allen really is the man Liverpool need to take a step forward. lucas  has been impressed with their new signing so far, and he also hopes to make the top four this season, but is understandably cautious. "We can see many clubs competing for the top four so it's not going to be easy, unlike four years ago," he said. Meanwhile,Danieel agger  wants to stay, while martin skrtel is close to a new contract.. lets see what he will do !

secs fabregas profile

After joining Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas blossomed into one of the most complete players in world soccer.

A World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain, Fabregas was regarded as Arsenal’s best player, but a lack of trophies at club level and a desire to return home saw him rejoin Barcelona eight years after leaving, for a fee in the region of $57million in August 2011.

Quick Facts:

• Name: Cesc Fabregas
• Nationality: Spanish
• Date and Place of Birth: May 4, 1987 in Barcelona, Spain
• Position: Midfielder
• Current Club: Barcelona (La Liga)
• Previous Club: Barcelona (2000-2003), Arsenal (2003-2011
• International Career: 2006 to present

Early Life:

Born in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona, Fabregas had the Catalan club in his blood from an early age. His grandfather first took him to watch the team when he was nine months old. At 10, and after a few years of representing his school, Fabregas was turning out for a neighboring town and was fortunate enough to be playing in the same league as the Barcelona youth side. They offered him a trial, he impressed and it was not long before he was playing alongside fellow academy cadet Lionel Messi.

The Arsenal Move:

Fabregas, who has represented Spain at Under-16, 17, 20, 21 and senior level, was plucked from Barcelona's prestigious academy by Arsene Wenger. Unlike the Catalans, Arsenal could offer him a fast track into the first team squad.

In 2003 the Frenchman made him the youngest player ever to appear for Arsenal's first team at 16 years 177 days, against Rotherham in the League Cup. He became the youngest to score when at 16 years and 212 days he found the net against Wolves in the same competition.

Fabregas would then represent Spain at the Under-17 World Championship in Finland where he won the Golden Ball for best player and Golden Boot for top scorer.

Rise to Stardom:

The following season Fabregas featured more in the Premier League and by the 2005-06 campaign he was a regular with 49 appearances under his belt. His fine performances were instrumental in Arsenal's progress to their first ever Champions League final, but the team were beaten 2-1 by Fabregas' former club Barcelona.

Fabregas' greater maturity has resulted in an increased goal return and he is now a midfielder capable of contributing 10 to 15 goals a season.

With just one trophy to show for his efforts at Arsenal - the 2005 FA Cup - the player first spoke of his desire to return to Barcelona in summer 2010, and just over a year later he was granted his wish after a long running transfer saga.

Spain Career:

A debut for the national team came in a 3-2 defeat of Ivory Coast in March 2006 and Fabregas attracted praise after setting up a goal. He went on to feature at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and international recognition continued as he represented the victorious Spain team in the 2008 European Championships.

His finest moment for La Furia Roja was undoubtedly setting up the winning goal for Andres Iniesta in the World Cup final against Holland in 2010

profile of xavi

the name Xavi is generally followed by the words 'pulled the strings,' so influential is he for club and country.

It is not uncommon for Xavi to complete the same number of passes in a match as four or five of the opposition put together.

With the simplicity of his game combined with an ability to be patient until the right pass presents itself, Xavi is regarded as one of the most consistent players in the sport.

At Barcelona's famous La Masia youth academy, pass and move soccer is hot-wired into players from a young age and there is no better exponent than Xavi Hernandez.

Quick Facts:

·  Name: Xavi Hernandez Creus

·  Nationality: Spanish

·  Date and Place of Birth: January 25, 1980 in Terrassa

·  Position: Midfielder

·  Current Club: Barcelona (La Liga)

·  International Career: 2000 to present

The Early Years:

Xavi has been at the club since he was 11 and steadily rose through the youth ranks and up to the club's B team in the 1997/98 season.

He made his first senior appearance under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal in August 1998 as he appeared in the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca. Barca lost, but Xavi capped his debut with a goal.

The midfield maestro helped Barca to the title in the 1998/99 season, but that would be the club's last major silverware for six years as the likes of Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Valencia dominated the title race for several seasons.

Successor to Guardiola:

Xavi is cut from the same cloth as club legend Josep Guardiola with his ability to dictate the tempo of a match from midfield. Despite the lack of trophies, Xavi took on this mantle with relish, and although not delivering the accomplished performances he would later in his career, he was nonetheless an integral part of the side.

The diminutive midfielder won a second title under Frank Rijkaard in 2005, but missed much of the following season with a knee injury as the club retained the title and won the Champions League, beating Arsenal 2-1 in the final.

Xavi may look back on the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons as the best of his career. The perceived wisdom is that players are at their peak around the age of 28, and Xavi has added substance to this school of thought with two stellar seasons.

Barca won the lot in 2009 - Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, European Super Cup and Club World Cup. Xavi's understanding with Andres Iniesta bordered on the telepathic at times in 2008 and 2009, the pair pivotal in an unprecedented year of success.

Barca may 'only' have won the league title in the 2009-10 season, but Xavi was again in his pomp as he prompted and probed his way around midfield, picking passes and helping enhance Lionel Messi's reputation as one of the best in the business by supplying the ammunition for the Argentinean. In short, Xavi was central to the control Barca held over most of the matches they played that season.

He was many people's man of the match in the 2011 Champions League final triumph over Manchester United and enjoyed another exceptional season in midfield alongside Iniesta and youngster Sergio Busquets as Barca eased to another Liga title.

International Career:

Xavi captained the side that won the 1999 edition of the FIFA under-20 World Cup in Nigeria and the team which finished runners-up at the 2000 Olympic Football Tournament in Sydney.

Since making his Spain debut in November 2000, Xavi has not missed a single tournament, and was named the official best player as Spain won Euro 2008, their first major trophy for 44 years, and only the second in their history.

The midfield metronome was again at the forefront as Spain recovered from a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup to win the tournament for the first time in their history.

profile of lionel andres messi

today i will introuce a greatest  player's

 Profile:

Full name: Luis Lionel Andrés Messi
Birth day: June 24, 1987
Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina
Nationality: Argentinian
Other nationality: Spanish
EU passport: Yes
Height: 169 cm
Weight: 67 kg
Club: FC Barcelona
Position: Forward
Debut: 17 November 2003


Lionel Andrés Messi (born June 24, 1987 in Rosario) is an Argentine football (soccer) player.

Lionel Messi started playing football at a very early age in his hometown's Newell's Old Boys. From the age of 11, he suffered from a hormone deficiency and as Lionel's parents were unable to pay for the treatment in Argentina, they decided to move to Barcelona, Spain.

In the 2003-2004 season, when he was still only 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly with Porto that marked the opening of the new Dragao stadium. The following championship-winning season, Messi made his first appearance in an official match on October 16, 2004, in Barcelona's derby win against Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium (0-1).

With several first team players seriously injured, the services of several reserve team players were called upon, and Messi became a regular feature of Barça squads. On May 1, 2005, he became the youngest player ever to score a league goal for FC Barcelona - against Albacete when Messi was only 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old.

He was offered the chance to play for the Spain national football team, but declined, prefering to wait for the opportunity to play for the country of his birth. In June 2004 he got his chance, playing in a U-20 friendly match against Paraguay.
Lionel Messi wearing FC Barcelona's colorsIn June 2005 he starred for the Argentina U-20 team that won the Football World Youth Championship played in The Netherlands. Messi picked up the Golden Boot as top scorer with 6 goals, and the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament. Despite his youth, Lionel has already drawn comparisons with Diego Maradona, arguably the best football player of all time.

On September 25, 2005 Messi obtained a Spanish citizenship and was finally able to make his debut in this season's Spanish First Division. He had previously been unable to play because FC Barcelona had filled up all of their quota of non-EU players.

Messi's first outing in the UEFA Champions League at the Nou Camp was on Sept 28 against Italian club Udinese. He impressed with some great passing and a seemingly telepathic relationship with Ronaldinho that earned him a standing ovation from the 70,000-odd Nou Camp faithful. On December of that year, the Italian newspaper Tuttosport awarded him the Golden Boy 2005 title for the best under-21 player in Europe, over Wayne Rooney and Lukas Podolski

In September 2005, Messi was given an improved and extended contract until 2014.