Sports

Messi Rules Out Coaching After Retirement

Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, in an interview on Thursday with Fabrizio Romano for ‘433’, reflected on his future, the 2026 World Cup, and the role he envisions once he retires from playing.

Despite his rich career in football, Messi has made it clear he has no plans to transition into coaching.

“I wouldn’t like to be a coach. But I’m still not sure what I’d like to do in the future. I value much more than before everything I do on a day-to-day basis, so I just think about playing, training, and having fun,” Messi stated.

When asked about his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi expressed uncertainty.

He said, “The truth is that I don’t know. I’ve been asked several times, especially in Argentina. I hope to have a good end of the season and then a good pre-season, something I didn’t have last season because of all the travelling we did.

“From there, I want to see what happens, to realize how I feel. In football, a lot of things always happen. There’s still a long way to go, so I’m not thinking too much about it.

“I’m going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future.”

Reflecting on his legacy, Messi shared his gratitude.

“Let people remember me as they want. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, which I fought for a long time and which cost me a lot of effort.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win everything with Barcelona, with the national team, and to have a wonderful life and family. I am very grateful to God for everything I have been through,” he said.

Messi also discussed his ambitions with Inter Miami, which recently clinched the regular season.

He said, “We were happy and celebrated the achievement because it was something difficult and important. We are aware that the real title we want is the MLS.

“During the year, we had many very silly mistakes that we can avoid and that in these playoffs cannot happen because they can cost you elimination. I think we are one of the favourites. The other teams also respect us.”

As for the project in Miami, Messi emphasised the club’s growth-oriented philosophy.

“The club does not set limits; that is the philosophy. This was demonstrated by everything they have done so far. We have to keep growing in order to be great within the MLS and, why not, within the world,” he added.

Sports

Atalanta coach makes a U-turn says he never knew his comment could offend Lookman

Published

3 hours ago

February 23, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified that he didn’t intend to offend his player Ademola Lookman.

Gasperini infuriated Lookman after criticising the Nigerian international for taking a penalty in Tuesday night’s home loss to Club Brugge.

The Italian declared that the striker was “one of the worst penalty kick takers” he had ever seen.

But, Lookman responded by labelling his manager’s comment disrespectful.

However, Gasperini clarified his position, saying: “He had an extraordinary impact. My words were never meant to be offensive.”

Gasperini spoke at a press conference on Saturday via TMW.

“Yesterday, in Udinese-Lecce, we saw what could have turned into a global spectacle, but fortunately, the players let it go,” he said.

“I would have liked to see a great player like him [Lookman] make a gesture toward [Charles] De Ketelaere, saying, ‘Come on, take the ball, put it in.

“He could become a penalty taker, adding another scoring ability. But I almost feel like there’s a narrative being pushed that Atalanta are in chaos when the reality is quite different.

“I always speak in front of the whole team, this has never even been an issue within the club.

“The player felt offended, but I never intended to offend anyone. In the end, I think it turned out well because there was no unnecessary drama.

“I also appreciated what happened in the Udinese game, with both the players and the coach. Lookman came on against Brugge in an extraordinary way, and his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my opinion,” Gasperini stated.

Sports

End of road for Arsenal, may not win any shield this season – Report

Published

3 hours ago

February 23, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Former Liverpool man, Didi Hamann has told Arsenal they cannot win titles without a top striker.

Hamann believes that Arsenal’s quest for titles would remain a mirage if they fail to bring in a top striker.

He named Ollie Watkins as another good option the Gunners could have gone for in the winter transfer window.

“I said that before, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League unless they sign a centre-forward like Ollie Watkins,” he told Prime Casino.

I don’t know how serious that was, but [Jhon] Duran went to Saudi, so I think it was always unlikely they’re gonna let Watkins go, still being in the Champions League.

“I think the team is well equipped, but the lack of a centre forward is obviously what I think harms their chances,” he added.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Liam Delap and Youssef En-Nesyri.

They are in dire need of a front man to solve their goal-scoring issues.

The Gunners are without a striker for the rest of the season following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Sports

Brighton humble Chelsea on Valentine’s day

Published

1 week ago

February 15, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.

A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.

Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.