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Messi Opens Up After Fathers Death With Emotional Career Doubts

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, a few days after his death, stating that the tragedy has caused him to question if he would continue to play football for very long.

In addition to being his father, Jorge was also his longstanding representative and a significant figure in his career. The Inter Miami captain used social media to express his grief.

Messi wrote, “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone,” characterizing his father’s passing as untimely even tho he was aware of his suffering.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi stated that one of his greatest dreams was for Argentina to make it to the final so Jorge could recuperate and fly to see him play.

He remarked, “I kept telling you that we were going to make it to the final so you could travel.”

Jorge was unable to attend Argentina’s eventual trip to the final. Messi stated that he had hoped to win the competition in order to honor his father with the accomplishment.

We made it to the final, but you were unable to attend. I wanted to win it so I could show you another one, but I was unable to do so. I simply couldn’t get any more from my legs.

I attempted to go past my body’s limits this time, but I was unsuccessful. He wrote, “I never felt physically right.”

Additionally, the 39-year-old highlighted how his father helped him throughout his early years by bringing him to training sessions after work and rarely missing his matches.

“I repeatedly assured you that we would make it to the final so you could go,” he remarked.

Later on, Jorge got deeply involved in Messi’s professional career, managing his affairs and representing him in talks as he developed into one of the best players in football.

Messi remarked, “You were my representative, my friend, and my father.”

Messi, however, stated that he will remember Jorge mainly as his father, recalling the counsel, arguments, and teachings that molded him as a person and as a football player.

“I’m not sure how I’ll manage without you. I’m not sure how to continue,” he wrote.

The Argentina player also acknowledged that he was unsure about his football career when his father passed away.

Messi remarked, “I only played soccer, and now I have a lot of doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer.”

Messi stated that Jorge’s impact would endure throughout his family, especially in the manner he raises his kids, despite the anguish of his passing.

“Even tho I will miss you terribly, you will always be a part of my life, especially in the way I teach and raise my kids just as you raised me.

As you did here, rest in peace and keep an eye on us from above. I’m grateful for everything.

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Oshoala Sends Urgent Message as Super Falcons Face South Africa

Striker Asisat Oshoala has urged Nigerians to rally behind the Super Falcons as they prepare for a World Cup play-off showdown against South Africa on Thursday, with the team’s place at the 2027 tournament hanging in doubt.

The Super Falcons’ fortunes took a dramatic turn when they were knocked out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage following a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.

The loss not only ended their title defense but also forced them to abandon the direct qualification route to the World Cup and instead navigate a more arduous path through back-to-back knockout matches.

The four quarter-final losers will compete for berths in an Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament where only three World Cup spots remain on offer.

Despite the setback in Morocco, Oshoala expressed the squad’s resolve to respond strongly against South Africa, while making an impassioned appeal for national backing at this critical juncture.

She drew parallels with the men’s team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, stressing the significance of maintaining Nigeria’s unprecedented presence at every Women’s World Cup since the competition’s inception in 1991.

The Barcelona forward acknowledged the team’s disappointment but stressed that effort and resilience will define their playoff campaign.

She also reflected on the shifting dynamics of African women’s football, noting that emerging nations are narrowing the gap on established powers and that complacency based on historical success is no longer a viable strategy.

Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign included defeats to both Malawi and Cameroon, underscoring the tournament’s heightened competitiveness and serving as a sobering reminder of the work required to reclaim continental and global prominence.

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Carrick Makes Rashford Promise Ahead of New Premier League Season

Michael Carrick has expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s role for the upcoming Premier League season, noting the forward has returned in good condition and brings something distinctive to the team.

Carrick stated that Rashford remains central to his plans, describing him as a player he has known for a long time who offers a different dimension to the squad.

The comments reflect Carrick’s backing of Rashford as Manchester United prepares for the season ahead. C

arrick also conveyed optimism about the campaign, expressing his desire to get the new season underway.

Rashford spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona after temporarily leaving Manchester United in pursuit of regular first-team football.

The England forward made an impact during his spell in Spain, gaining valuable experience in Barcelona’s attacking system and competing at elite level.

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Chelsea Give Man City Deadline to Decide Enzo Fernandez Future

Chelsea has set a Friday deadline at 17:00 BST for clubs to submit offers of at least £120m for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentina international has faced uncertainty over his future since March, when he indicated a potential move to Real Madrid.

His agent subsequently claimed Fernandez was underpaid and wanted to leave following a difficult season for Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Real Madrid have since ruled out signing Fernandez, leaving Manchester City as the only known potential suitor.

City have yet to indicate whether they would meet Chelsea’s valuation and are also targeting Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi.

Chelsea expect to stand firm on their £120m asking price despite having paid £107m to sign Fernandez from Benfica in 2023.

The deadline is designed to resolve the uncertainty before the new season begins, with the club contending they have allowed approximately 60 days to complete a deal at what they consider a fair price.

New manager Xabi Alonso has spoken to Fernandez about his future but declined to disclose details.

Chelsea have made clear they are willing to fully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and regard him as a key player if no suitable offer arrives.

Fernandez scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances last season and subsequently helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, where they lost to Spain after he was sent off.

He returned to Chelsea training this week under Alonso, with his future set to be decided by Friday’s deadline.

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Osimhen Turns Down Galatasaray Captain Armband During Friendly

Victor Osimhen, a striker for the Super Eagles, refused to don the captain’s armband during Galatasaray’s 3-3 tie with Rennes in a preseason friendly at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park.

Osimhen was able to leap highest and forcefully head the ball into the net after Gabriel Sara’s well-placed cross into the box gave Galatasaray the lead.

A minor moment involving the captain’s armband unfolded during the second half of the match.

Abdülkerim Bardakcı, the team’s primary captain, was substituted in the 74th minute.

As he left the pitch, he handed the captain’s armband to Victor Osimhen, signalling his wish for the Nigerian international to take over the captaincy for the rest of the game.

Osimhen, however, declined to wear the armband and instead passed it on to Yunus Akgün, suggesting that the attacking midfielder should lead the team in his place.

Akgün appeared surprised by the gesture and tried to persuade Osimhen to accept the role, but the former African Footballer of the Year remained firm in turning it down.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk had previously indicated his intention to make Osimhen one of the club’s captains for the upcoming season, following Mauro Icardi’s departure from the club.

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Argentina Stars Hire Security After World Cup Win Over England

Following Argentina’s triumph over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two Argentine players engaged private security companies to protect their residences in the UK.

The Sun claims that Alexis Mac Allister, a midfielder for Liverpool, and Lisandro Martinez, a defender for Manchester United, are the two players.

Following Argentina’s thrilling World Cup victory over England, the couple had security on patrol at their homes for two days.

The report added that no attempts were made to vandalise the properties of Martinez or Mac Allister.

It will be recalled that Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

With goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez securing victory for the Albiceleste after Anthony Gordon had earlier given the Three Lions the lead.

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Zidane Reveals Why He Rejected Club Offers Before France Job

The legendary French football player Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he declined several offers to become the coach of the national team, stating that it was the only role he wanted and that he waited patiently for an opportunity to take it.

Following his appointment as France’s new head coach, Zidane stated at a news conference that managing the national team has always been his dream.

According to Sky Sports, he stated, “Over the past four or five years, I received offers from clubs, but I declined them all in favor of the national team.”

He claimed that a number of clubs had approached him for management posts.

The only position I wanted to pursue after leaving Real Madrid was this one.

In addition to being a fan, I have always thought of the French national team as a possible manager.

This is the reason I decided against playing a club team.

Zidane said he was prepared for the challenge and thanked Didier Deschamps for his help.

“There is nothing more significant than the France national team,” he continued. “I have stated this many times.

As a result, I am incredibly happy and proud to be managing this team. There is also a lot of responsibility involved. I’m emotional and ready for the task.

This is my motivation. I have the opportunity to lead this team today, and I will put my all into making sure it succeeds.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate DD [Deschamps] for his exceptional years of service.

Deschamps, who finished coaching the national team following the FIFA World Cup, was replaced by Zidane.

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Tolu Arokodare Breaks Silence After Wolves Training Protest

In the midst of an ongoing transfer dispute with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Super Eagles attacker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he organized a protest that resulted in the cancellation of a preseason training session.

The 25-year-old allegedly sat on the training field and would not move, which prevented the squad from holding its planned session on Monday.

New head coach Cesar Peixoto called off training as a result of the protest, and additional security was put in place at the team’s Compton Park training facility to prevent the Nigerian forward from going back.

Reports indicate that Arokodare had been instructed not to train with Wolves’ first team despite remaining under contract, a decision that reportedly came amid disagreements over his proposed transfer away from the club.

Wolves are said to have accepted an offer from Turkish side Trabzonspor, while Arokodare is believed to favour a move to Italian Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

Breaking his silence in a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, the striker insisted that his actions were driven solely by his desire to keep training and honour his contractual obligations, stating that throughout his career he has always taken pride in conducting himself professionally and maintaining high training standards.

He added that his focus has always been on staying match-fit so he can contribute whenever called upon, stressing that he remains under contract with Wolves and that his only intention is to fulfil his responsibilities professionally by training, doing his job, and contributing to the team in line with that contract.

The standoff comes as Wolves prepare for life in the English Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

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Barcelona Sign Karim Adeyemi in Major Attacking Boost

Karim Adeyemi, a forward from Borussia Dortmund, joined Barcelona on Thursday for a reported 29 million euros ($33 million), including possible add-ons.

In a statement, Barcelona announced, “Adeyemi becomes a new Barca player for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2031.”

After spending a lot of money on England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, the versatile 24-year-old is Barca’s second acquisition.

After experienced striker Robert Lewandowski left, Barca’s offensive options were strengthened by lightning-fast Adeyemi, who can play up front or on either flank.

Barcelona also parted ways with Marcus Rashford after his loan spell from Manchester United came to an end, leaving the club with reduced attacking options.

The Spanish champions have equally submitted an offer for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who remains their top target this transfer window.

Notably, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was the one who handed Adeyemi his first cap for the German national team back in 2021.

The forward moved to Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, scoring 36 goals in 146 appearances across all competitions over four seasons before completing his switch to Barcelona.

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Super Falcons star reveals why many female footballers fear getting married

Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi has spoken about the challenges female footballers face, disclosing that many players are afraid of getting married because they fear it could cost them their place in the national team.

Speaking in an interview with a broadcast media platform, Okobi explained that societal perceptions often make married women and mothers appear “too old” to continue competing at the highest level.

She noted that most female players are scared of marriage because they believe once married, they may no longer be invited to represent the national team.

According to her, many fans wrongly assume that marriage and motherhood reduce a woman’s ability to perform, often viewing married women or new mothers as old or lacking the strength to continue their careers.

She, however, insisted that being an athlete does not prevent a woman from building a family or pursuing a successful career, stressing that her profession as a footballer does not stop her from being a wife or a career woman.

Reflecting on her own experience after childbirth, Okobi described motherhood as one of the most difficult phases of her life, revealing that she resumed training just five months after giving birth and struggled to regain her fitness after gaining weight during that period.

Despite the challenges, she credited her husband, family and teammates for supporting her return to professional football, noting that although her career does not outweigh her role as a mother, it remains deeply important to her.

She maintained that motherhood did not diminish her talent or ability, only her fitness level, adding that she draws daily motivation from her son as she continues to push herself further in her career.