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Lionel Messi scores two goals in Barcelona pre-season win vs. Girona

Roy Nemer
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54

Lionel Messi scored two goals from outside of the penalty area in Barcelona’s 3-1 win vs. Girona.

Messi scored the second goal of the match, his first with a lovely right footed shot which struck the post and into the net. The Messi show wasn’t done there as he would also get his second in the second half. A similar shot but this time with his patented left foot beat the goalkeeper for Barcelona’s third.

Still in pre-season, Messi is expected to be called to the Argentina squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

World Cup qualifiers confirmed for October, players to be released

Roy Nemer
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23

It has been confirmed FIFA that the South American World Cup qualifiers will be starting in October.

After having been delayed from March to September and once more from September to October, there were doubts as to if the qualifiers would begin on time or not. FIFA confirmed that the South American World Cup qualifiers would be starting at the expected date next month.

Clubs would also have to release their players for the matches as well. Meaning they cannot hold players and have to release them to their national teams.

Argentina open their qualification against the same opponent they faced in their last qualifying match, Ecuador. Lionel Scaloni’s team will play against Ecuador on October 8 at La Bombonera. Their second match will come a few days later on October 13 in La Paz against Bolivia.

Lionel Messi, who was initially suspended for the first game against Ecuador, has since had his suspension lifted and will be available for both games.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni: “If we have to play, we will”

Roy Nemer
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66

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni landed back in Argentina coming from Europe and spoke about the World Cup qualifiers.

With the World Cup qualifiers being delayed from March until September and September until October, there is a possibility that once more they get postponed. A final answer is expected today but upon his arrival at the airport, Scaloni spoke about the matter. Here’s what he had to say:

“We have had everything prepared for a long time now. Honestly, we still don’t know what will happen but we have everything ready thinking that we will play. After that, it will be the higher ups who decide.

“Hopefully today we get an answer so at least we know. It’s a very difficult situation, very rare. I was just travelling and the truth is that seeing airports like this, seeing the situation, it’s sad and worrying at the same time.

“The first thing is health. If they tell us we have to play, we will play. It’s a situation we have to analyze, to think about.”

Rodrigo de Paul confirms he wants to join Leeds, turns down Zenit

Roy Nemer
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39

Rodrigo de Paul is linked with Leeds in the Premier League and has confirmed he would like to join them while reportedly turning down a move to Zenit.

Wanted by many clubs, the Udinese player is reportedly wanted by Leeds United. Per César Luis Merlo, Leeds have an offer of €25 million on the table while Zenit have offered €35 million. The 26 year old has apparently turned down the offer from Zenit and does not want to join them.

De Paul has confirmed that he would like to join Leeds through Twitter but has since deleted his tweet. Here it is:

Emiliano Martinez signs four year deal with Aston Villa from Arsenal

Roy Nemer
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89

Emiliano Martinez has signed a four year deal with Aston Villa.

Per several reports, Martinez is now the most expensive Argentine goalkeeper in history as his transfer of £20 million has gone through. The former Arsenal goalkeeper signs for four years with Aston Villa.

Only 28 years old, Martinez impressed at the tail end of last season when he started several matches for Arsenal. Winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, Martinez stated that he would like to remain the number one goalkeeper for Arsenal or move to a new club.

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