Home Blog Page 1075

Andrés D’Alessandro plays last match for Inter after 12 seasons

Roy Nemer
-
5

Andrés D’Alessandro played his last match for Inter de Porto Alegre after 12 seasons with the club.

D’Alessandro was in tears following Inter’s 2-0 win vs. Palmeiras. Now 39 years of age, the former River Plate man joined Inter in 2008 and while he did go back to River on loan for a few months back in 2016, he would end up playing for Inter throughout that entire period. He would grow into a captain and the main figure at the club where he would manage to win the 2010 Copa Libertadores.

It was announced at the end of November that he would not continue with the club but he would continue his playing career. There are rumors of him going back to River Plate with Argentinos Juniors and Racing Club being possible destinations.

With the Argentina national team, D’Alessandro won the 2001 U20 World Cup where he was part of an all star team.

Lionel Messi scores for FC Barcelona, ties Pele’s world record of goals

Roy Nemer
-
21

Lionel Messi scored for FC Barcelona as he tied Pele’s world record of most goals scored for a single club.

Messi continues to break records, this time for Barcelona. With Valencia leading 1-0, Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Messi saw his penalty saved but the ball would fall to Jordi Alba who would cross it into the area and Messi would score a header to draw Barcelona level.

That goal was Messi’s 843rd for Barcelona as he drew level with Pele for most goals ever scored for a single club.

Congratulations to Lionel Messi on another record.

Gabriel Heinze named new Atlanta United coach

Roy Nemer
-
24

Gabriel Heinze has been named the new coach of Atlanta United.

Heinze has signed a two year contract with Atlanta United in the MLS after a few weeks of speculation. Still only 42 years old, this is Heinze’s fourth stint as manager, after having started his managerial career in 2015 with Godoy Cruz. From there he would go to Argentinos Juniors for one season in 2016-2017 before coaching three years at Velez.

He represented the Argentina national team in 72 matches, playing in two World Cup tournaments. At club level, Heinze played Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid and others in Europe while in Argentina he wore the colors of Newell’s Old Boys. Speaking with MLS.com, Heinze had this to say about joining the team:

“I’m excited to be taking on this new challenge with Atlanta United. I believe that my football philosophy is aligned with the vision of the club and their structure and facilities are world-class. I can’t wait to meet the players, the staff and the fans and get to work in 2021.”

Atlanta United club president Darren Eales spoke in a team release about signing Heinze as the club coach:

“This is a milestone moment in Atlanta United history, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gabriel as our next head coach. We cast the net widely for this important hire, and Gabriel quickly emerged as the No. 1 candidate. Gabriel is one of the top coaches in South American soccer and we are delighted that he chose Atlanta United. Whilst his resume speaks for itself, Gabriel’s playing philosophy and commitment to youth development closely align with our ideas at Atlanta United, and we are happy to welcome him as we move into our club’s next chapter.”

 

 

River Plate make Copa Libertadores semi-finals, will play Palmeiras

Roy Nemer
-
17

River Plate booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores where they will play Palmeiras.

The four time Copa Libertadores champions have made the semi finals again after a 6-2 win vs. Nacional, 8-2 on aggregate. Marcelo Gallardo’s team managed six goals away, one of which was scored by an Argentine. River Plate took a 2-1 lead going into half time and it was Bruno Zucculini who made it 3-1 as he scored from close range.

In the other semi-final, it’s Santos who will play the winner of Racing Club or Boca Juniors. We could once more have an all Argentine club final.

Lionel Messi finishes third in FIFA The Best, makes FIFPro Best XI team

Roy Nemer
-
4

Lionel Messi finished third in the FIFA The Best voting but did make the Best XI team of the year.

Messi, who won the award last year, will have to settle for third this year. Going trophyless with Barcelona, it was Cristiano in second with Roberto Lewandowski as the deserved winner.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni took part in the voting, as he voted for Sadio Mane, Lionel Messi and
Neymar in that order. As for Messi himself, he voted for Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Roberto Lewandowski.

While Messi did not win The Best award, he made the Best XI team of the year for the 14th time in a row.

Congratulations to Lionel Messi on making the team.

1...1,0741,0751,076...1,691Page 1,075 of 1,691