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Gerardo “Tata” MARTINO wins the MLS Cup with Atlanta United, Argentine Franco ESCOBAR scores

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Atlanta United, coached by Gerardo “Tata” MARTINO won the MLS Cup final by defeating the Portland Timbers.

It was a final which had a lot of Argentine representatives but a 2-0 win for MARTINO’s team meant that the curse of losing finals, both for Tata and the city of Atlanta, was broken. It was the former Argentina coach’s last match in charge of Atlanta as his next destination is very likely that of coaching Mexico. But MARTINO made sure to leave in style.

The first goal saw Josef MARTINEZ one on one with the goalkeeper but MARTINEZ rounded him and scored the opening goal of the match.

Argentine Franco ESCOBAR scored a poacher like finish from close range as the former Newell’s Old Boys man secured the win.

Congratulations to Franco ESCOBAR, Leandro GONZALEZ Pirez, Ezequiel BARCOS, Eric REMEDI and Gerardo “Tata” MARTINO on winning the MLS Cup.

Two Lionel MESSI free kick goals help FC Barcelona defeat Espanyol in Catalan derby

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Lionel MESSI scored two free kick goals in FC Barcelona’s 4-0 win against Espanyol.

It was the Catalan derby and Lionel MESSI did not disappoint. A goal in each half with an assist in between saw the 5th best player in the world, according to France Football, break another La Liga record. MESSI became the first player to score 10+ goals in 13 straight La Liga seasons.

Leandro GONZALEZ PIREZ of Atlanta United would like Argentina national team call

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Leandro GONZALEZ PIREZ is in the final of the MLS Cup with Atlanta United but the Argentina man dreams of getting called-up for the national team.

Already 26 years old, a product of the River Plate academy, PIREZ has represented his country at the U20 level but has yet to get capped for the senior side. Speaking in an interview with MLSSoccer.com, the defender is hoping to one day put on the Argentina shirt.

“You dream about this all the time. Each time that the [Argentina] coach publishes a new list of call-ups you look at in the hope even though you know it’s not going to happen. But you work for this. I have that as a dream to fulfill. It’s a goal I have. And it’s something I work day to day but it depends on the coach whether I’m considered to train with them.”

When asked if he would be able to get called to the national team while playing with Atlanta United, PIREZ had this to say:

“I can’t answer that. This league doesn’t have anything to envy any other league. The level here is better than many leagues. The best teams here can go toe-to-toe with teams from other continents and other leagues. They need to break that barrier with players from here who deserve to be on that level.”

PIREZ, along with a number of other Argentine players will take part in the MLS Cup final on Saturday when his Atlanta United host the Portland Timbers.

Angel CORREA scores wonder goal for Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey win

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Angel CORREA continued his impressive performances this season with a great goal in Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 win against Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey.

Following a wonderful assist on the weekend, CORREA scored an even better goal. With the score at 3-0 for Diego SIMEONE’s men, CORREA beat a player and hit the ball with the outside of his foot into the top corner of the net.

Impressive statistic for former Argentina U20, current OGC Nice goalkeeper Walter BENITEZ

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Walter BENITEZ of OGC Nice has an impressive statistic to his name.

BENITEZ, who represented Argentina at the U20 level during the South American youth tournament in 2013 has yet to be given a chance with the senior team. However, with all of the changes happening, it couldn’t be a bad thing if he was given a chance with the team.

Per Opta, the 25 year old BENITEZ has saved 84.9% of the shots he has faced in Ligue 1 this season. Only Liverpool goalkeeper ALISSON, who has an 85.3% save percentage has done better in the Top 5 European leagues this season.

With Geronimo RULLI not being in top form, Sergio ROMERO not playing, Paulo GAZZANIGA just receiving his first call-up and Franco ARMANI being in and out of the team, perhaps giving BENITEZ a chance would work.