Atletico Madrid have made contact over Thiago Almada possibly joining the club.
Diego Simeone’s team could be getting another Argentine player. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish club made contact on Saturday to be informed on Almada possibly joining them.
They were informed on deal conditions with initial contacts taking place and the decision up to the club. Benfica had direct talks for Almada earlier this week.
Talks between Inter Miami and Atletico Madrid for Rodrigo De Paul are in their final stages.
Rodrigo De Paul could soon be an Inter Miami player. According to Fabrizio Romano, the talks between the two clubs for the Argentine are in their final stages.
Inter Miami are confident with details remaining to be sorted before a deal is done.
Ángel Di María scored on his return for Rosario Central but was later substituted out injured.
Di María was back playing for Rosario Central after 18 years and had the only goal for them in their 1-1 draw against Godoy Cruz. The 37 year old was in the starting eleven after being officially presented as a Rosario Central player.
With the score at 0-0, Rosario were awarded a penalty kick and it was the Argentine who took it. Di María went to the goalkeeper’s left with the goalkeeper diving the wrong way and he would score to give Rosario Central the 1-0 lead.
With Rosario Central leading 1-0, Di María was tackled from behind and substituted out due to injury.
Lionel Messi has joined El Club de la Milanesa as a global partner and shareholder. The announcement, made official earlier this week, marks a new step for the Argentine food chain, which currently operates in Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States. In an exclusive interview with Mundo Albiceleste, Reinaldo Bacigalupo, who oversees marketing and international development for the brand, discussed the details of the partnership and the company’s expansion strategy.
Lionel Messi’s Role in the Project
Bacigalupo explained that the relationship between Messi and the company began informally years ago, when the footballer visited one of their restaurants in Rosario.
“Messi came to our location in Pellegrini (Rosario) with his brothers years ago. It was a normal lunch, but a big moment for us. Later, through mutual contacts, we were able to make a formal proposal.”
According to Bacigalupo, Messi is now a passive partner in the company.
“He’s currently focused on football, but he became a global partner in the brand. The idea is that, over time, his involvement may grow as the relationship develops.”
The company has plans to gradually integrate Messi’s presence in different ways, possibly including a product line or a menu item selected or inspired by him.
“Unlike other collaborations, here he’s a co-owner. That implies a different type of commitment,” Bacigalupo said.
El Club de la Milanesa opened its first U.S. location in Miami in 2024. The company chose Miami after conducting market studies in several cities, including New York, Madrid, and Barcelona.
“We spent time living in each city to understand the local food scene. Miami stood out because of its strong Latin American presence,” Bacigalupo explained.
The company plans to open new locations in the state of Florida.
“We already signed for a second location in North Beach, on the corner of 71st and Collins, and we’re looking into Doral and Aventura. We’ve also started conversations to have a presence at Inter Miami’s new stadium.”
By the end of 2025, the group expects to operate five locations in the U.S., with long-term plans to enter other major markets such as New York and the West Coast. The same expansion model is being considered for parts of Europe.
“We’re looking for experienced operators in each region. The goal is to grow through local partners who already manage restaurants.”
The restaurant’s concept is centered around the milanesa, a traditional Argentine dish. Bacigalupo described the brand’s positioning as informal and accessible.
“It’s about sharing a meal—milanesa, beer, conversation. It’s a simple environment meant to reflect everyday Argentine customs.”
The restaurants are designed to serve a broad customer base.
“People can come as they are. It’s not a formal setting. The idea is to replicate the experience of eating your favorite dish outside of home, with consistent quality.”
The menu adapts slightly by time of day, with lighter options offered at lunch and more typical milanesa plates available in the evening.
“In Argentina, people have strong opinions about football, politics, and milanesas. It’s something everyone connects with. That’s part of what makes the concept scalable to other regions.”
Messi’s incorporation into the business coincides with the company’s broader efforts to expand internationally. The brand currently operates over 70 locations in Argentina and Uruguay, and its U.S. presence is expected to grow in the coming years.
In a recent interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Rodrigo De Paul offered detailed insight into his role with the Argentina national team, his relationship with Lionel Messi, and the team’s journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
From the moment he joined the national team, De Paul had a clear vision:
“When I got to the national team and saw Messi, I said, ‘We’re going to be champions.’ I didn’t say it to motivate anyone. I believed it.”
After Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, he and Messi chose not to see their families on the team’s day off.
“We were too affected. We stayed in a room talking for hours. We started off upset, but by the time dinner came around, we had already shifted the energy. That conversation helped.”
De Paul also pointed out how Messi’s influence goes beyond his role as captain.
“He doesn’t speak a lot, but his actions set the tone. If lunch is at 1 p.m., he’s already there before 1. Without saying a word, he creates discipline.”
Their communication on the field also became a strategic tool.
“Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganize the team. It makes the process more fluid.”
De Paul recalled the team’s performance in the World Cup Final against France:
“We felt in control for most of the match. It was possibly the best we played. But football changes quickly.”
He identified key players in the team’s success:
“The turning point was Messi’s goal against Mexico. After that, Julián, Alexis, and Enzo had a huge impact. They helped push us forward.”
De Paul was also open about what fuels him at this stage of his career. After dealing with isolation during his time at Valencia, he prioritized something different.
“At one point I told Racing, ‘I just want to play the Copa Libertadores. Don’t pay me.’ I wasn’t looking for money. I just wanted to be in a place where I felt wanted.” “Sometimes it’s not about the financial side. It’s how a club makes you feel. When Udinese gave me the No. 10 shirt, the same number Di Natale wore, I felt they trusted me. That matters more than a contract.”
He added:
“I’ve worked hard, of course, but I’m not motivated by money. I need to feel valued. That’s what pushes me.”
Growing up, one of De Paul’s main inspirations was Juan Román Riquelme.
“If you asked me who I admired, it was Riquelme. Because of my position when I was a kid, I watched him a lot. I used to sit and watch him play.”
De Paul closed the interview reflecting on the game itself:
“Football is the most powerful thing there is. It brings out every emotion. Joy, sadness, pressure. And all it takes is a ball.”
