16/08/2012 | Argentina

Argentina finally bring out the best in Messi

After a rollercoaster ride under Diego Maradona followed by Sergio Batista's failed attempts to imitate Barcelona, Argentina are once again beginning to look a threat to the world's top sides.

05/02/2013 | Sports

As Sabella has 'world's best player', Swedish feel the 'terror'

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has praised Lionel Messi as "more than a player" as his side prepares to take on Sweden on a Wednesday FIFA friendly in Stockholm.

05/02/2013 | Sports

Messi to sign Barça extension until 2018

Barcelona have announced on their official website that Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with the Catalonian powerhouse until the summer of 2018.

06/02/2013 | Sports

Argentina beat Sweden in FIFA friendly

27/01/2013 | Sports

Messi hits four, team ready for Real Madrid clash

Lionel Messi hit four goals for leaders Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a hat-trick for Real Madrid as the two teams warmed up for their midweek King's Cup semi-final clash with crushing La Liga victories.

30/01/2013 | Sports

Real, Barça all square after Cup semi first leg

Cesc Fabregas struck what may prove a priceless away goal as holders Barcelona drew 1-1 at depleted arch rivals Real Madrid in an entertaining and closely-fought King's Cup semi-final first leg today.

03/02/2013 | Sports

Messi penalty helps Barca draw in Valencia

Lionel Messi scored in his 12th consecutive La Liga game to help earn leaders Barcelona a 1-1 draw at Valencia that put them 12 points clear at the top.

18/12/2012 | Sports

Messi, Xavi and Puyol agree new Barça deals

Barcelona have reached agreement on new contracts with key squad members Lionel Messi, Xavi and Carles Puyol, the "Blaugranas" said.

07/01/2013 | Sports

Messi wins record 4th best player award

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award yesterday as an expected reward for his astonishing 91-goal year for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012.

24/01/2013 | Sports

Barça set up King's Cup semi-final with Real

Holders Barcelona set up a King's Cup semi-final with their arch-rivals Real Madrid after a thrilling 4-2 second leg win in Málaga today.

11/12/2012 | Sports

'Messi still plays like a teenager,' Vilanova says

One of Lionel Messi's key strengths is that his approach to the game is the same now as it was when he was a teenager, his Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova said of the record-breaking Argentine today.

12/12/2012 | Sports

Messi keeps on scoring as Barça win at Cordoba in Cup

Lionel Messi scored two goals to extend his record tally for 2012 to 88 and earn holders Barcelona a 2-0 win at second-division Cordoba in their King's Cup last-16 first leg today.

16/12/2012 | Sports

Barça beat Atlético 4-1; Messi reaches 90 goals

Lionel Messi scored his 22nd double of 2012 to reach 90 goals as Barcelona beat closest rivals Atlético Madrid 4-1 yesterday, opening up a nine-point lead and sitting 13 in front of Real Madrid, who drew 2-2 at home with Espanyol.

06/12/2012 | Sports

Messi scare a reminder of Argentine's key role

When Lionel Messi was taken off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious knee injury on Wednesday it was a jolting reminder, if one were needed, of just how crucial the Argentine forward is to Barcelona's fortunes.

08/12/2012 | Sports

Messi in Barça squad for Betis game after scare

Lionel Messi should be available for tomorrow's La Liga match at Real Betis after recovering from a blow to the knee sustained in Wednesday's Champions League game against Benfica, Barça said today

09/12/2012 | Sports

Messi sets record of 86 for goals in a year

29/11/2012 | Sports

Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta nominated for Ballon d'Or

Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo were named on the shortlist for FIFA's Ballon d'Or award at a news conference in Brazil.

01/12/2012 | Sports

Messi scores twice as Barça thrash Athletic 5-1

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona made the best start in the history of the Spanish league with a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao.

05/12/2012 | Sports

Messi carried off with bruised knee

Barcelona's Lionel Messi was carried off on a stretcher after sustaining what the club said was bruising to his left knee near the end of the La Liga side's Champions League Group G match at home to Benfica today.

14/11/2012 | Sports

Messi fails in record bid as Saudis hold Argentina

Lionel Messi failed in his bid to set an outright record for the most Argentina goals in a calendar year as his side were held 0-0 by Frank Rijkaard's Saudi Arabia in a friendly at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.

17/11/2012 | Sports

Messi nets another double as Barça march on in La Liga

Leaders Barcelona pulled six points clear of Atlético Madrid when Lionel Messi netted his seventh double of the campaign in a 3-1 La Liga win at home to Real Zaragoza

20/11/2012 | Sports

Record Messi brace helps Barça qualify in style

Barcelona eased into the Champions League last 16 after record-chasing Lionel Messi fired a first-half double as the favourites rediscovered their European verve to overcome Spartak Moscow 3-0 today.

07/11/2012 | Sports

Ronaldo picks Messi over Cristiano for Ballon d'Or

Former Brazil international Ronaldo says Lionel Messi deserves to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

11/11/2012 | Sports

Messi passes Pelé's goal mark, nears Mueller

Lionel Messi keeps making history. Barcelona and Argentina's forward netted twice against Mallorca and has beaten - with 76 - Brazilian player Pelé's record of goals scored in one calendar year.

12/11/2012 | Sports

Media kneels before Messi's goal record

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has broken former Brazil international Pele's scoring record of 75 goals during one calendar year, and the Spanish media has already put him above all.

30/10/2012 | Sports

Sabella unveils list of players to face Saudi Arabia

Argentina's national football team's coach, Alejandro Sabella, unveiled the list of players summoned for th friendly match against Saudi Arabia to be held on November 14 in Riyadh.

02/11/2012 | Sports

Messi's girlfriend gives birth to couple's first child

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has become a father for the first time following the birth of his son Thiago today.

03/11/2012 | Sports

Villa shines as Barça go three clear at the top

Barcelona pulled three points clear of Atlético Madrid at the top of La Liga when David Villa scored and created a goal for Jordi Alba in a 3-1 win at home to promoted Celta Vigo on Saturday.

16/10/2012 | Sports

Argentina weather Chile storm to win

29/10/2012 | Sports

Messi wins Europe's top scorer award

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been recognized with his second Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals in Europe's domestic leagues last season.

30/10/2012 | Sports

Messi dreaming of ending career at Barcelona

Lionel Messi dreams of retiring at Barcelona, the club who trained him as a teenager and where he began his professional career in 2004, the Argentine World Player of the Year said.

09/10/2012 | Sports

Messi poses headache for South American rivals

Stopping Lionel Messi is the primary concern of South American teams facing Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. This week it is Uruguay's turn.

12/10/2012 | Sports

Brilliant Messi leads Argentina to romp past Uruguay

15/10/2012 | Sports

'Messi better than Maradona,' Francescoli

Football “maestro” Enzo Francescoli has hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player ever, surpassing Diego Maradona.

22/09/2012 | Sports

Barca leave it late to beat stubborn Granada 2-0

Barcelona's Xavi crashed a shot into the top corner three minutes from the end and Lionel Messi forced a stoppage-time own goal as the hosts overcame a stubborn Granada 2-0 to maintain their perfect La Liga start today.

01/10/2012 | Sports

Messi wants more than just accolades

Lionel Messi wants to be remembered as a good friend and colleague to his team mates rather than as the best player in the world, the Argentine said in an interview.

02/10/2012 | Sports

Messi not right choice for Ballon d'Or, Ibrahimovic

Lionel Messi does not deserve to win the next FIFA Ballon d'Or as he has only won one minor trophy this year, his former Barcelona team mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic said.

10/09/2012 | Sports

Di Stefano says Pelé was better than Messi and Ronaldo

The Argentine and former Real Madrid super star Alfredo Di Stefano said to admire both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but still feels that the Brazil international Pelé was a step above.

18/09/2012 | Sports

Ronaldo picks Messi over Cristiano

In the ongoing dispute between the best two players in the world, Brazilian great Ronaldo came on stage to praise Lionel Messi over Portugal's star Cristiano Ronaldo.

19/09/2012 | Sports

Messi double gives Barça comeback win against Spartak

Lionel Messi started his and Barcelona's Champions League campaign with a bang when he struck twice to secure a 3-2 comeback win for the favourites at home to Spartak Moscow in their Group G opener.

03/09/2012 | Sports

Sabella summons Ustari for World Cup qualifiers

The coach of Argentina's national football team, Alejandro Sabella, summoned Boca Juniors' goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to join the team that will face Paraguay and Peru for the World Cup Brazil 2014 South American qualifiers.

05/09/2012 | Sports

Paraguay coach aims to surprise Argentina

Argentina have been warned to expect a surprise when they face Paraguay under new coach Gerardo Pelusso in a World Cup qualifier in Cordoba on Friday.

10/09/2012 | Sports

Messi-management foremost in Peruvian minds

Peru's mission to stall Lionel Messi and the Argentine juggernaut at home in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday may see the team seek inspiration from a famous victory over their South American rivals in Lima 27 years ago.

19/08/2012 | Sports

Messi scores twice in Barça La Liga opener

Lionel Messi took up where he left off last season as the Argentine scored twice to help Barcelona and new coach Tito Vilanova to a 5-1 home win over Real Sociedad in their La Liga opener today.

20/08/2012 | Sports

Messi, Villa fire Barca to 5-1 win

Lionel Messi's double and a David Villa goal on his return from injury helped Barcelona hammer visitors Real Sociedad 5-1 to give new coach Tito Vilanova the perfect start to their La Liga campaign.

21/08/2012 | Sports

'We want it all,' Messi warns Real Madrid and Europe

On the verge of the Spanish Supercopa’s derby against Real Madrid, Lionel Messi said to be happy with Barcelona's La Liga opener, and remark the Catalans want “to win it all.”

23/07/2012 | Sports

'Silver is the best Cristiano can get, will never be of Messi's level,' Maradona

Diego Maradona delivered his thoughts on Real Madrid’s striker Cristiano Ronaldo and said the Portuguese will never reach the same level as Lionel Messi, and predicted the FIFA Balon d'Or will go once again to the Barcelona star.

24/07/2012 | Sports

Injured Messi out of Barcelona's friendly against Hamburg

Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's friendly against Hamburg SV later after bruising his calf in Monday's training session, the La Liga club said. The absence of the world's best football player will cost Barcelona 480,000 dollars for not setting the striker on to the pitch.  

24/07/2012 | Sports

'Messi the best player in all history,' delighted Kobe says

A well known football fan, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has revealed his belief that Barcelona star Lionel Messi will become the best player in the history of football.

14/07/2012 | Sports

'People believed I was mute when I first arrived in Barcelona,' Messi

Argentine football star Lionel Messi revealed that when he first arrived to Barcelona as a junior player, aged 13, “people believed I was mute” because he was shy and aloof.

18/07/2012 | Sports

'I aim to win more titles, not to break goal record,' Messi

Lionel Messi preferred to focus on winning trophies rather than attempting to better the 73 goals he scored for Barcelona last season, when he spoke at a news conference.

23/07/2012 | Sports

'Me? No, the Ballon d'Or is for Messi,' Neymar says

Brazil football star Neymar has declared that he is tipping Barcelona forward Lionel Messi to win the 2012 Ballon d'Or award.

05/06/2012 | Sports

'I'd like to assist Messi once again,' Riquelme

Boca Juniors’ Juan Román Riquelme admitted he wishes to “assist Lionel Messi once again”, and considered the Barcelona FC's striker as “the best of the world”, showing that the playmaker is willing to wear Argentina’s national football team’s shirt again.

13/06/2012 | Sports

Messi's father: 'No rivalry' between his son, Brazil's Neymar

Rosario native Lionel Messi has a good relationship with Brazil forward Neymar, the Barcelona attacker's father Jorge Messi said in an interview to a Catalan radio today.

19/06/2012 | Sports

Forbes rank: Messi third highest-paid footballer

Rosario native forward Lionel Messi is the third highest-paid footballer in the world according to Forbes magazine rank.

18/05/2012 | Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I think I'm better than Messi'

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo said in an interview to CNN to be broadcast tonight he thought he was "better than Messi," his Barcelona rival.

29/05/2012 | Sports

Good played football and results the key to recover fan's love, Messi says

Lionel Messi appeared before journalists after his first training with the national team on the verge of Saturday’s qualifier against Ecuador.

03/06/2012 | Sports

Messi sends Argentina top in World Cup qualifying

Argentina's decision to play their four world class forwards was fully justified in a crushing 4-0 win over Ecuador that put them top of the South American World Cup qualifiers.

27/04/2012 | Sports

Messi's Facebook statement on Guardiola's exit from Barcelona

Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi said today he felt far too emotional to face the media glare at coach Pep Guardiola's farewell announcement.

02/05/2012 | Sports

Messi breaks Mueller record with 68th goal

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi reached another milestone in his incredible career when he broke Gerd Mueller's 39-year-old record of 67 goals in a season for a European top-flight club.

05/05/2012 | Sports

Messi scores four as Guardiola gets emotional send off

Lionel Messi scored four goals to take his La Liga tally to 50 this season as Barcelona hammered Espanyol 4-0 today in an emotional last game at the Nou Camp for outgoing coach Pep Guardiola.

19/04/2012 | Sports

'Clásico' high noon for Messi and Ronaldo

As well as a potential title decider, Saturday's La Liga "Clásico" between bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona serves up the latest installment in the goal-scoring drama featuring record-setting marksmen Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

23/04/2012 | Sports

'I'll rank Messi alongside Maradona,' Agüero

Sergio Agüero told reporters that Lionel Messi deserves to be ranked alongside Diego Armando Maradona as the greatest talent the game has ever seen.

25/04/2012 | Sports

Ronaldo follows Messi in Champions League penalty flop

In an incredible turn of events few could ever have predicted, the world's two best players fluffed their lines at crucial moments this week to help send Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League.

12/04/2012 | Sports

Maradona describes Pelé’s opinion over Messi as ‘stupid’

Football icon Diego Armando Maradona blasted Brazil’s Pelé once more after assuring that his opinion over Lionel Messi, who he challenged to “beat Neymar,” is “stupid.”

16/04/2012 | Sports

'I want to retire in Barcelona,' says Messi

Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to finish his career at Barcelona, thus dissapointing the fans of Newell's Old Boys, who have always dreamed about seeing the "Pulga" retiring at the club where he played youth divisions.

18/04/2012 | Sports

Chelsea's Drogba makes wasteful Barça pay

Didier Drogba scored late in the first half and Chelsea kept free-scoring Lionel Messi in check to secure a 1-0 win over holders Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

03/04/2012 | Sports

Messi fires Barça past Milan into semi-finals

Lionel Messi scored twice from the penalty spot to help put holders Barcelona into the Champions League semi-finals after a thrilling 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the Nou Camp.

10/04/2012 | Sports

Messi, Ronaldo change national teams

A curious campaign of a mobile phones company in India showed Lionel Messi wearing Brazil’s national football team shirt number 10, while Cristiano Ronaldo wears Argentina’s 7.

10/04/2012 | Sports

Barça crush Getafe to move one point behind Real

Chile striker Alexis Sánchez scored twice as Barcelona swept to a 4-0 home win over Getafe that moved them to within a point of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

20/03/2012 | Sports

Messi sets Barcelona scoring record of 234 goals

Lionel Messi set a Barcelona scoring record of 234 goals when he netted his third of the night in a La Liga match at home to Granada.

29/03/2012 | Sports

London tube names stations after Olympics’ legends

Several well-known Argentine football players will have the honour of lending their names to the London Underground to pay homage to the sports icons during the Olympic games to be held between July 27 to August 12.

03/04/2012 | Sports

Messi's 14th goal sets Champions League scoring record

12/03/2012 | Sports

'Pep is much more important to the team than I'am,' Messi

After netting both goals in Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Racing, Lionel Messi cold down the media hype around him and assured that Josep Guardiola “Is much more important to the team than I am.”

17/03/2012 | Sports

Messi, Xavi fire Barcelona past Sevilla

A Xavi free kick and an exquisite lob from Lionel Messi fired Barcelona to a 2-0 win at Sevilla that cut Real Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga back to seven points today.

19/03/2012 | Sports

D'Alessandro picks Messi over Neymar

Andres D'Alessandro came on stage to praise Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as the best football player in the world, while describing Santos starlet Neymar as the best player in Brazil.

29/02/2012 | Sports

Messi's hat-trick sinks Swiss hopes

07/03/2012 | Sports

Record man Messi hits 5 as Barça crush Leverkusen

Lionel Messi took Bayer Leverkusen apart with a record five-goal Champions League haul as Barcelona swept past the Germans and into the quarter-finals 7-1 on the night and 10-2 on aggregate.

11/03/2012 | Sports

Messi continues magical run at Santander

Lionel Messi's astonishing recent goal glut continued on Sunday when he struck twice in a 2-0 win for Barcelona at struggling Racing Santander that trimmed Real Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga back to 10 points.

19/02/2012 | Sports

Messi scores four as Barca thump Valencia

Lionel Messi scored four as Barcelona came from behind to thrash Valencia 5-1 at home, to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid back to 10 points on Sunday.

23/02/2012 | Sports

Messi targeting favourite victims at Atlético Madrid

Lionel Messi will have his favourite victims in his sights when Barcelona play at Atlético Madrid Sunday and the Argentina forward comes into the game in a rich vein of form even by his high standards.

26/02/2012 | Sports

Messi, Ronaldo genius secures wins for Barca, Real

Sharp thinking and brilliant execution by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted Barcelona and Real Madrid to wins at Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano respectively on Sunday that mantained Real's 10-point lead over their great rivals at the top of La Liga.

25/01/2012 | Sports

Barça hold on to send Real out of King's Cup

Barcelona dealt Real Madrid another body blow when they held off their arch rivals to draw 2-2 in a dramatic King's Cup quarter-final second leg and send the holders out 4-3 on aggregate.

26/01/2012 | Sports

Messi makes Time Magazine front cover

February issue of the Time Magazine will have no other than football "king" Lionel Messi on its front cover. A full article on the life of the "pulga" notice how the boy from Rosario is adored all around the globe but still resisted by his own people.

14/02/2012 | Sports

Sánchez, Messi goals steer Barça to win at Leverkusen

Two goals from Chile forward Alexis Sanchez helped Barcelona to a 3-1 first-leg win at Bayer Leverkusen that put the holders firmly in the driving seat in their Champions League round of 16 tie.

19/01/2012 | Sports

'Shameful' Pepe under fire after Messi stamp

The normally loyal Madrid-based sports papers rounded on Pepe after the Real Madrid defender's stamp on Lionel Messi's hand during Wednesday's King's Cup quarter-final first leg defeat by Barcelona.

23/01/2012 | Sports

Messi's hat-trick leaves Málaga breathless

Lionel Messi netted two typically brilliant goals and a rare header as Barcelona closed to within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, at least for a few hours, with a 4-1 win at Malaga.

23/01/2012 | Sports

Spain federation takes no action on alleged Pepe stamp

The Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) will take no action against Real Madrid defender Pepe for his alleged stamp on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi's hand in Wednesday's King's Cup quarter-final first leg.

04/01/2012 | Sports

Messi, Fabregas give Barça 4-0 win over Osasuna

Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas each scored twice as Barcelona thrilled the Nou Camp with a crushing 4-0 win over Osasuna in their King's Cup last-16 first leg.

09/01/2012 | Sports

Messi wins third consecutive Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi clinched his record-equalling third consecutive Ballon d’Or, football’s highest individual award, after the Argentine forward was among the three shortlisted nominees named along with Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona team mate Xavi.

15/01/2012 | Sports

Messi nets twice, helps Barca beat Betis 4-2

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi netted twice as the La Liga champions beat 10-man Real Betis 4-2 on Sunday to trim Real Madrid's advantage at the top back to five points.

24/12/2011 | Sports

Messi named ‘the best of the best’ by French newspaper

The French sport newspaper L’Equipe named today Argentine Barcelona team player Lionel Messi “champion of the champions.” The prestigious sport publication considered Messi the “best athlete of 2011.”

26/12/2011 | Sports

Messi: 'I am sure I will win the World Cup with Argentina'

Barcelona attacker, Argentine football player Lionel Messi, said that he expects to lift the World Cup trophy with Argentina at some point during his career.

29/12/2011 | Sports

Messi well wishes CFK through letter

Barcelona FC‘s star Lionel Messi and his family sent an emotional letter to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner wishing for "a prompt recovery" after it came to light the leader will undergo thyroid cancer surgery.

15/12/2011 | Sports

Riquelme hopes to play with Messi again

Midfielder Juan Román Riquelme vowed today to play “another 100 matches” with Boca Juniors and said he hopes to play for the national football team alongside superstar Lionel Messi.

18/12/2011 | Sports

'Invincible' Barca win Club World Cup

21/12/2011 | Sports

Messi praises Neymar, says player welcome at Barcelona

Upon arriving at Buenos Aires international airport Ezeiza, Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi praised Brazilian Santos player Neymar by saying he was “welcomed to join the Barcelona team,” where Messi plays.

23/11/2011 | Sports

Surgical Xavi stitches up brave AC Milan

Xavi produced a goal of surgical precision to give Barcelona a 3-2 win over AC Milan in an enthralling Champions League match which also featured Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring against the Catalan club he left acrimoniously last year.

29/11/2011 | Sports

Alexis double fires Barça to romp against Rayo

Barcelona's Alexis Sánchez struck twice to help the Spanish champions return to winning ways with a 4-0 home victory over promoted Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

05/12/2011 | Sports

Messi on Ballon d'Or shorlist with Xavi and Ronaldo

01/11/2011 | Sports

Messi nets 202th goal for Barcelona

Lionel Messi scored his 202th goal for Barcelona in the match of the Champions League Group H at Viktoria Plzen.

15/11/2011 | Sports

Messi, Agüero lead Argentina's victory over Colombia

17/11/2011 | Sports

Spanish media say Messi exhausted after match

Argentine player Leonel Messi was exhausted after the Argentina- Colombia match he played as part of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers at Barranquilla Colombia on Tuesday, the Spanish media assured.

02/10/2011 | Sports

Barça grind out win to go top

Barcelona went top after labouring to a 1-0 victory at bottom club Sporting Gijon for their first away win in La Liga this term.

03/10/2011 | Sports

Messi concerned over Argentina’s ‘failures’

Forward Lionel Messi showed his concern over the “several failures” that Argentina’s national football team has been “gathering” for the last years.

19/10/2011 | Sports

Iniesta, Villa fire Barça to 2-0 win over Plzen

A spot of Andrés Iniesta magic and a late David Villa strike lifted wasteful Barcelona to a 2-0 home win over competition newcomers Viktoria Plzen in Champions League Group H.

02/09/2011 | Sports

Winning start for Argentina coach Sabella

Nicolás Otamendi headed the only goal as Alejandro Sabella kicked off his reign as Argentina coach with a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly in India on Friday.

13/09/2011 | Sports

Milan snatch draw at holders Barcelona

Thiago Silva powered home a header in the second minute of stoppage time to snatch a 2-2 draw for AC Milan at holders Barcelona in the heavyweight pair's Group H opener.

28/09/2011 | Sports

Messi double helps Barça crush BATE

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona crushed BATE Borisov 5-0 away for their first win in Champions League Group H.

26/08/2011 | Sports

Messi leads Barça to Super Cup win over Porto

Lionel Messi scored one goal and created another as Champions League winners Barcelona lifted the European Super Cup after a 2-0 victory over Porto who finished with nine men.

29/08/2011 | Sports

Messi doubles, Barça crush Villarreal

Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sánchez marked their home debuts for Barcelona in La Liga with goals as the champions crushed Villarreal 5-0 in their opening match of the campaign.

30/08/2011 | Sports

‘It’s an important match for me and for the team'

The new coach of Argentina’s national football team, Alejandro Sabella, qualified as “very important” the friendly match that will be played against Venezuela on Friday at Calcutta (India).

09/08/2011 | Sports

Sabella travels to Europe to meet Messi, other players

Argentina’s national football team new coach Alejandro Sabella travelled to Europe to interview the players who currently play in teams from that continent, especially with Lionel Messi, the star of the “Albiceleste” team.

14/08/2011 | Sports

Barça hold Real at Bernabeu in Super Cup first leg

European and La Liga champions Barcelona have the advantage of two away goals after holding arch-rivals Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

17/08/2011 | Sports

Messi double fires Barca to Spanish Super Cup triumph

Majestic Lionel Messi volleyed the winner as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in a fiery Spanish Super Cup second-leg to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory after three players were sent off near the end.

02/06/2011 | Sports

Messi denies being assaulted in Rosario

World's best football placer Lionel Messi denied in a statement that he was assaulted in a restaurant in his native Rosario, in Santa Fe province.

21/06/2011 | Sports

Maradona: 'Neymar is as bad-mannered as Pelé'

Diego Maradona blasted Neymar, the football star who plays at the Brazilian team Santos, by saying that he is “as bad-mannered person as Pelé,” after the Brazilian assured that he does not need to leave Brazil to demonstrate that he is better than Lionel Messi.

28/07/2011 | Sports

Messi annoyed due to suspension of friendly match

Forward Lionel Messi harshly criticized the decision of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to cancel de friendly match against Romania that was going to be held in August after Sergio Batista was removed from his post, and added that it may damage the national football team’s status.

03/05/2011 | Sports

Barça through to final after draw with Real

Barcelona reached the Champions League final for the second time in three years when a 1-1 draw at home to Real Madrid in their semi-final second leg sent the 2009 winners through 3-1 on aggregate.

10/05/2011 | Sports

Ronaldo scores another hat-trick as Real romp past Getafe

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to lead Real Madrid to a 4-0 home win over Getafe, denying leaders Barcelona the chance to win the La Liga title without kicking a ball.

11/05/2011 | Sports

Messi's Barcelona win third straight La Liga

09/04/2011 | Sports

Barça labour past Almería, Real beat Bilbao

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona struggled to beat basement side Almería 3-1 in La Liga after Real Madrid had put them under pressure with a 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao.

23/04/2011 | Sports

Barcelona bakers boast giant chocolate Messi figure for Easter

To celebrate Easter, a Barcelona cake shop made a giant chocolate replica of football star Lionel Messi in the form of a Playmobil figure, standing alongside Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo, also made of chocolate.

27/04/2011 | Sports

Brilliant Messi gives Barça victory over Real Madrid

25/03/2011 | Sports

US on red alert after Messi given permission to roam

The daunting prospect of trying to contain Argentina forward Lionel Messi has just been made even harder after the two-time FIFA Player of the Year was handed a new license to thrill.

26/03/2011 | Sports

US survive Messi's masterclass to draw with Argentina

Argentina’s national football team draw 1-1 with the United States in New Jersey with the presence of striker Lionel Messi for a friendly match. It was one of the last games before the América Cup to be held in Argentina.

29/03/2011 | Sports

Costa Rica hold Messi-less Argentina to 0-0 draw

Costa Rica ground out a disappointing 0-0 draw in a home friendly against Sergio Batistas's Argentina, the visitors weakened by the late withdrawal of talismanic striker Lionel Messi.

01/03/2011 | Sports

Argentina launches new shirt via facebook

Adidas launched the new shirt of Argentina’s national football team with which they will play at the América Cup. The presentation was made via Facebook and counted with the presence of the head the Argentine Football Association (AFA) Julio Humberto Grondona and striker Lionel Messi.

02/03/2011 | Sports

Messi grabs late win for Barça at Valencia

Lionel Messi missed a slew of chances before squeezing home a late strike to give Barcelona a 1-0 win at third-placed Valencia in La Liga and stretch the champions lead over Real Madrid to 10 points.

08/03/2011 | Sports

Barcelona in Champion's League quarterfinals courtesy of Messi

Barcelona beat Arsenal 3-1 and qualified to the Champion's League quarterfinals. Argentine Lionel Messi scored two goals.

10/02/2011 | Sports

Swiss media crazy for Messi's 'fondue football'

The Swiss media praised the Argentina national football team’s performance in the 2-1 victory against Portugal, but most of all Lionel Messi’s magic on the pitch.

12/02/2011 | Sports

Barça's winning run ends with 1-1 draw at Gijón

Barcelona's record La Liga run of 16 straight victories fizzled to a frustrating end when the league leaders had to fight back from a goal down to rescue a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijón.

26/02/2011 | Sports

Messi inspires Barça to win at Mallorca

Lionel Messi conjured a magical headed goal to set a depleted Barcelona on their way to a 3-0 win at Real Mallorca in La Liga that stretched their lead over Real Madrid at the top to eight points.

25/01/2011 | Sports

Messi fined for wishing mother happy birthday

Lionel Messi has been fined for lifting his shirt to reveal a vest wishing his mother a happy birthday after scoring a goal for Barcelona, the Spanish football federation said.

05/02/2011 | Sports

Messi hat-trick puts Barça 10 points clear

Lionel Messi's brilliant hat-trick fired Barcelona to a 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid that set a record for consecutive La Liga victories of 16 and stretched their lead over Real Madrid at the top to 10 points.

09/02/2011 | Sports

Messi leads Argentina to a victory over Portugal

12/01/2011 | Sports

Messi celebrates Ballon d'Or with Cup hat-trick

Lionel Messi celebrated a second successive World Player of the Year award with a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed second division Real Betis 5-0 in a King's Cup quarter-final first leg.

18/01/2011 | Sports

'The mourning has ended'

Former Argentina national football team coach Diego Armando Maradona affirmed that the mourning for the national team has ended, referring to the elimination during South Africa World Cup 2010.

22/01/2011 | Sports

Barça win to move seven points clear in La Liga

Barcelona moved seven points clear at the top of La Liga after beating Racing Santander 3-0 for their 14th successive league victory. Pedro, Lionel Messi from the penalty spot and Andres Iniesta scored the goals at the Nou Camp that left the champions with 55 points from 20 games.

29/12/2010 | Sports

Messi, best football player in Europe

Argentina’s national football team and Barcelona's forward, Lionel Messi, has been chosen the best football player in Europe for the second consecutive time in a survey made by journalists which has been published in the Uruguayan news paper, El País.

05/01/2011 | Sports

Barça squeeze past Bilbao into Cup quarters

Eric Abidal capped a superb defensive display with a rare goal to help Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao and put the La Liga leaders through to the quarter-finals of the King's Cup on away goals.

08/01/2011 | Sports

Messi inspires Barça to 4-0 win at Deportivo

Lionel Messi scored a stunning freekick and helped set up two more goals as Barcelona swept aside Deportivo Coruña 4-0 away to surge five points clear at the top of La Liga.

11/01/2013 | Multimedia

'Trending Now' with Adrian Bono

This week we celebrated Messi's awesomeness to the point of boredom, we witnessed a kerfuffle between an actor and the President and welcomed the return of the ARA Libertad with open arms.

12/07/2011 | In Depth - Copa América 2011

Messi steps up as Argentina's chief creative force

When Lionel Messi plays for Barcelona he is the goalscorer supreme but when he represents Argentina the responsibility carried by FIFA's world player of the year is far greater.

14/07/2011 | In Depth - Copa América 2011

'Don't compare Argentina with Barcelona,' Messi

It is a mistake to compare Argentina with Barcelona as the Spanish club have been working as a unit for a lot longer, Lionel Messi said.

01/07/2011 | In Depth - Copa América 2011

Messi admits he'd 'give anything' to win with Argentina

Lionel Messi strongly affirmed he would “give up anything, including all of the goals and all of the prizes to be able to win with the Argentine team.”

02/07/2011 | In Depth - Copa América 2011

Messi frustrated with Argentina's poor start

A frustrated Lionel Messi said a joke goal had complicated Argentina's Copa América start as the hosts struggled to impose themselves in their 1-1 draw with Bolivia in the tournament's first match on Friday.

08/07/2011 | In Depth - Copa América 2011

Argentina try to come to terms with criticism

Argentina are playing badly at the Copa América because the whole squad are underperforming, leading players said while defending Lionel Messi from attacks by media and fans.