The story immediately went viral, with many people calling her out for auctioning off such an important part of Palacios’ career, while others blamed the Bayer Leverkusen star for allegedly not giving her ex-wife a proper economic offer to get divorced.

Either way, it turns out Frias didn’t actually sell the original winners’ medal her ex-husband received at Qatar 2022. Speaking to Bolavip Argentina, she admitted selling a replica, while the original is still in Palacios’ possession.

“I don’t have the original medal, he has it,” Frias said. “I have a copy. But such a stir was created that I will show it today. With all the things that happen in the world and in the country, for me to be on the news for a medal, I think it’s too much. That’s how we are as a society.”

Frias makes post with buyer of Palacios’ jersey and medal

In an interview with the show “Socios del Espectaculo” from Argentine TV channel ElTrece, Frias stated she’s struggling to maintain herself economically. In fact, she claimed facing difficulties to pay off the property where she’s living.

“He told me he wasn’t going to finish paying for it because he didn’t know if it would be for him or not,” she said about the house. “And I’m just asking him for what is rightfully mine that we did together, and to sign the divorce for me.”

Then Frias made it clear she wouldn’t hesitate to auction her ex-husband’s memento in order to raise funds. She took to Instagram only a few hours later, posting a picture with the apparent winner of Palacios’ jersey and medal. “The buyer of the first shirt. One less payment,” Frias wrote.

The elimination cost Santos his job, and his decisions also took a toll on his relationship with Ronaldo. In an interview with Portuguese newspaper ABOLA, the 69-year-old manager revealed they haven’t spoken since the World Cup.

“We don’t talk anymore. I don’t know what the day was… We haven’t spoken since I came from Qatar,” Santos said, but he clarified that it has nothing to do with the game of Switzerland. Besides, the manager hopes that Ronaldo can forgive him.

“I believe that one day we will meet, we will look at each other and think: ‘We have always had this relationship’. There’s no hurt on my part. I realize that at the time he was hurt, and I realize that maybe he is still hurt. But the relationship we had is not just any relationship,” he said.

The 69-year-old says he always tells his players he always separates the athlete from the man, which is why he expects to make amends with Ronaldo at some point. “My relationship with Cristiano hasn’t changed at all. I hope that one day the current situation will change. If it doesn’t happen, be patient. I’m sad, but that’s it.”

Fernando Santos explains why Ronaldo was benched at the World Cup

Apart from giving insight into the status of his relationship with Ronaldo, Santos reflected on his decision to bench him when it mattered the most in Qatar. The veteran striker was still the team’s face, so many were shocked not to see him in Portugal’s starting eleven.

“I made a decision that was strategic in Qatar,“ Santos explained. “You need to understand a little. I just said that he is the best in the world. And it is. But there was a moment in his career that was very difficult.“

Santos then recalled everything that happened to the 5x Ballon d’Or winner in the months prior to the World Cup. Apart from dropping down the pecking order at Manchester United after Erik ten Hag took over, he suffered a familiar tragedy with the loss of one of two twin children. “That moment moved him a lot and then it’s the sports part. Cristiano didn’t do pre-season. He was two months without training. Then he returns to Manchester United, but is practically not used.”

In Santos eyes’, Cristiano was still in his best physical condition. So that wasn’t the reason he lost his place in the lineup. But the forward’s rythm during games didn’t convince the coach.

“We tried, during those games before the World Cup, and then in the first games of the World Cup itself, for him to enter the rhythms of the game, which was what he was missing. If he was going to do a sprint with some colleague, or were to do an endurance test, he might win. It has nothing to do with it, it was a strategic issue. I felt during the first games that strategically for Portugal it was better. And for him it could also be better. The thought was like this: ‘I want to change this a little, I need someone with more of this kind of characteristics.’ But he was still very important,” Santos said.

Santos suggests Ronaldo ‘misunderstood’ why he was benched

Santos said this wasn’t the first time he had to deal with this kind of situation, in which he had to explain a veteran star he would not start. He says this hasn’t created problems before, but with Ronaldo it was a bit different.

“Now, it is true that on the day of the game, in the morning, when I went to explain to him that he was not going to play and why he was not going to play, he misunderstood. If I notice his reaction? I get it! I have already mentioned that that period was of great anxiety for him, I realize the reaction because for him he is a great friend who leaves him out. But I couldn’t guide myself around, you know? I’m still the same with him. For my part, the relationship is the same and he continues to be like a son or a younger brother to me,” Santos added.

It’s safe to say Qatar 2022 is not a pleasant memory for Ronaldo. Since it may have been his last World Cup, his expectation was to have a much different campaign. Not only did he suffer a painful elimination with Portugal, but Cristiano didn’t even get the playing time he desired.

With seven goals in as many games, Leo took the limelight throughout the competition, which ended exactly how he wanted. But many of his teammates also made a name for themselves during the World Cup.

In fact, this achievement had a different meaning for Messi and his teammates. While this was the missing piece for the 7x Ballon d’Or, this trophy helped other players take their careers to the next level.

4 Argentine teammates surpass Messi in market value after 2022 World Cup

According to Transfermarkt, Lionel Messi’s market value has fallen to €35 million since the last World Cup. On the other hand, four Argentine players became more valuable than the No. 10 after Qatar 2022: Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo de Paul.

Market value in November 2022 (last update before the 2022 World Cup)

• Lionel Messi – €50 million
• Enzo Fernandez – €35 million
• Rodrigo de Paul – €35 million
• Alexis Mac Allister – €32 million
• Julian Alvarez – €32 million

Current market value

• Lionel Messi – €35 million
• Enzo Fernandez – €80 million
• Rodrigo de Paul – €40 million
• Alexis Mac Allister – €65 million
• Julian Alvarez – €80 million

For how long will Messi play for Argentina?

Lionel Messi hasn’t retired from international competition yet, since his idea is to at least play in the 2024 Copa America with Argentina. His presence in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain though.

The Dutch manager had already taken a shot at Messi before their quarterfinal game, which turned out to be arguably the most heated match of the entire tournament.

Van Gaal’s comments didn’t sit well with Leo, who dedicated one of his goals to the former Barcelona coach that night. Months later, van Gaal suggested that the World Cup was fixed for Messi to lift the trophy.

What did Louis van Gaal say about Messi’s World Cup triumph with Argentina?

“I don’t really want to say much about it. If you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals and how some of Argentina’s players crossed the line and weren’t punished, then I think it’s all preconceived game,” van Gaal told Dutch outlet NOS. “I mean everything I say by that. That Messi had to become world champion? I think so, yes.”

Virgil van Dijk, Dutch players react to van Gaal’s comments

“I heard it this morning. He can say what he wants, it is of course his opinion. Everyone can have an opinion. But I don’t agree with him and I don’t share the same opinion,” van Dijk said about van Gaal’s comments in an interview with NOS. “So you and the squad don’t stand behind his words?,” the journsalist asked, to which the Liverpool defender replied, “No.”

Goalkeeper Mark Flekken echoed van Dijk’s sentiments with the same outlet, “We talked about Van Gaal’s comments regarding Messi this morning. If that’s his opinion, then he is allowed to share it. But personally I don’t agree with his opinion.”

How many times have Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy on three occasions (1978, 1986, and 2022).

Lionel Scaloni’s men arrived in the Asian country as strong favorites, riding on an impressive unbeaten run with the Copa America and Finalissima titles under their belts. However, they lost in their debut.

Saudi Arabia shocked the eventual world champions with a come-from-behind victory, which immediately changed the outlook for Argentina. Even so, Diego Simeone says he trusted so much in this team that he bet €2 million they would win the trophy.

Diego Simeone bet for Argentina, Messi to win the World Cup despite loss in their debut

“After Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia, I bet two million euros on Argentina to win the World Cup, I had no doubt that the best player in history would not let us down, and so it was,” Simeone said, via @FCBAlbiceleste on Twitter.

The Atletico Madrid manager attended the grand final at the Lusail Stadium, donning an Argentina shirt he used as a player. So not only his guess was right, but he also had a privileged view to watch Messi lifting the coveted trophy.

By using a chip in the ball and limb-tracking cameras, scientists were able to establish with precise accuracy when the last pass had been completed. The cameras were then used to display 3D animations demonstrating precisely where a section of a player’s body was ineligible for play.

During the Qatar World Cup, it achieved unprecedented levels of success. UEFA has officially embraced the method but without the chip-in-ball technology. Although widespread speculation had claimed that the Premier League will adopt the system for the next 2023–24 season, the league ultimately decided against doing so.

How was semi-automated offside technology used at Qatar 2022 World Cup?

The Video Assistant Referee system made its second World Cup appearance in Qatar, four years after its first debut in Russia. In the past five years, video assistant referees (VARs) have become standard in major league football and European events like the Champions League and Europa League. The number of penalties in the 2018 World Cup in Russia increased to a record-breaking 29 from only 13 at the 2014 World Cup.

Back then, FIFA announced that Video Assistant Referee and semi-automated offside technology would be used in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. And the tournament’s on-field drama didn’t take long to begin, with the first contentious call coming only three minutes into the first match.

When Enner Valencia put Ecuador ahead with a header against hosts Qatar, he believed he had set a World Cup record for the fastest opening goal. However, the goal was disallowed; it was first unclear why it had been called back, but it was eventually established that Michael Estrada’s foot had been in an offside position throughout the buildup.

However, those days are far behind him. At 31, James finds himself without a club after rescinding his contract with Olympiacos, where he spent less than a season. Even so, he’s still a pivotal member of the national team.

The former Everton star knows Los Cafeteros have plenty of work to do after missing the last World Cup. In a recent interview with Win Sports TV, James suggested Colombia should have qualified for Qatar 2022 as they were better than some teams who actually made the tournament.

James Rodriguez takes subtle shot at Peru, Australia

“There were teams that I couldn’t believe were going to the World Cup. I saw the Australia vs. Peru and thought, ‘how could these two go to a World Cup? With all due respect, Peru are a great team, but we are much better” he said.

“And we’re better than Australia as well. But these things happen, we did things wrong, it’s unacceptable that we haven’t scored in seven games with so many great players. We have to take responsibility and learn from it.”

James admitted his team didn’t do enough to deserve a World Cup spot, but his comments are still disrespectful for those who got the job done. Either way, the upcoming Conmebol qualifiers may be his last opportunity to play a final World Cup with Colombia.

Paris Saint-Germain banned Lionel Messi for two weeks after he received widespread criticism for his unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia. Another example is the recent altercation between Leandro Paredes and his coach at Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri.

In addition, Alejandro Gomez was prohibited by Sevilla from joining the World Cup festivities in Buenos Aires in March. And because of Emiliano Martinez‘s antics in Qatar, FIFA had to change the rules regarding penalties.

What happened between Angel Di Maria and Juventus fans?

Angel Di Maria‘s ups and downs this season represent the whole Juventus season. The Argentine had injury problems early on but emerged as the team’s ultimate symbol during the winter break. However, his performance since then has been uninspiring.

Corriere dello Sport reports that things reached a boiling point lately on the winger’s Instagram when the player and his wife responded angrily to their critics. A fan had called him and his countryman Leandro Paredes ‘two mercenaries who don’t care about Juventus’, and the 35-year-old had felt compelled to respond.

Within a reply that has since been removed, Di Maria said: “The one who doesn’t deserve the shirt is you. The team and the players are together 100%, until the end. What you are doing is showing that you are with Juventus only in the good times and not in the bad. I send you a big goodbye. I’m good until the end, not like you.”

Di Maria’s wife, Jorgelina Cardoso, likewise retaliated by shifting the responsibility away from her husband: “He’s not the one who prepares the team, he’s not the coach, he’s not the one who prefers to play at the back. Shut up, are you silly or do you get paid for it?” Interestingly, both comments were then removed immediately.

At 35, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar delivered inspiringperformances throughout the tournament to lead Argentina to their third title. Since the win over France in the final, Messi has won all kinds of accolades.

Not only did he receive the World Cup Golden Ball, but also won The Best award by FIFA. Now, he can also add the2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year to his trophy cabinet.

Lionel Messi wins2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year

Messi was namedLaureus World Sportsman of the Year following his excellent World Cup campaign, beating a number of renowned sports stars including PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

The other athletes in contentionwere Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, tennis star Rafael Nadal, Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry, and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis.

Messi had already received this prize in 2020, when he became the first soccer player andfirst Argentine to win it. His great World Cup didn’t go unnoticed, and with the 2023 Ballon d’Or on the horizon, we can expect him to continue winning awards.

In Turin, the 29-year-old and Ronaldo were regularly partnered in attack throughout his three years there. Together with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he helped the Bianconeri win three straight Serie A championships.

In addition to hisprosperous club career, Dybala hasalso been an integral part of Argentina‘s success with superstar Lionel Messi throughout these years. They were both members of the South American team that went on to win the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

What has Paulo Dybala said of Cristiano Ronaldo?

Dybala has nowrevealed some details about his time spent on the field with both superstars, including a talk he had with Ronaldo before a Juventus game.Before CR7 moved to Serie Ain 2018, the forward was undoubtedly the club’s most coveted player.

At the time, some tales existed that the twoplayers had a history of friction. The Qatar World Cup champion with Argentinahas even confessed thathe once told his former teammate that he “hated” him because of his Argentine heritage and his passionate rivalry with Lionel Messi.

“I had three good years with him. The team was strong, and he added something extra. However, the rivalry between him and Lionel Messi is heated in Argentina. One day, we were chatting on the plane, and I told him that I used to hate him when I was a kid. We laughed about it and always had a nice rapport”, hethoughtback on DAZN’s Scacco Capitale.

Besides being on track to win his second Ligue 1 championship with Paris Saint-Germain, he just fulfilled a lifetime dream by leading Argentina to the World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. It will take place in his trophy case alongside his 2021Copa America championship.

During the previous two decades, the 35-year-old ace has amassed an absurd amount of individual honors. Some of his individual awardsinclude 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year trophies, six European Golden Shoes, and, of course, a record seven Ballons d’Or.

Watch: Who did Lionel Messi giveone of his individual awards to?

Because the superstar has received so many individual accolades throughout the course of his stellar career, he has no qualms about bestowing one onto hisPSG colleague, Leandro Paredes.The midfielder currently on loan at Juventusalso had a role in the tournament that year,helping Argentina lift their first World Cup trophy in 30 years.

The 28-year-oldrecently gave media members a tour of his house and proudly displayed Messi’s La Liga 2020-21 Best Player medal.“He [Messi] arrived in Paris, I asked him if he would give it to me and he gave it to me”, Paredes said.