In the first match against the Czech Republic, they started losing and showed some complications but they managed to turn the result around to end up with a 2-1 victory.

The second match was totally different and Cristiano Ronaldo’s team overcame Turkey 3-0 with a good collective performance to seal their qualification.

The only problem they will have for their final match against Georgia is that Roberto Martinez will be without one of his star players, AC Milan striker Rafael Leao.

Rafael Leao out of the match against Georgia in UEFA Euro 2024

The reason why Rafael Leao will not be present in Portugal’s last match is because he received two yellow cards and will have to serve a one-match suspension.

The talented 25-year-old forward received both yellow cards for faking a foul to earn a penalty, first against Czech Republic and then against Turkey.

With their ticket in hand and first place in their group assured, Roberto Martinez may opt to rest his players for the final match against Georgia, which could help ease the impact of Leao’s absence.

Stefano Pioli made sure to lighten the load off of Leao with the signing of USMNT winger Christian Pulisic who has returned that confidence in spades for his new team with six goals and four assists, freeing up Leao to create more and play more freely on the left.

Now Leao sat down with Sky Sports in Italy and talked about the next step in his career and how the talented winger can get to the level of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé.

Leao on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé

In the interview the journalist asked the AC Milan winger what he is missing from getting to the top of world soccer, Leao responded, “Yes but I’m not selfish. I can score goals, but I can also get assists.

“At that level numbers make the difference because Mbappe, Haaland, Messi have numbers that speak for themselves. When I think like them, I’ll get to their level.”

Profile of Rafael Leão

Rafael Leao is regarded as one of the best forwards and wingers in the world. He can play on both wings and down the middle although at AC Milan he mostly plays on the left.

Leao began his career at Sporting Lisbon before a move to France for Lille, after only one season he was signed by AC Milan where he has won one Serie A title with the club.

Besides that, El Merengue with a value of more than $1.6 billion, are the most valuable soccer club brand and, with a score of 94 out of 100, arealso the strongest in the world, according to the latest ranking prepared by the consultancy Brand Finance.

The fact thatKylian Mbappe rejected Real Madrid’s offer and renewed his contract with PSG was a hard blow for El Madridismo and the club. However, Florentino Perez did not stand idly by and apparently has already arranged his first signing for next season and would also be willing to pay 120 million euros for a forward.

The two players who could join Real Madrid next season

Aurelien Tchouameni

Sooner or later, Real Madrid’s midfield will have to change, and the club’s officials know it. Toni Kroos is 32 years old, Luka Modric is 36, and Casemirois 30. That is why Real Madrid have been looking for long-term replacements. First, with the signing of Eduardo Camavinga last season and now, everything seems to indicate that the Aurelien Tchouameni will join La Casa Blanca.

Tchouameni wouldjoin Real Madrid this summer on a 5-year deal, a deal worth around 80,000,000 euros plus bonuses. The 22-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. El Merengue and the player have already agreed on personal terms but there has not been an agreement with Monaco yet.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Liverpool, and PSG are other teams that wanted to sign the player. The only problem for Real Madrid is that Tchouameni is still the French team’s main target and would be willing to offer Monaco a significant amount of money.

Rafael Leao

In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Real Madrid want to sign Rafael Leao. The Portuguese forward has just won the Serie A title with Milanand was named the best player of the tournament. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 games played in Serie A this season.

The Italian newspaper reported that the player has a release clause of 150,000,000 euros and that Real Madrid would be willing to pay 120,000,000 euros for him. Leao has a contract with Milan until 2024, and the Italian club’s officials want to renew his contract until 2026. Only time will tell if Leao signs for Real Madrid to set up the trident alongside Benzemaand Vinicius Junior.