Nicknamed ‘El Viejo Willy’ (The Old Willy), Ortiz possessed exceptional skill—comparable in stature to Lionel Messi and as lethal as Cristiano Ronaldo. He made a lasting impact in Colombian soccer, though he never played for an international club or in a World Cup.

Ortiz is an outgoing and charismatic figure, full of soccer stories. Firm in his beliefs, he shared his perspectives on James Rodriguez in an exclusive interview with Bolavip, during an event created by DirecTV leading up to the World Cup.

Beyond discussing Colombia’s prospects in the tournament, Ortiz addressed James’ move to the MLS, considering it a ‘mistake’ for the Colombian star to join Minnesota United.

James made a ‘mistake’ by joining Minnesota United

Bolavip: Do you think it was a mistake for James Rodriguez to play in the United States before the World Cup, knowing the coach didn’t really want him?

Willington Ortiz: I think the mistake is when a coach doesn’t want you and you still go to that team. You’re not part of his group or the players he trusts, so he’s not going to play you because you’re not his choice. That’s the mistake.

Colombia won’t rely solely on James

Bolavip: What do you think is really going to happen in this World Cup? Do you think these friendlies are a real test, or are they just to measure strength?

Ortiz: Well, friendlies are a test and you have to measure strength, but when friendlies are played close to the final stages, when the competition is about to start, they are very risky and complicated. Why? Because a soccer player doesn’t perform the same way when there’s still a long time left as when there’s very little time left. And if you play against a strong national team, you can lose, you can win, or you can draw. That’s what happens in a soccer game.

I believe the Colombia national team has elite players—there are top-10 players competing in tournaments like the Champions League that’s being played now, and in South American competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. So, we have the players.

I think the coach has options and can build a system that works, whether we have James or not, because everyone is worried since James isn’t playing. He’s at a club where the coach doesn’t want him, didn’t bring him in, so he doesn’t play—just a few minutes. It’s not serious, disrespecting a player of his caliber.

It’s complicated, but Colombia have very good players, and I think people need to be patient because we have a good team and will put in a very strong performance at the World Cup.

Ortiz’s prediction for Colombia in the World Cup

Bolavip: Speaking of that strong performance, how far do you think Colombia will go?

Ortiz: I think they’ll be in the top eight. I believe they’ll make the quarterfinals. This team has what it takes, has very good players, and I think it can reach the top eight.

Bolavip: Which player do you think needs to be in top condition to lead the team into those top eight? Or do you think it’s more of a collective effort?

Ortiz: It has to be collective. A soccer team is collective—it has to be. You can’t rely on just one player. Because if a striker is doing well and scoring, but the defense is poor and concedes two goals, you lose and it’s useless. So everyone has to perform well, and all the players we have are elite. I think we have a very good team.

Colombia’s best player and World Cup nostalgia

Bolavip: Speaking about the current form of these Colombian players, and considering you’ve been described as one of, if not the best, in Colombia, who do you think is the nation’s best player right now?

Ortiz: Right now, it’s Luis Diaz. He’s the one performing best. Hopefully he stays healthy, arrives at the World Cup in good shape, and helps us have a strong performance.

Bolavip: Considering what you said about not having had the chance to play in a World Cup, when you watch past World Cups and Colombia’s performances, do you feel anything in particular?

Ortiz: Of course, there’s a sense of sadness because you do everything possible to get there, and sometimes you just can’t. Time passes, and you didn’t get the chance, so it brings a feeling of nostalgia.

World Cup predictions and Messi-Ronaldo’s farewell

Bolavip: Let’s talk about favorites to win the World Cup. Which teams do you think are the strongest candidates?

Ortiz: There are about three teams I see as favorites: Spain, France, and Germany. Those three.

Bolavip: And finally, talking about two major players who are nearing the end of their international careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—do you think Argentina, with Messi, or Portugal, have a chance to go far in this World Cup?

Ortiz: Historically, teams don’t repeat as champions every four years—at least I don’t think they have. Argentina play very well, and Messi is excellent, but I don’t think they’ll repeat as champions. I think it will be someone else. As for Portugal with Cristiano, they have a very good team. They could get close, because they still have that ambition—they haven’t won it yet. Argentina already have, twice.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH WILLINGTON ORTIZ ON BOLAVIP US:

The Moroccan fullback suffered the injury in the back of his right thigh in the final minutes, 88’, of the first leg, in which PSG defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 on Tuesday in Paris. His team had already used all substitutions, and Hakimi finished the match despite the injury.

Hakimi collapsed on the pitch after contesting a ball with Konrad Laimer in the closing moments of the game and immediately grabbed the back of his right leg, eventually leaving the field in pain, but returning due to the lack of substitutions.

Is his presence at the World Cup in doubt?

He is already ruled out for the second leg, and from there, only 38 days remain until Morocco’s debut in the World Cup against Brazil in Group C, where Haiti and Scotland are also present.

All indications suggest that Hakimi will arrive at the World Cup without major issues, but with the concern of losing rhythm, the rest presents a good option considering that this World Cup is longer.

What is next for Hakimi?

If PSG advance past Bayern, they will face Arsenal or Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30. He is expected to be available for that match.

Hakimi, who finished sixth in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, is expected to be a key piece for Morocco in this summer’s World Cup. Morocco, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, will play their first match on June 13 against Brazil.

By simply stepping onto the pitch, Ronaldo will become the first player in history to appear in six different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). While Lionel Messi is also expected to reach this milestone, Ronaldo’s longevity as a focal point for Portugal remains unprecedented.

If Portugal secures their first-ever star, Ronaldo would become the oldest player to ever win a World Cup. He would surpass the record held by Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who was 40 years and 133 days old when he lifted the trophy in 1982. Ronaldo will be 41 during the 2026 final.

Ronaldo going for scoring records

Ronaldo already holds the record as the only man to score in five consecutive World Cups. If he finds the back of the net in 2026, he will extend this to six tournaments. Notably, while Messi may play in six, his scoreless 2010 campaign means he cannot match Ronaldo for this specific scoring longevity record.

The Al Nassr star currently has 8 World Cup goals, placing him just one behind the legendary Eusebio, who scored 9 (all in the 1966 edition). One goal would see him tie the record; two would make him the undisputed greatest World Cup scorer in Portuguese history.

Battling with Messi for more games played

The final record within Cristiano’s reach currently belongs to Messi. While the Portuguese star has 22 World Cup appearances to his name, the Argentine leads the category with 26 matches played.

Messi’s record is expected to increase to 30 matches during the group stage, while Ronaldo’s is projected to reach 26, making this a particularly difficult milestone for the Portuguese forward to overtake.

According to The Athletic, the decision has been made to reduce the danger of players missing the World Cup’s knockout matches. “The new rules around suspensions for accumulated bookings at this year’s tournament in United States, Canada, Mexico are expected to be approved later this week”, ” said The Athletic.

A fairly understandable measure, as the teams will have their stars available in the later rounds of the competition, and it will allow a game without fear of losing valuable players, but it also takes away that edge that adds to the competition, as in that sense, nobody cares about managing yellow cards.

The other measure to be implemented

And that is not the only measure regarding cards; now, red cards can be given for other actions that go beyond aggressive play, according to The Times. FIFA is set to impose a red card for players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent at the World Cup 2026. It is worth noting that this is something very common among soccer players.

And not only that, but FIFA also plans for an instant dismissal for players who leave the pitch in protest at a referee’s decision. This measure comes from a very memorable event, and it is the controversial situation between Prestianni and Vinicius Jr during their Champions League match.

Where Prestianni suggested something very serious to Vinicius, but it had to go through advanced investigations, and became a very controversial topic because it was not clear what exactly was said, precisely because he was covering his mouth while speaking.

How the previous yellow card system worked

In the World Cup, players must serve a one match suspension if they receive a yellow card in two different matches, but in previous tournaments they were cleared after the quarterfinal stage.

That ensured that no player would miss the final due to suspension simply for receiving a yellow card in the semifinal. The expanded World Cup format, now with 48 teams and an additional round of sixteen, led FIFA to make a change in order to keep players on the pitch.

According to Cadena Cope, the forward suffered the injury during this morning’s training session, although the affected area has not yet been disclosed, and he is expected to be sidelined for “three to four weeks.” This would certainly be a problem, especially for Simeone, and a relief for Scaloni if he can recover in time for the World Cup, although without rhythm.

As a result, Nico Gonzalez is set to miss the tie against the Gunners in the Champions League, with the first leg scheduled for this Wednesday in Madrid, as well as matches against Valencia, Celta de Vigo, Osasuna, and Girona in La Liga. Depending on his recovery, he could return in the final matchday against Villarreal or in a potential Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest.

Nico Gonzalez would reach the World Cup?

The situation also raises concern within the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni, given the proximity of the 2026 World Cup. However, everything seems to indicate that he could arrive without major concern, considering the four-week timeline and that the tournament is less than 50 days away, although he would arrive without rhythm and somewhat limited.

It is worth noting that the player was unable to take part in the last World Cup due to an injury while preparing for Qatar 2022, and was not part of the title-winning squad. Now, the decision of whether to call him up will be in Scaloni’s hands.

Argentina and a complicated moment with injuries

Argentina are going through a delicate physical moment just over a month and a half before the World Cup, which begins on June 11. The Gonzalez joins a list of players dealing with injuries or recovery processes, a situation closely monitored by Lionel Scaloni.

This new case adds to that of Cristian Romero. The defender suffered a ligament injury at Tottenham Hotspur and, although he avoided surgery, the recovery timeline will leave him with limited match rhythm heading into the competition. His presence is not ruled out, but it is conditioned by the lack of playing time. In the same position, Juan Foyth suffered a left Achilles tendon rupture in January that ruled him out of the World Cup months ago.

At the same time, Lautaro Martinez has been dealing with physical issues for weeks, with discomfort in the same area where he previously suffered a muscle tear. This situation has prevented him from maintaining consistency at Inter and raises concern in a key position, which also includes the long-term absence of striker Joaquin Panichelli due to a torn ligament in his right knee suffered during an Argentina training session.

According to Sport, there was a meeting this Monday with elite physiotherapists Raul Martinez and Fernando Galan. Both play a key role: they have worked as physiotherapists for the RFEF and currently collaborate with Barca; the topic of Lamine Yamal was addressed.

It was made clear that the club has its absolute priority to properly manage the forward recovery, especially due to the high risk of relapse that exists with this type of injury. The idea is not to rush timelines and to take care of every detail to avoid any setback that could compromise his condition in the medium and long term.

Matches Yamal could miss

According to the same report, Barca does not want to force his return under any circumstances. They understand within the club that he will be on Luis De la Fuente’s list for the World Cup, but if necessary, they would not see it as a problem if he misses some of the opening matches of the tournament to avoid risks, to be fully available in the most demanding stage.

Thus, it could be that he does not play against Cabo Verde on June 15 in Spain‘s debut at the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, nor against Saudi Arabia on June 21. He could be at full fitness for the match against Uruguay, which could decide the top spot in the group, and then approach the knockout rounds with guarantees.

It is worth noting that this comes from a club position, but surely, within the team, there is that dilemma of trusting the group stage without having their best player and expecting the rest of the team to step up and secure qualification, or using the player from the start with that key piece in the system, but risking a relapse of the injury.

What happened to Lamine Yamal?

The winger suffered a significant hamstring injury in the left leg in a LaLiga match against Celta del Vigo after scoring a penalty. In the 40th minute, Barcelona were awarded a penalty kick, and Yamal wasted no time stepping up to the spot. While he successfully beat the Celta goalkeeper to give his side the lead, he was seen grimacing and clutching his left foot immediately after the strike.

On Saturday, April 25, the 23-year-old midfielder remained on the ground in pain with his right knee and had to be taken off on a stretcher with clear signs of discomfort during the crucial 1-0 win by Tottenham over Wolves, already relegated. The club later confirmed he ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his right knee.

Meanwhile, Netherlands face a significant setback. Xavi Simons was expected to play a key role at the World Cup, and his absence forces a major tactical rethink. They will debut in the World Cup on June 13 against Japan in Group F, which they share with Sweden and Tunisia.

Xavi Simons’ message that moves the world

Through his social media channels, Xavi Simons shared an emotional message, expressing the heartbreak he is experiencing during this difficult time. It makes complete sense after the hard work he has put in.

“They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I’m just trying to process it. Honestly, I’m heartbroken. None of it makes sense.”

“All I’ve wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me, along with the World Cup. Representing my country this summer, just gone. It will take time to find peace with this, but I will continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we will win this fight. I will walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with belief, as I count down the days to getting back out there. Be patient with me.”

Hard blow for Tottenham and Netherlands

The absence of Simons arrives at the worst possible moment for Tottenham, who are fighting to avoid relegation in the Premier League. The London side is in a delicate position in the standings and now lost one of their most decisive players.

In addition, the injury crisis at the club deepens. Players such as Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, and Ben Davies have also been out with different physical issues, leaving the team with limited options in a decisive stretch.

For their part, Netherlands also suffered a major setback. Xavi Simons was called to be one of the key pieces at the World Cup, and his absence forces a rethink of the team structure and search for other variables to have a great path during the tournament.

In an official statement, Milan confirmed the end of the Croatian’s Serie A season before its scheduled conclusion on May 24. “The club wishes him a speedy recovery ahead of the World Cup,” the club added. The operation was described as “a total success,” according to Milan. “AC Milan announces that today, Luka Modric underwent surgery at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan. Surgical intervention was required to treat a complex multifragmentary fracture of the left zygomatic bone,” the statement read.

“The operation, performed by the team of doctor Luca Autelitano in the presence of AC Milan doctors Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni, was a total success,” it added. Modric suffered a fracture to his left cheekbone during Sunday’s match against Juventus, forcing him to undergo surgery just a month and a half before the start of the World Cup.

Croatia supports Modric

Croatia want to have available one of the best players in their history, a key figure who has led them to their greatest World Cup performances, including reaching the 2018 final where they lost against France.

“I have been speaking with Luka,” Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said on social media platform X through the national federation, “I wished him a successful surgery as well as a fast and quality recovery. I am convinced he will do everything possible to be ready for the FIFA World Cup, and we will provide him with full support. I trust the recovery will go as planned and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us in another major competition this summer.”

How did Modric get injured?

Modric had to leave the field in the final minutes of Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Juventus after suffering an injury during an aerial duel for the ball with opposing midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

The club did not specify how long Modric will be sidelined. However, only four matchdays remain before the end of the Serie A season. The main concern now is his availability for the World Cup. Croatia will begin their campaign by facing England in seven weeks on June 17. They will also play against Panama and Ghana in Group L.

According to a report attributed to El Partidazo de COPE, the club has already made direct contact with the current Argentina head coach to explore a possible future arrival. And something that could work in his favor is that Scaloni already lives in Spain since his retirement as a player, where he built his family. He currently lives with his wife and children in El Toro.

The information points out that the Madrid president is reviewing different alternatives for the head coach position, and Scaloni’s name has entered that list due to the weight of his work with Argentina. But there is something that could change the course, and it’s his contract.

Scaloni’s camp position

There is also the other side of the story, according to the Argentine outlet TYC Sports. Despite the mention that he was supposedly already in talks with the club, from Scaloni’s camp, they strongly deny having made contact with the board of the institution led by Florentino Perez.

There is also the factor of Scaloni’s contract. The president of AFA, Tapia, offered to extend his deal, and the coach himself showed his intention to continue, but for now, there have been no talks about numbers or length. The most likely scenario is that there will be advanced talks after the 2026 World Cup. It is worth noting that his contract runs until mid this year, that is, until the end of the World Cup.

Does Scaloni want to coach a club?

In June 2025, Scaloni himself acknowledged receiving offers, but he is still not convinced about having his first experience in charge of a club. “I am not convinced about coaching a club, I would like to, but I do not know in the short term. All those messages, you have to see if they are true, that is why I do not answer and let them pass,” he said.

In that sense, Scaloni left the door open to what could happen once the 2026 World Cup is over, the last tournament in his current contract with the national team:

“After the World Cup we will see. My focus is on the national team. The world of soccer is complicated and sometimes it is not good to get into those things. In my case I know that I am here until the World Cup. There are many people around offering you things… from there to it being true. It is not convenient because it distracts you,” the 47-year-old made clear.

Currently, James is on his stint in the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and in the last match, he was a standout performer. At the end of the game, the Cucuta native referred to this match and his feelings.

“I felt very good, for it being my first match here, I was good,” James said. “It is a shame that we lost, but a match is not how much is left, but how much you influence on the field. We have had chances, we have to keep going on this path, on Tuesday we have a match in the Cup and we have to go out in a very good way.“

For his part, when he was asked about his condition ahead of the World Cup: “Good, I will arrive well, I will arrive in a very good way. There is one month left and I am training well, at the maximum, at full as I have always done and whatever I get to play here will help me.”

James’ performance

James Rodriguez was the standout player for Minnesota in the game against LAFC, which ended in a 0-1 loss. This was the first match as a starter for the Colombian in MLS, as he had already started in the US Open Cup against Sacramento.

The ‘10’ had an exceptional performance, which showed that he was increasingly adapting and gaining rhythm. He had two shots on target, delivered 5 key passes, and created a big scoring chance for Yeboah that was missed.

James’ calculations for the World Cup

James Rodriguez seemed to have everything calculated, despite the concern that existed in Colombia about the limited minutes he had been accumulating since his arrival in MLS. “There are 6 matches left before going to the World Cup and I am good, whatever I get to play, whether it is a lot or a little, I will do it in a very good way,” he said.

Finally, he thanked the support from the Minnesota fans, who were able to see him shine for the first time. “The support from all of them is nice, that means that I have done things well in my career, in soccer and their support, which comes from the heart, is something beautiful,” he stated.

“Eder Militao will have to undergo surgery for his new injury in the hamstrings of his left leg,” journalist Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE reported. “The Brazilian reopened the scar from the initial injury that occurred in December against Celta. Unfortunately, he will miss the World Cup,” he added.

Eder Militao raised concerns in Real Madrid and in Brazil last Tuesday, in the match against Deportivo Alaves. The 28-year-old center back was substituted before halftime with visible signs of pain in the same area that, as Diaz reported, had already been injured some time ago.

The original injury of Eder Militao

To understand what happened with Eder Militao, we have to go back to early December 2025. On December 7, to be precise, Real Madrid faced Celta de Vigo on Matchday 15 of LALIGA. In that match, Militao felt discomfort and was substituted in the 25th minute of the first half.

Hours later, Real Madrid reported a “tear in the biceps femoris of the left leg with involvement of the proximal tendon,” a diagnosis that projected a recovery time of no less than four months. Militao took the necessary time before returning, but he suffered another injury in that same area and will no longer be able to avoid surgery.

Ancelotti keeps losing players

Eder Militao is the most recent absence in a concerning list and reality for Brazil. Rodrygo and Willian Estevao, two players who also had their spots secured among the 26, suffered injuries that will keep them out of the World Cup.

On May 11, Ancelotti will have to present a preliminary list of 55 players, where it is almost certain that we will not see the defender, while May 30 will be the day when the 26 names going to the World Cup are officially announced.