Manchester City is facing Premier League contenders Arsenal ahead of Matchday 5 in the Etihad Stadium. The citizens coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pep-guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a>, speaking during his pre-match press conference, sent a huge warning to Erling Haaland and his players regarding The Gunners performance lately.







“All have been tight games last years, apparently because I think we are a good team, but they are good too. They do many good things in all aspects, when high pressing, defending deep, in transitions; it’s an absolute complete team and that’s why they’ve been the biggest rivals in the last two seasons,” said Guardiola.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-city">Manchester City</a> boss also shared his thoughts on the work former assistant coach Mikel Arteta has been doing with the team: “I always have a highly opinion about him and his team. Everybody knows he grew up as a team year by year, and both years they’ve been close, but we’re being so strong as well, and looking forward to the game.”



Guardiola’s team is sitting on top of the league, with only a two-point difference with closest contenders <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/arsenal">Arsenal</a>. On the verge of one of the most important matches of the season, Pep had nothing but praise for Arteta’s side: “Every season they are stronger: depth squad, adding more players with top quality. Every season is even better.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240920_BUS_237536_Erling-haaland-3-1024x576_172b136d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England." class="wp-image-237563" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Erling-haaland-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Erling-haaland-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Erling-haaland-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Erling-haaland-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Erling-haaland-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Manchester City and Erling Haaland performance so far</h2>



Manchester City have been dominating the Premier League during the early stage of the season. With an unstoppable <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a>, they are the only team to secure four wins in their first four games.


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The Norwegian has been a crucial part of City’s amazing streak: taking part of the starting XI and scoring in every game so far, he managed to get 9 goals, leading the scoreboard with a 6-goals difference. 



<h2>Will Kevin De Bruyne play?</h2>



Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne picked up an injury late in the first half of the Champions League match against Inter Milan, trying to race onto a through ball from his teammate Jack Grealish.



Regarding his presence in the Etihad Stadium against Arsenal, Guardiola gave some important updates: “He feels a bit better today. Tomorrow we’re training and we’ll see. He could be involved.”

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miniaturas

Two years have passed since <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/roger-federer">Roger Federer</a> decided to end his career at age of 41. Now, as host and co-owner of the Laver Cup, he addressed the topic about Rafael Nadal cancelling his participation in the event, giving his friend an important advice regarding his career.







“Time is gnawing at you. In the end, it might be helpful to make a decision at some point. And when it’s all over, you can just relax and say: oh, luckily no more training, luckily no more matches,” Federer said in an interview with German magazine MOPO.



The Swiss legend was eager to see <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rafael-nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> back on the court after the Spaniard withdrew from the US Open due to physical problems, but he’ll have to wait a little longer: “I was really hoping he could somehow manage to play a match at the end, but he simply said he would rather not, couldn’t do it, and didn’t feel ready.”



Despite Nadal’s future still being uncertain, Federer gave his fans some relief, hoping to see him playing for another season: “But he sounds good. I think he just has to decide now how to proceed and I think that’s the time he’s going through at the moment. He has done everything for the sport. It would be phenomenal if he could add another season, but only Rafa himself can answer that.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240919_BUS_237293_Federer-and-Nadal-1-1024x576_d86decda.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe interact during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. " class="wp-image-237348" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Federer-and-Nadal-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Federer-and-Nadal-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Federer-and-Nadal-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Federer-and-Nadal-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Federer-and-Nadal-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during the doubles match against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Will Rafael Nadal retire?</h2>



Nadal has been constantly asked whether he’ll retire in 2024. The last time he talked about this topic was after his defeat against Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games : “I’m trying to do what I can to enjoy myself and give myself the chance to be competitive. If after this I no longer feel like playing, I’ll announce it, and that’s that. But for now, let me take it day by day and make my own choices.”


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After announcing he won’t participate in the US Open and the Laver Cup this year, Nadal is expected to return in the Six Kings Slam in October. This event will be held in Riad, Saudi Arabia, and the other five participants are <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carlos-alcaraz">Carlos Alcaraz</a>, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune.



<h2>Who will be taking part in the Laver Cup?</h2>



The 2024 Laver Cup is set to celebrate its seventh edition in Berlin, Germany. Stated as “a bittersweet weekend” by Federer, it’ll be the last time where legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will face each other as captains from Team Europe and Team World.



The players representing Team Europe this weekend will be Alcaraz, Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas. On the other hand, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Alejandro Tabilo, Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis will represent Team World.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has become the biggest ambassador for Saudi Arabian soccer since he joined Al Nassr in December 2022. However, in recent months, comments have surfaced regarding Ronaldo’s influence both on and off the field. Guido Fienga, Al Nassr CEO, addressed this topic, providing clarity for the fans.







“Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t control the club” said the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr</a> CEO. “But obviously, being the No. 1 in the world, he gives the direction of where we have to go and which are the targets we have to reach.”



After this statement, he emphasized the importance of Ronaldo at the club: “Cristiano Ronaldo is our captain and he is the strongest player in the world not just technically but how he behaves. He is a winner and we ask him to teach us how to win.”



<h2>The changes Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr have recently gone through</h2>



It hasn’t been the best months for Cristiano Ronaldo in Al Nassr. Following the King’s Cup final loss to Al Hilal in May, and a run of one win in three league games to start the season, Al Nassr announced Luis Castro’s departure after 54 games.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240919_BUS_237193_Stefano-Pioli-1024x576_1a330113.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Stefano Pioli, former AC Milan coach, was appointed as Al Nassr&apos;s head coach, replacing Luis Castro." class="wp-image-237251" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Stefano-Pioli-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Stefano-Pioli-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Stefano-Pioli-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Stefano-Pioli-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Stefano-Pioli.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Stefano Pioli, former AC Milan, was appointed as Al Nassr’s head coach, replacing Luis Castro.</figcaption></figure>



On Wednesday, the club confirmed Castro’s replacement. Former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli will be the 19th manager in Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The new Al Nassr boss is set to make his debut Friday against Al Ettifaq on Matchday 4 of the Saudi Pro League.


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Regarding the investment the club has made recently, Fienga said: “This summer don’t forget we invested almost $100 million in new players. I believe we did a good job in order to reinforce the club with some good players that we needed. We need to work and give stability to the club to work and to produce the value and not destroy the value every six months.”

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Lionel Messi have dominated soccer for the past 20 years. Now, as they near the twilight of their careers, it’s time for younger generations to take the stage, and Ronaldo has already suggested which player might surpass both him and Messi.







On his YouTube channel, while speaking with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo mentioned <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamine-yamal">Lamine Yamal</a> as one of the players to keep an eye on in the coming years: “I see (in Lamine) huge potential, great talent. He needs luck because he is very young, I hope he doesn’t get any (physical) problems.”



CR7 continued to praise Yamal, highlighting the fact he’s doing things that neither him nor <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> did at his age: “His context helped him a lot, the Spain national team is very good. I believe he is going to be one of the best players for this new generation.”



<h2>Lamine Yamal’s achievements so far</h2>



Cristiano Ronaldo has his reasons to praise Lamine Yamal, whose breakthrough into top-flight soccer at such a young age took everyone by surprise. The Barcelona star set the record for being the youngest player to ever play, score and win the UEFA European Championship in 2024 with Spain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240919_BUS_237091_Lamine-Yamal-spain-1024x576_60647cdd.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates victory during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and France at Munich Football Arena on July 09, 2024 in Munich, Germany." class="wp-image-237164" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Lamine-Yamal-spain-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Lamine-Yamal-spain-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Lamine-Yamal-spain-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Lamine-Yamal-spain-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Lamine-Yamal-spain.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates victory during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and France at Munich Football Arena on July 09, 2024 in Munich, Germany.</figcaption></figure>



During the tournament, Yamal delivered four assists to match the competition’s record and surpass Ronaldo’s assists at knockout stages of major international tournaments: three for the Spanish and two for the Portuguese.


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Lionel Messi might be a Barcelona legend, but Yamal already became the youngest player to ever score a goal in La Liga with Barca. It came on October 8, 2023, against Granada at 16 years, 2 months and 25 days old. In Messi’s case, the Argentine scored his first goal with Barcelona at 17.



<h2>What will Cristiano Ronaldo miss when he finally retires?</h2>



“What will you miss once you retire?,” was the question Rio Ferdinand asked Ronaldo, and the Portuguese already had an answer in mind: “Once I retire, I’m not gonna have the adrenaline, that’s got to go. Or to be nervous, I think I’m going to miss that.”



“I gave my body for 25 years of football, I can’t give more because the age doesn’t allow to go much further,” Ronaldo said, while addressing his next step in life. “Of course I’ll miss soccer, I might cry a little bit because I became more sensitive, but now I have another chapter of my life, a business part that I’m really excited about.”

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has been in the top-flight of soccer during the last 20 years. Now at Al Nassr, many wonder when the former Real Madrid star will retire. Georgina Rodriguez, Ronaldo’s girlfriend, addressed this topic, making a surprising prediction for his retirement date.







In the third season of her own Netflix reality TV series called “I Am Georgina“, Georgina tackled the topic without hesitating: “When someone asks me when do you think Cristiano will retire? I say I don’t think he will do it before the age of 50.”



Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr at the age of 37. Currently at 39, his competitive spirit is still thriving. Despite leaving European soccer, this statement lets fans think they will have Ronaldo for many years to come.



<h2>What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about his retirement?</h2>



All soccer players will eventually retire, and Cristiano Ronaldo will not be the exception. When asked whether he has a retirement date set for the next years, the 6x Ballon d’Or winner made things clear about his plans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240918_BUS_236911_georgina-cristiano-1-1024x576_878b9cd0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="georgina rodriguez" class="wp-image-236811" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/georgina-cristiano-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/georgina-cristiano-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/georgina-cristiano-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/georgina-cristiano-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/georgina-cristiano-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo.</figcaption></figure>



“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr,” stated Ronaldo while speaking to Portuguese TV channel Now. “I’m happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I’m happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”


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The Portuguese striker also revealed when he intends to retire from international soccer: “When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one.”

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On Tuesday, Al Nassr announced Luis Castro‘s contract termination. With Stefano Pioli already confirmed as his replacement, the Portuguese manager shared his first message after leaving <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and company.







“Now that I cease my functions as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/al-nassr">Al Nassr’s</a> Head Coach, I want to thank everyone that supported me and worked every day by my side. I wish them great luck and success“, wrote Castro on his Instagram account.



The Portuguese boss left Al Nassr after coaching 54 matches, with 36 wins, 9 draws, and 9 defeats. He also made a new addition to Ronaldo’s trophy collection by defeating Al Hilal 2-1 in the Arab Club Champions Cup in August 2023.



<h2>Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance under Luis Castro</h2>



Luis Castro was Cristiano Ronaldo’s third manager at Al Nassr. Under his fellow countryman, CR7 appeared in every single match, contributing with 54 goals and 15 assists in 56 games. With 69 goal contributions, they both conquered one (unofficial) title for the club.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="637" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240918_BUS_236799_image-25-1024x637_1f57db34.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=637" alt="" class="wp-image-236872" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/image-25-1024x637.png 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/image-25-300x187.png 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/image-25-768x478.png 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/image-25.png 1110w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Via Instagram. @luis_castro_official</figcaption></figure>



Ronaldo also posted a photo on his Instagram account with a heartfelt message expressing his gratitude to Castro: “Obrigado por tudo, Mister. Thank you for everything.”


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<h2>Al Nassr already have Castro’s replacement</h2>



One day after his departure, Al Nassr announced Luis Castro’s replacement. Stefano Pioli, former AC Milan manager, will be coaching Ronaldo’s team after signing a three-year contract.



There’s been some excitement building around fans after Pioli’s appointment. “PIOLI IS NASSRAWI. We welcome Stefano Pioli as our new coach,” posted Al Nassr on their X account.

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lamine-yamal">Lamine Yamal</a> performances with both FC Barcelona and Spain took everyone by surprise, and comparisons between him and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi didn’t take long to show up. In this case, a 2010 World Cup winner with Spain shared his thoughts about this hot topic.





In an interview with Marca, David Villa, former teammate of Messi at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/barcelona">Barcelona</a>, warned about comparing the Spanish youngster with the Argentine star: “I think, not because of Lamine, because he is a special player, a unique player, we have not seen anything like him I think ever because of his youth and precocity, but I have said it many times, to compare a player with Messi is a mistake.



“Anyone in the world of soccer: Lamine, Haaland, Mbappe… anyone. You can’t compare him to Messi because Messi is something else,” said La Roja‘s all-time top scorer. “But it’s true that this boy is doing some things that make us think that we don’t know where his ceiling is going to be.”



After cooling things off over this debate, Villa was asked whether it’s easy to play along with a player like Messi: “Yes, honestly, it is. If someone finds it difficult to play with a player like that, they are probably not in the right place,” stated the Spaniard.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240918_BUS_236699_Messi-Inter-Miami-3-1024x576_459211f9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi arrives at Chase Stadium before his team plays against Toronto FC in a Leagues Cup Round of 32 match on Aug. 8, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida." class="wp-image-236789" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Inter-Miami-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Inter-Miami-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Inter-Miami-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Inter-Miami-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Inter-Miami-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi arrives at Chase Stadium before his team plays against Toronto FC in a Leagues Cup Round of 32 match on Aug. 8, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Lamine Yamal reacts to comparisons with Lionel Messi</h2>



Being compared with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> is not new for Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy already gave his answer when asked about this topic during an interview with Spanish TV show El Hormiguero.


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“Messi is the best player in history. To be compared to him is incredible but no one can be compared to him. I hope to have half the career that Messi has had“, Yamal said in June.



After praising the Barcelona legend, the 17-year old highlighted the fact he wants to make a name of his own. “It means you’re doing something right. Comparing yourself to him is very difficult. I try to be myself and be remembered as Lamine”, Yamal added.

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Two months after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> lifted his second Copa America trophy with Argentina, former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia admitted favoring the Inter Miami icon in the 2007 Copa America semifinals in exchange of his jersey.







<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> had a great run in 2007. With Messi surrounded by stars such as Carlos Tevez, Juan Sebastian Veron and Juan Roman Riquelme, La Albiceleste were looking for their first continental trophy in 14 years.



With 16 goals scored and only 3 goals allowed during the competition, Messi and company set up a meeting against Mexico in the semifinal, officiated by Chilean referee Carlos Chandia. Many years later, the official revealed he benefited Argentina in a controversial play involving the 8x Ballon d’Or winner.



“Out of nowhere, Messi lifts a ball and touches it with his hand, but it’s at midfield. There was no goal-scoring chance for the Mexican team or anything like that. So, I told him: ‘This play is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey.’ And I didn’t show him the yellow card; there were two and a half minutes left, and the score was 3-0,” Chandia told ESPN FShow in Chile.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240917_BUS_236326_Messi-Copa-America-1-1024x576_ee6b439d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Lionel Messi celebrating against Mexico in 2007 Copa America semifinal." class="wp-image-236461" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Copa-America-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Copa-America-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Copa-America-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Copa-America-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/Messi-Copa-America-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi celebrating against Mexico in 2007 Copa America semifinal.</figcaption></figure>



Later on, the Chilean referee explained the reason behind his controversial decision: “Showing him the yellow card would have taken away his chance to play in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/copa-america">Copa América</a> final. In the end, that yellow card cost me the opportunity to referee the 2007 Copa América final in Venezuela.”


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<h2>Messi granted the referee’s wish after helping Argentina in Copa America</h2>



According to Chandia, Messi granted the ref’s wish and gifted him his jersey after the game: “He went to leave the jersey in the dressing room afterward. In fact, he wanted to take it off on the field, and I told him: ‘No, no, no; take it to the dressing room.’ And he came to the dressing room with the jersey and left it there for me.”



After this episode, Messi was able to play in the Copa America final against Brazil. However, the outcome wasn’t the expected for the Argentine team: La Albiceleste lost 3-0 against the Selecao, leaving Messi trophyless.

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Referee admits favoring Argentina in Copa America to get Lionel Messi's jersey

Dante Gonzalez is a seasoned sports writer and commentator fluent in both English and Spanish. Before joining World Soccer Talk in October 2024, he contributed to sports event coverage on the Fut &amp; Gol YouTube channel. His ability to analyze live events with meticulous attention to detail keeps audiences engaged, making him a valuable member of any team. In addition to his contributions as a commentator, Dante has also worked as a copywriter for Bolavip US and the marketing agency Agencia Ninja, adding depth to his communications industry experience.

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