He discovered the device inside a teddy bear that his ex-wife gave their daughters
legal2 hours ago
As the Spanish and European champions prepare to take on struggling Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Sunday (7 p.m. British time), Messi said he was not focussed on eclipsing top scorer Cesar Rodriguez, who scored 235 for the Catalan club, but merely wanted to perform for the team.
“Cesar is not my goal,” the 24-year-old World Player of the Year, who has netted his goals in only 280 appearances, was quoted as saying on Barca’s website (www.fcbarcelona.cat).
“It is to do things well in each match,” the Argentine added. “I know that I am making history and hopefully I can do more.”
Messi already has eight goals in five La Liga games this season, including two hat-tricks, as Barca bid for a club record-equalling fourth consecutive domestic title.
After a couple of away draws they are second on 11 points, one behind surprise leaders Real Betis, who host Levante, also on 11, earlier on Sunday (1400).
Messi made his debut for Barca’s first team in October 2004 and became the club’s youngest league scorer when he netted against Albacete in May 2005 at the age of 17 years, 10 months and seven days.
A string of breathtaking performances has landed him the world’s best player award the past two seasons and he has top-scored in the Champions League, Europe’s elite club competition, the past three campaigns, when Barca twice won the title and reached the semi-finals.
“What Messi is doing is extraordinary, accumulating these numbers and playing for the team,” Spain midfielder Xavi, one of Barca’s club captains, said after the BATE game. “Having the best footballer in the world is priceless.”
Striker David Villa, Xavi’s Spain and Barca team mate, added: “Messi is incredible. He will keep exceeding himself. We are just happy to help him out in all this.”
Barca could be without Carles Puyol for Sunday’s game in Gijon after the shaggy-haired centre back, who has only just returned from knee surgery, picked up a knock in Minsk.
Puyol’s defensive partner Gerard Pique, however, could make his first start since recovering from a calf strain.
Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, who are fifth on 10 points, warmed up for Sunday’s match at Barca’s city neighbours Espanyol (2000) with a 3-0 win at home to Ajax in Champions League Group D on Tuesday.
Sevilla, level with Levante on 11 points, play at Atletico Madrid on Sunday (1600), while Valencia, on 10, host promoted Granada on Saturday (1800) following Wednesday’s 1-1 Champions League draw at home to Chelsea.
He discovered the device inside a teddy bear that his ex-wife gave their daughters
legal2 hours ago
The Frenchman started preparing for the journey two years ago by enhancing his physical capabilities and cultivating a love for long-distance walking
gulf2 hours ago
This is Imran Khan's first public appearance since his arrest in last August in Toshakhana case
world2 hours ago
These tourists can stay in the country for a maximum duration of 15 days
asia3 hours ago
Robert Fico fought for his life in hospital Wednesday after being shot multiple times in what the government called a 'political assault'
uae3 hours ago
Consumer groups in Europe have alleged that the Chinese shopping app 'frequently leaves consumers in the dark about who they are purchasing products from'
world3 hours ago
Global food systems produces one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions
kt network3 hours ago
Spot gold was trading at $2,391.93 per ounce at 9.10 am UAE time on Thursday
uae4 hours ago