Zanetti: There are short circuits between Messi & Riquelme

Argentina Captain Javier Zanetti spoke on Radio Latina and said the following:

"There are short circuits that exist between Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquleme but it is something that should not be given so much importance because it is a good group."

"These are all things that are always going to exist. Someone like me who has had so many years in football learned to not give it that much importance."

"In a group of 25 to 30 persons it is difficult that everyone will be in agreement, the most important thing is the respect for each other because everyone has their own way of being."

I find it really interesting that the oldest veterans on the team Zanetti and Veron have admitted publicly that there are differences between Messi and Riquelme but younger players like Messi, Mascherano and Riquelme have denied everything and said that the rift between Messi and Riquelme was invented by the media in Argentina.

This inner fighting on the national team has been exposed and it's up to Basile, I think, more than the players involved, to find a resolution to it. The sooner, the better. It's troubling to think that the national team would carry this current turmoil into the next World Cup.

Benfica looking to sign Aimar

Benfica is interested in signing Pablo Aimar and has initiated contacts with Real Zaragoza.

Will Portugal be Aimar's next destination?

marca.com

El Benfica espera cerrar en las próximas horas el fichaje de los jugadores del Recreativo de Huelva Carlos Martis y Sinama Pongolle, mientras pregunta al Zaragoza las condiciones para contratar al argentino Pablo Aimar.

El técnico del Benfica, Quique Sánchez Flores, dijo que confía en que el Benfica "haga todo lo posible" para fichar al centrocampista portugués. "Carlos Martis ha hecho una gran temporada en España y vamos a ver si conseguimos traerlo", dijo el técnico en declaraciones publicadas por el diario 'O Jogo. Sánchez Flores destacó la polivalencia de Martins, ya que "puede funcionar como 10, pero también jugar en la banda derecha".

Cuestionado por el delantero francés, el entrenador madrileño dijo que es "muy rápido" y tiene una gran capacidad de desmarque y de crear ocasiones de gol. "Tengo la esperanza de que los dos puedan venir al Benfica", aseguró Quique Sánchez Flores sobre una operación que podría rondar los 10 millones de euros.

Messi Interview

In today's La Nacion an interview with Lionel Messi

"Those are all lies. They're absurdities that do not deserve a response. I would like to know from where all that came from and what is being sought."

"But I'm not interested in talking about it because it was all invented."

Q - Was the team satisfied with the draw against Brasil?

M - The entire game we were very superior to Brasil, they created one or two scoring chances and the rest was all us. We proved that we can compete against a big team. We could have won the game if I had scored in one of the plays where I was in front of the goal.

Q - What do you think of the arguments that have been made that the team can not defeat Brasil without its stars?

M - When we lose, we don't talk about the Brazilian A team or Brazilian B team. I think we always take the initiative and playing as visitors. We had the clearest scoring chances but we did not have luck in front of the goal. The team was able to control Brasil and create goal scoring opportunities. We weren't able to score but we played well.

Q - The last 3 games the team earned 2 points. How do you see the team going forward?

M - I see it well. With alot of faith in our game. We have great players. Even though some look at the 2 points we earned in these last few games, we are doing well and are close to the first place team. As more games are played we are going to be more secure in how the team functions. I don't think we'll have any problems but anyway that'll be shown in each game. The WC Qualifiers are not easy but we feel calm.

Q - You made your official debut in the 2006 WC Qualifiers, when Argentina was already qualified. Now it is different. Do you feel more pressure?

M - I don't think about the issue of pressure. What I'm experiencing now is without a doubt totally different. When the team was already qualified it played with more calm. Whereas now I'm playing from the start and I hope that I can be in all the WC Qualifiers and be important to Argentina.

Q - In Barcelona and in Argentina you've been in locker rooms with well known players. Are there similarities?

M - No, because with Barcelona I'm there alot more of the time. The only similarity is that in Barcelona there are good individual talents and on the national team too. In every place where I am I try to enjoy the comradarie. And I enjoy every callup alot.

Valencia looking to sign Diego Milito

Valencia has initiated negotiations with Milito's lawyer and his agent for a possible transfer.

as.com

El Valencia pide a Milito que no firme por nadie

Sánchez habló con su agente, a la espera de qué sucede con Villa

P. Morata | 19/06/2008

"Villa es intransferible", asegura el Valencia día sí y día también. Pero por si a caso, la secretaría técnica tiene un plan B. Juan Sánchez ha contactado en los últimos días con Adrián Faija, abogado de Diego Milito y socio de su agente, Fernando Hidalgo. Según pudo conocer AS, Sánchez se interesó por la posibilidad de que el delantero del Zaragoza no se comprometa con ningún equipo hasta una determinada fecha. Y se le dijo, desde el entorno del futbolista, que era una propuesta razonable. Esta semana, el secretario técnico ché debe concretar con los agentes cuál es la fecha tope hasta la que solicitaría al goleador zaragocista que esperase al Valencia. Juan Sánchez no quiere vender al asturiano pero tiene muy claro que, en caso de que el futbolista prefiera salir y llegue una oferta irrechazable, necesita tener como sustituto un "número uno".

Y ese jugador indiscutible es el argentino, muy por encima de Dani Güiza. Sus cifras realizadoras son, simplemente, demoledoras. En tres temporadas en el equipo aragonés ha marcado 53 goles en la liga española, los mismos que Eto?o, por ejemplo. Sólo el propio Villa, con 58 goles ha marcado más que él en el último trienio en la liga de los ases.

A favor del Valencia juega que Diego Milito no quiere salir de España y que estaría encantado de enrolarse en las filas valencianistas. De hecho, es el propio futbolista quien abandera la idea de esperar una oferta ché antes que emigrar al fútbol italiano, donde se encuentran la mayor parte de sus pretendientes. El último en sumarse, tras un primer intento del Nápoles, es la Juventus, que cerca de desprenderse de David Trezeguet se ha fijado en él. Fernando Hidalgo tiene previsto desplazarse a Turín para reunirse con los directivos de la vecchia signora. Falta saber si lo hará con intención de cerrar la operación o sólo a escuchar, tal y como le ha pedido el Valencia.

El máximo accionista del Valencia, Juan Soler, ya se interesó en su día, personalmente, por la contratación de Diego Milito. Fue en la primavera de 2006, tras completar una primera temporada imperial en el Zaragoza, en la que consiguió 15 goles. A Soler le gustaba la idea de juntar en Valencia a Milito y a Ewerthon, en aquel entonces muy cotizado jugador de banda derecha. Finalmente, el Valencia fichó a Fernando Morientes.

Messi receives ovation from Brasil fans

Lio Messi was widely applauded by the Brasil fans during the WC Qualifying game which has caused a great deal of ire among the Brasil players.

So, Messi is a favorite among Brasil's fans.

What if Lio wore the other shirt?

What would he look like?



He would not look good at all.

Fortunately, Messi is ours.

Made in Argentina

Keeping up appearances?

Last night in Brasil, Riquelme having a warm moment with Messi.

Argentina-Brasil Lineup Update

Though this isn't official, Radio Mitre is reporting that Jonas Gutierrez will replace Maxi Rodriguez in the starting lineup and that Zanetti will move to the right midfield spot with Mascherano & Gago in the central midfield.

Also, Julio Cruz will replace Sergio Aguero in the starting lineup.

UPDATE - 7:50 PM EDT

The Official Lineup for tonight's game:

GK - Abbondanzieri
D - Burdisso
D - Coloccini
D - Heinze
M - Zanetti
M - Mascherano
M - Gago
M - Gutierrez
M - Riquelme
F - Messi
F - Cruz

Argentina vs Brasil

There's not a whole lot to say beforehand about an Argentina-Brasil game other than it is the biggest game in world football.

The news around tonight's game though has been marred by the news that's been widely reported of a rift between Lio Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme.

It remains to be seen what kind of an impact the controversy that has ensued will have on the team tonight.

Argentina is looking to bounce back from its very poor performance against Ecuador and end the latest stage of its WC Qualifying campaign on a very high note with a win over Brasil.

The starting lineup has not been confirmed yet and there are question marks on each line.

Either Gonzalo Rodriguez or Coloccini will replace Demichelis who will not be available because of yellow card accumulation.

If Mascherano plays he will move to the right side of the midfield with Gago in the central midfield spot.

If Aguero is fully recovered from his injury he will play if not then there's the possibility that Julio Cruz will join Messi upfront.

Basile will use a 4-3-1-2 formation with the following lineup:

GK - Abbondanzieri
D - Zanetti
D - Burdisso
D - Gonzalo Rodriguez/Coloccini
D - Heinze
M - Mascherano
M - Gago
M - Maxi Rodriguez
M - Riquelme
F - Messi
F - Aguero/Cruz

VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Verón: Messi is just as important as Riquelme

In an interview today on TyC Sports, Juan Sebastian Verón talked about the Riquelme-Messi controversy.

"I was surprised to hear what was said. I never saw any tensions, never saw a fight. I'm sure there are differences between them, mostly because of the age difference, differences of opinion but the objective is to win."

"These type of issues always come to light when players who are stars in their club teams, get together in the national team. I don't know what is being sought with this. Representing the country needs to be what everyone desires but it doesn't seem to be that way."

"Since I've been on the national team Grondona has always been inside the locker room before and after the games. and he talks with everyone not just with Messi."

"There are always going to be these kind of disputes because it involves two strong personalities, with influence within the team. In 1986 there was a dispute between Passarella and Maradona and we ended up world champions."

"Messi is just as important as Riquelme. Everyone is needed, Messi, Riquelme, Tevez, Aguero and the rest."

"Riquelme is not a complicated person, he doesn't speak to one person and not to another or does so behind anyone's back. He's a calm person, I don't see him as a trouble maker."

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An interesting side note, Verón, who is recovering from an injury did not travel to Brasil with the team while Demichelis and Cambiasso, who are also not eligible to play against Brasil did accompany the team.

It seems to me that someone with the experience that Verón has and who is looked at as one of the leaders on the team should have traveled to Brasil to provide moral support and more importantly to provide leadership and help in maintaining team unity at this critical moment when the team is dealing with the explosive news of the Riquelme-Messi infighting and all the controversy that has ensued.

Mascherano Interview

Javier Mascherano spoke to ESPN about the game tonight.

Q - How do you anticipate a game against such an important opponent such as Brasil?

M - We've already faced them in the previous WC Qualifiers and we know it is difficult but it is a great motivation to play in such an important game and every player wants to play in this game.

Q - It's been 4 years since you made your debut against Brasil in a WC Qualifying game, at the time you had only played in a few games with River Plate, what did you think it would be like to play against, say, Ronaldo, who you had seen alot on TV?

M - Well, when you play against such important players and for the first time, those are things that make you grow. Now at this moment I'm a little more used to such duels, to playing against important players but it hasn't changed my way of thinking from 4 years ago, now of course I have more experience, but with the same eagerness to play.

Q - What are the things that motivate you to come to the national team after playing in the Premier League and everything you experienced in the last 6 months, besides the Argentina shirt, but rather the possibility of being once again a part of the national team?

M - For everybody it is important, I think, in a players career to play for your country, for your national team it is the most important thing you have and of course, it is a priority. I think that the day when you no longer want to do that, it is not an obligation. You say it and give the opportunity to another player but as long as you are eager to do it, it is a beautiful thing. In such a short career you have to take advantage of every moment.

Q - You have now surpassed 20 games with the national team, Do you feel you are an unquestionable model of this new group even though there are very important players like you on this team?

M - No. More than anything we follow the path set by the more experienced players. At no moment did I feel or feel now that I'm an unquestionable model but yes I do feel important because my teammates make me feel that way, like everyone that is here feels important. But the place of unquestionable model belongs to other people that handle that role very well.

Q - What do you feel about the opportunity to play in a game like this, for example in the way that these WC Qualifying games are played, playing well with your club team and then returning to the national team?

M - It is always like that. You get used to it. In this case it is a little strange because the Premier League season is over but I'm continuing to play but otherwise you continue to play in the Premier League, you go back and forth with the national team and everyone returns to their club team. The truth is that things don't really change that much. I'll say it again. One is here with the national team because you want to and are eager to be here and everyone that is here is proud and feels a great joy.

Heinze: We must land a blow on Brasil's table

Gabriel Heinze on the big game tonight.

"We will be going after the 3 points. It would be the best way of ending this stage of the WC Qualifying. I want to win in Brasil and believe that we will win. I can feel it. It's about time. Argentina must land a blow on Brasil's table . I am in debt with myself and want to pay it. I don't think of anything else."

"In football you can win, lose or draw. The important thing is to learn from the errors. I believe in these players. One bad performance does not tear anything down. All the national team games are vital because of the great expectations that it awakens. And there are always pressures when you play on the national team."

"It is true that the team did not function well against Ecuador and that is why we only had a draw. It made us really angry because we could not get done everything we attempted to do in front of our people. In the locker room there was a mix of sadness and anger. But it's done. We now have Brasil and we are going to give all our soul to beat them. Nobody should have any doubt of that."

Riquelme-Messi Fight

On the eve of the big WQ Qualifier against Brasil some really unfortunate news has taken over the headlines from tonight's game. That is, an internal fight between Riquelme and Messi.

According to a myriad of media reports after Argentina's dreadful performance against Ecuador, AFA president Julio Grondona approached Messi in the locker room and said to him, with Riquelme nearby and within listening range, "Look, you are the owner of the team."

Riquelme did not like the remarks made by Grondona. This incident appears to be the spark that has brought to light some ongoing tensions between Riquelme and Messi.

As far as Messi, it is being reported that he has confided in a teammate (Veron) that he cannot tolerate the airs being put on by Riquelme, that of someone untouchable, of being above everyone else and Messi went on to say that he can no longer stand Riquelme. It is also being reported that 3 days before the Ecuador game, Messi was very upset with the whole situation and came close to leaving the teams training ground. A teammate had stopped him.

What did Riquelme say about this latest controversy that involves him?

The player spoke with a reporter in the hotel where the national team is staying in Belo Horizonte.

Q - How do you get along with Messi?

R - Why?

Q - Because there are reports of a fight and of differences between you both?

R - No, definitely not. It's another invention that is being placed in my way.

Q - Why do you think that you are always in the middle of these things? It happened in Boca, in the national team?

R - It must be that I'm not liked by alot of people.


It's hard not to read the situation as a clash of egos between Riquelme and Messi. On one side there's Riquelme who is backed 100 percent by Basile, who always makes sure to praise him in public and who has made it known to everyone that Riquelme is the undisputed leader and heart of the team.

On the other side there is Messi who is without a doubt the most talented player on the team and the team's biggest star. The only superstar on the national team. It wouldn't be hard to understand why he would be angry about the special status that Basile has given Riquelme and the existence, according to Messi, of some outward airs by Riquelme.

At the heart of this alleged fight may very well be both players desire to be the undisputed leader of the national team.

If all or even some of what is being reported is true, it is not only sad but a really troubling situation that will cause serious harm to the national team.

What happens from here on? How will Basile handle this situation?