By Paul Kennedy Lionel Messi is not only the best player in the world, he is also the most popular men’splayer in the United States by a long shot. According to a 2012 Soccer Insights survey, 23.4 percent of U.S. fans said the four-time winner of the Ballon d’Or was their most popularplayer, almost three […]
barcelona
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
FIFA's Ballon d'Or Voting System Flawed?
Why does FIFA give the general public access to the votes for its annual Ballon d’Or awards, Sports illustrated’s Sid Lowe asks? “The very fact that youcan pick through those votes surely conditions them,” he says. “A player votes knowing that his vote will be known and analyzed, questioned.” As a result, “No one seems to […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Messi: I Would Swap Ballon d'Or for the World Cup
Reflecting on a record-setting fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi said he still has more to win in his career, notably the World Cup with Argentina. The Barcelonastriker was quoted by The Sun as saying he would gladly swap the world’s best player award for being crowned world champion with his countrymen. “Winning the World […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
CBS' 60 Minutes Profiles Barca, its Academy and its Significance
Over the weekend, CBS profiled FC Barcelona and its famous La Masia academy on the network’s popular news show “60 Minutes.” The wide-ranging report showcased La Masia as theunderpinning of Barca’s recent success, which has seen the Catalan club win 14 of the last 19 competitions it has entered over the last four years. Veteran […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Guardiola Confirms Return to Coaching Next Season
Ahead of the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night, Pep Guardiola confirmed that he would make a return to coaching at the end of his year long sabbatical this summer.However, the former Barcelona coach denied that had made an agreement with any of the many clubs chasing his signature. “I’m young but have spent […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Ronaldo: Messi too humble?
On the eve of the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony, at which Lionel Messi collected a record-breaking fourth consecutive title of best player in the world, fellow candidateCristiano Ronaldo appeared to criticize Messi for his humble public demeanor. “Too much humility is a defect,” the Real Madrid forward said. “People either love me orhate […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Adan, Mourinho under the microscope again as Ronaldo rescues Real
Real Madrid overcame Antonio Adan’s 6th minute sending off to beat Real Sociedad 4-3 in a hectic evening at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Before the game, Real coachJose Mourinho was audibly booed by the Bernabeu faithful for once again choosing to start Adan ahead of Real legend Iker Casillas. Adan, who complained that the Spanish […]
Posted inSoccer Business Insider, Story
Messi interviewed on '60 Minutes Sports' premiere
By Paul Kennedy Lionel Messi will one of the interviews on the first edition of “60 Minutes Sports,”which debuts Jan. 8 on Showtime (10 p.m. ET/PT). Bob Simon went to Spain to talk to Messi foe the new monthly magazine program from the makers ofthe iconic CBS News series “60 Minutes.” Messi, who broke the […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
AVB: Bale Move 'Impossible' in January
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has long been linked with either Real Madrid or Barcelona, and while a move may certainly happen in the future, Spurs coach AndreVillas-Boas said Thursday, “it is completely impossible he will leave in January.” The Portuguese tactician was responding to reports in Spain that Los Blancos werepreparing a big-money move for […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Messi Rated Third Best Athlete in Argentina in 2012
Despite scoring 90 goals this year — a world record — Lionel Messi has been rated the third best athlete in Argentina in 2012, according to a poll of journalists in the country.Boxer Sergio Martinez and taekwondo fighter Sebastian Crismanich both finished higher than the FC Barcelona striker. Martinez won the Olimpia de Oroearlier this […]