Messi did not retire because he was washed. Against Benin yesterday, he was still the best player on the pitch, and not just because of the three goals.
At 39, he left because the next generation deserved its chance. Better to exit in the glow of greatness than in the shadow of what once was.
These are now the beginning of the last days of his entire career. What a run!
🟥 "It's a red card! It's dangerous!"
🤦♂️ "It was reckless... he gets away with a lot!"
Agbonlahor insists Gabriel should have been sent off for Emi Martinez challenge as he reacts to #AFC's win over #CFC! 🟥🤦♂️
🚨🔵 Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place with official bid accepted by Crystal Palace.
Broad terms in place last night and medical ongoing in London for the CB.
£52m transfer fee. Axel Disasi not included in the deal.
Lacroix signs until June 2032.
6 World Cups , 0 player of the tournament. Even Modric won the World Cup Golden ball with Croatia as a Midfielder
6 Euros campaigns, 0 player of the tournament. Even Donnarumma won it as a goalkeeper
4 Nations league campaigns, 0 player of the tournament. Even Nuno Mendes won it with the same Portugal team as a Defender
Ronaldo has been carried by his Portugal teammates and that’s why if they don’t perform, he becomes a log of wood.
أنا مش صعبان عليا في العالم كله غير الأربعة دول. 😂
فينيسيوس... هالاند... مبابي... ويامال.
على الورق، كأس العالم 2026 كان المفروض يبقى البطولة اللي يستلموا فيها راية كرة القدم بعد ميسي ورونالدو.
هالاند بدأ البطولة بأربعة أهداف.
مبابي بأربعة.
فينيسيوس بأربعة.
والكل كان مستني الإعلام والصحافة يتكلموا عن بداية عصرهم.
وفجأة...
يطلع واحد عنده 39 سنة، بيلعب في الدوري الأمريكي، محقق تقريبًا كل بطولة وجائزة ممكنة مع ناديه ومنتخبه...
ويقول لهم:
"بونسوار... أنا لسه هنا."
يخلص دور المجموعات بستة أهداف، ويقعد احتياطي في آخر مباراة، وينزل يسجل برضه من ركلة حرة بالطريقة اللي متعودين عليها.
بصراحة...
الجيل الجديد بيقدم بطولة رائعة، لكن وجود لاعب أسطوري في هذا العمر وهو ما زال قادرًا على صناعة الفارق، بيخلي المنافسة على الأضواء أصعب على أي حد.
كان الله في عون الأربعة... وكان الله في عون أي حد بيلاقي نفسه مضطر ينافس أسطورة لسه رافض يسيب المسرح. 🐐
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…