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Ivan Toney scored his first and second goals for new club Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

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• Toney scores brace in second SPL start
• Helps Al-Ahli to 4-2 win against Damac
• Reminder to Carsley of what he can do

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Toney had a quiet debut for Al-Ahli last week but found his shooting boots on Friday, scoring twice to help his side to a second Saudi Pro League win of the 2024-25 season. The England international scored typically Toney goals, tapping home inside the box having found himself in the right place at the right time on both occasions.

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  Toney's prolific form is a reminder to interim England boss Lee Carsley that he is still good enough to represent the Three Lions, despite swapping the Premier League for Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old was left out of the recent squad and has been warned international career may be over.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TONEY AND AL-AHLI?

  Following their most recent win, Al-Ahli must prepare to go again in three days against Al Jandal in the King Cup of Champions. Following that, Toney will suit up again against Al-Amal next Friday.

Enzo Maresca labelled Cole Palmer a "super humble guy" whose personality has remained unchanged following his blockbuster move to Chelsea.

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• Palmer bagged four goals against Brighton
• Helped the Blues register a 4-2 win
• Maresca impressed with his humility

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer etched his name into the Premier League record books during Chelsea's recent 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion by becoming the first player in the competition’s history to score four goals in the first half of a match. With this win, the Blues moved within just one point of Arsenal and Manchester City and two points adrift leaders Liverpool.

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  Current Chelsea boss Maresca has known Palmer for a long time. The Italian worked closely with the England international while in charge of Manchester City’s Under-23 squad and later as an assistant to Pep Guardiola. The manager has witnessed Palmer's growth and his rise to superstardom at Stamford Bridge but emphasised that despite the spotlight shining on him, the forward has not allowed success to change him.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  “I said to Cole that he scored four goals, but he could have scored two or three more,” said Maresca after the match. “It’s good that he continues to be hungry, ambitious. I know Cole from many years ago, I had him for one entire season with the under-23s at Manchester City. The best thing he has is that in the way he is today as a boy, he was three or four years ago. So goals, assists, best player of the Premier League — this doesn’t change who he is. He is a simple guy, a humble guy, and this for me is the most important thing.”

  "He is a top player," Marseca added. "Today in football, young players change very quickly. They score one goal and think they are already (a star). Cole scored many goals, many assists, he’s a top player but he never changes, and that is the most important thing."

  “Already in his life, many good things happened as a professional to give him the chance to change, but he didn’t change. That means he is probably always going to be the way he is. He is a special player, a super guy, a humble guy. He doesn't need to tell people how good he is.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Palmer’s breakthrough came after he made the move from Manchester City to Chelsea last summer. His stellar 2023-24 season earned him the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award, a prestigious recognition for his standout performances. Palmer’s rise to prominence also led to his inclusion in England’s squad for Euro 2024, where he managed to score in the final – a losing effort to Spain.

England's preparations for Euro 2024 got off to a rather sluggish start at St James' Park but ultimately Gareth Southgate will be pleased with not just the result but the opportunity he got to witness some new stars on the international stage.

This was a patched-together Three Lions side missing some big faces. Jude Bellingham is still in Madrid celebrating his Champions League win while Bukayo Saka also missed out. There was no room yet for England's Manchester City crop either with Phil Foden not making the squad.

As a result, it saw the likes of Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze make their first starts for their country. The back four also consisted of Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier.

We did see some more familiar faces late in the 3-0 win over Bosnia, Harry Kane notably scoring at the end but these matches will be more about learning which of the newer players Southgate can trust.

Well, he certainly found a few new heads to rely on at St James' Park.

England's best players vs Bosnia

Cole Palmer opened the scoring from the penalty spot – his first international goal – before Trent Alexander-Arnold got on the scoresheet with a sweet low volley in the latter stages of the game.

The Liverpool star hasn't always had it easy with his national side. England's depth at right-back has seen the likes of Kyle Walker and Reece James preferred in recent years.

However, with James absent from the provisional Euros squad, this was a fine opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to prove himself.

He started the game in a midfield position, spraying some lovely passes around the park before finishing the game at right-back where he looked phenomenal, darting forward to prove a constant nuisance to the Bosnian defence.

It was high up on the right-hand side that Trent's goal came from, as he proved to the manager that he would be deserving of a starting berth in Germany.

Another to shine was Eze. The creative sensation was in fine form for Crystal Palace last season, scoring 11 goals and supplying six assists in all competitions. Thus, he was rightfully rewarded with a third England cap on Monday night.

Described as 'the standout player during his hour on the pitch' by GOAL's Richard Martin, it was an energetic showing that suggested he should certainly be on the plane.

He wasn't the only Palace star to do himself justice.

Adam Wharton's England debut in numbers

In January an unsuspecting Adam Wharton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £18m.

It was done with minimal fuss, with minimal hype. However, Wharton is now the subject of much discussion having impressed significantly under Oliver Glasner in the back half of the campaign.

Such form meant he was the 'surprise' pick in Southgate's provisional squad for the Euros. Alongside Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, they were only uncapped players, with both making their debuts from the bench against Bosnia. Wharton more than showed he deserves to be in the final Euros squad.

The midfielder didn't score but his performance was full of composure and confidence, notably completing 100% of his passes.

Brought on in the 62nd minute, the 20-year-old went on to amass 37 touches and supply two key passes. He didn't win a defensive duel but that didn't matter with England assured of victory.

Such a performance earned plenty of praise with former Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden hailing his "scary" talent, suggesting the youngster simply "has to be on the plane".

FIFA journalist James Pendleton, meanwhile, summarised Wharton's display with the following words. "His two-footedness and energy levels are such a breath of fresh air and so unique to this England squad."

So, how can you ignore him, Gareth? This was one of the finer England debuts we have witnessed in recent years. It'll be incredibly hard to leave him behind.

Southgate could drop England star for the Euros after 4/10 display

One England hopeful may have damaged his chances of going to the Euros.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 4, 2024

David de Gea sent out a 'Made in Manchester' message to United fans after starring in Fiorentina's win over AC Milan.

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• De Gea sends message to Man Utd fans
• Saved two penalties in Fiorentina's win
• United fans hailed De Gea's heroics

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Red Devils star joined the Serie A side earlier this summer after spending a year without football. On Sunday, the Spaniard starred for his new club as he stopped two penalties and contributed to his team's surprise 2-1 win over giants AC Milan.

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• WHAT DAVID DE GEA SAID

  After an incredible performance against the Rossoneri, the 33-year-old took to Instagram to share a gritty message as he wrote in the caption, "d_degeaofficial 8h Started in Spain, made in Manchester, loving it in Italy."

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  United fans were elated to see their former player perform brilliantly in the Italian league and hailed the Spanish custodian. They even slammed manager Erik ten Hag, blaming the Dutchman for De Gea's exit from the club. Till his very last game at Old Trafford, De Gea remained a fan favourite, and he continues to receive adulation from the Manchester United supporters.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FIORENTINA?

  De Gea and Fiorentina will be back in action after the international break as they take on Lecce in a Serie A clash on October 20.

The manager of a European club has now demanded his club sign an “amazing” Rangers star who Philippe Clement loves, according to a worrying update.

Rangers transfer news

There have been plenty of transfer rumours emerging in recent weeks, with the Gers no doubt working hard to work to make their squad as formidable as possible next season.

Kalvin Phillips is reportedly an option to replace John Lundstram at Ibrox, following a poor spell at Manchester City, followed by a disappointing time on loan at West Ham last season. It has cost the midfielder a place at Euro 2024, having fallen out of Gareth Southgate’s England plans, and he needs to rebuild his career.

In terms of outgoings, there could be a number of players who depart the Gers in the near future, with Sam Lammers linked with a move to Utrecht, having been on loan there in 2023/24. Fellow Eredivisie side FC Twente are also believed to be keen on snapping him up.

The future of Tom Lawrence is also up in the air, with the Wales international only having one year remaining on his current deal, with Besiktas and Ipswich Town said to be eyeing summer moves for him. Giovanni van Bronckhorst wants to seal a reunion at the former, and it looks as though the former Rangers manager intends to bring in another Gers ace, too.

Managers wants to sign "amazing" Rangers

According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Rangers are in danger of losing James Tavernier this summer, with Van Bronckhorst keen to take him to Besikas, having taken charge as manager earlier this year. Snapping up the Gers captain is one of his “first demands”.

The report is titled “all eyes on Tavernier”, and the Turkish side “will take action” and look to strike a deal during the coming weeks at their new boss’ request.

Losing Tavernier will be a massive concern for many Rangers supporters, considering he has been one of the star players at the club for a significant period of time, proving to be a remarkable source of end product from right-back. Incredibly, he has scored 133 goals and registered 135 assists for the club, coming in a total of 524 appearances, showing what an amazing performer he has been.

Clement is a big admirer of his skipper, calling him “exceptional”, while teammate Cyriel Dessers has also lauded him, saying back in December: “He was already, but he has proved today he is a living legend at this club. Today shows that he can provide in these moments – in the semi-final and now again in the final. That speaks for him – he is an amazing player and an amazing captain.”

Rangers could repeat Tillman masterclass in swoop for "prolific" star

The Light Blues have been linked with an interest in the talented youngster this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 9, 2024

Granted, Tavernier is now 32 years of age, so there could be some temptation to cash in on him while he still has two years remaining on his current contract, but retaining his services is a far more preferable outcome.

Lionel Messi is back in history-making mode at Inter Miami, with the Argentine superstar equalling an impressive MLS record held by Carlos Vela.

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• Herons claimed 2024 Supporters' Shield
• Readying themselves for MLS Cup bid
• Argentine superstar rewriting history books

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has had to nurse his way back from two injuries during the 2024 campaign, forcing him to sit out several matches. He has still been able to post 20 goals and 16 assists in MLS – with a combination of 36 goal contributions placing him fifth on single season charts.

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  Messi’s efforts helped Inter Miami to claim the Supporters’ Shield, as they set a new record for most points in a regular season campaign, and now has his sights set on ultimate MLS Cup glory. He heads into the play-offs having netted an 11-minute hat-trick last time out against the New England Revolution.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Those exploits earned Messi another Player of the Matchday nod, having previously earned similar recognition on matchdays nine, 11, 12, 32 and 36. He joins LAFC’s ex-Arsenal striker Carlos Vela (2019) and former Inter Miami assistant coach Jason Kreis (1999) as the only men to have earned six Player of the Matchday awards in a single season.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Messi has also made MLS history alongside fellow former Barcelona star Luis Suarez. The veteran Uruguayan frontman plundered 20 goals in the 2024 campaign, making Inter Miami the first team to have two players on their books that reached that mark in a single regular season.

Carlo Ancelotti and his son Davide, Real Madrid's assistant coach, are said to have had disagreements over Arda Guler.

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• Ancelotti struggling to find Real Madrid balance
• Has used Guler sporadically from the bench
• Davide wants a more prominent role for the Turk

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ancelotti has grappled to get his men in rhythm after the retirement of midfield maestro Toni Kroos. Simultaneously, the arrival of Kylian Mbappe has created a need for tactical adjustments to include all of their Galacticos, including Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham. Despite these efforts, Los Blancos have yet to land on an ideal formula that gets the best out of their talent-rich squad.

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  According to one of the focal points of this internal debate is Guler, who has shown flashes of his extraordinary potential but has yet to find consistency. Davide is eager to see Guler play a more prominent role and believes his skills deserve a starting spot in the lineup but the younger Ancelotti's enthusiasm for the player's inclusion is met with resistance from his father, as the manager remains unconvinced that the 19-year-old ready for the rigours of La Liga and Champions League for the entire 90 minutes. He is said to be concerned with Guler's occasional lack of impact and prefers to continue easing him into the team rather than rushing his promotion to the starting XI.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ancelotti does have a point as Guler is yet to make a goal contribution after close to 300 minutes of action across all competitions this campaign. Nonetheless, the teenager is focused on establishing himself at the club and has already dismissed the idea of a loan move to get more playing time, demonstrating his desire to fight for his place at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GULER?

  The dilemma for Ancelotti extends beyond simply finding room for Guler. Including him in the starting lineup would inevitably mean sidelining one of Real Madrid’s established stars and given the attacking options at his disposal, including Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, integrating Guler without disrupting the team’s balance presents a significant challenge. Los Blancos will be back in action on Saturday against Celta Vigo and it remains to be seen if Guler gets to start the match.

In the modern history of football, Spain have often competed right at the top of the tree both in club and international football, thanks to their ability to develop technically gifted stars who have graced many pitches over the years.

From World Cup and European Championship winners to Champions League and La Liga heroes, these sensational players defined their respective eras and inspired millions with their terrific performances and achievements on the pitch for both club and country.

With that, here is a list of who we believe are the ten greatest Spanish footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…

10

Fernando Torres

2001-2019

The former Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool marksman enjoyed a terrific career at club and international level as an impressive centre-forward.

His work for Spain was particularly eye-catching as he scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany and scored one of his country’s four goals in the win over Italy in the final of the same competition in 2012.

Torres scored 38 goals in 110 caps for Spain by the end of his career, to go along with 262 goals in 762 club games.

9

Carles Puyol

1996-2014

A rock at the heart of the defence for Barcelona and Spain for many years, Carles Puyol simply had to be on this list of the best Spanish players to ever grace the field.

He was named in the UEFA Team of the Year on six occasions, and won three Champions League trophies and six La Liga titles during his career, to go along with the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain.

The legendary centre-back amassed 100 caps for his country and made 593 appearances for Barcelona at senior level, as he dominated matches domestically and internationally throughout his time on the pitch.

8

Iker Casillas

1998-2020

The first and only goalkeeper on the list is, of course, the iconic Iker Casillas, who starred for both Spain and Real Madrid, among other clubs, over a more than 20-year career.

He caught the eye with his cat-like reflexes and exceptional saves on the biggest stages, winning the World Cup and two European Championship trophies during his time with the national team.

Casillas racked up a staggering 725 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions, and was capped 167 times by Spain, which speaks to the longevity of his career at the very top level.

7

Sergio Busquets

2007-present

The first player on this list who is still actively playing is the metronomic Sergio Busquets, who currently plays for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the MLS.

Now 36, the Spanish titan has been capped 143 times by his country and made 722 appearances for Barcelona before his switch to America last year.

Busquets won a sensational nine La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies with the Catalan giants, alongside a World Cup and a European Championship medal with Spain.

6

Emilio Butragueno

1982-1998

The oldest player on this list is iconic forward Emilio Butragueno, who was a star for club and country over the course of a number of years.

He showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Real Madrid with a stunning return of 168 goals and 113 assists in 452 matches, and struck 26 times in 69 caps for Spain.

Butragueno, who retired in 1998, was a lethal attacker throughout his time on the pitch and caused defenders constant problems with his finishing quality and creative spark.

5

Raul

1994-2015

The legendary Raul had to make this list because of his glittering career for both club and country before his retirement back in 2015.

A mind-blowing 383 goals and 157 assists in 916 matches at club level, combined with 44 goals in 102 caps for his country, shows that the former Real Madrid star was a consistently dangerous player at the top end of the pitch.

His 44 goals for Spain had made him the top scorer in the country’s history, before a player who will be revealed later in this list went on to overtake him, which speaks to the quality he displayed at international level.

4

Xavi

1997-2019

There could not be a list of the greatest players to play for Spain without including the iconic former Barcelona midfielder, and now current manager, Xavi.

The metronomic maestro was named in France Football’s all-time Ballon d’Or dream team back in 2020, alongside the likes of Messi, Lothar Matthaus, and Cafu.

Xavi scored 12 goals in 133 caps for Spain and racked up 85 goals and 185 assists in 767 appearances for Barcelona during his club career.

3

David Villa

2000-2020

One of Spain’s all-time greats is, for sure, David Villa. The prolific marksman took on Raul’s iconic number seven shirt for his country in 2008 and never looked back.

His sensational 59 goals for Spain make him the top scorer in the history of the team, with a whopping 14 more goals than any other player over the years.

The greatest scorer in the country’s history simply had to be among the best to do ever do it in this list, especially when you also consider that he scored 341 goals in 666 games at club level – for the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, and New York City FC.

2

Sergio Ramos

2003-present

Second on this list is the most-capped player in the history of Spanish international football – legendary centre-back Sergio Ramos.

The iconic colossus has been capped a staggering 180 times by Spain, and has played 813 games at club level to date – currently playing for Mexican side Monterrey at the age of 39.

Ramos won four Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles during his time with Real Madrid, to go along with a World Cup and two European Championship successes with Spain.

He was even once dubbed the “best defender in the world” by former Italy and AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini.

1

Andres Iniesta

2000-present

The best player in Spanish football history is, arguably, the iconic Andres Iniesta, who was last playing for Emirates Club in the UAE, prior to his retirement in 2024.

One of his greatest, if not the greatest, moments of his career to date came in the final of the 2010 World Cup against the Netherlands.

Iniesta struck in extra-time to win the World Cup for his country for the first time, which cemented his place in Spanish football history forever.

He scored 14 goals in 131 caps for his country and racked up 57 strikes and 136 assists in 674 matches for Barcelona during his time at the Nou Camp.

Xavi once called him Spain’s most “complete” player and David Silva claimed that Iniesta was the best player in world football ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, which illustrates how highly he was rated by his peers.

Spain's top international goalscorers of all time

Here are the very best in front of goal for La Roja…

By
Charlie Smith

Mar 24, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a tough start to the 2024/25 campaign, and Gary O'Neil will understand the importance of making early headway to set the right mood at Molineux.

While it had been said that Wolves would not bear a bloated purse this summer, astute recruitment in recent weeks has carried a loud voice – moves are being made to build on last season's 14th-placed Premier League finish, with winger Rodrigo Gomes and right-back Pedro Lima brought in.

Last summer's exodus has left Wolves with a good relationship with PSR, and while the £60m-rated Pedro Neto is expected to be sold, the hefty recoup would only fuel further activity in the weeks and months to come.

Wolves transfer news

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola, Wolves are interested in signing centre-back David Carmo two years on from failing to secure his services.

Carmo signed for Porto in a 20m (£17m) deal in 2022 after Wolves opted against meeting Braga's valuation, but now the Liga Portugal side are open to cashing in for £15m.

Carmo is also being courted by Olympiakos, where he won the Europa Conference League on loan last season, but a certain Old Gold star's sale this summer could facilitate the signing.

Transfer window 2024/25: All the latest transfers from England and Scotland

With the summer transfer window coming to a close, here are all the latest deals involving clubs from England and Scotland.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Aug 30, 2024

Imagine David Carmo & Rayan Ait-Nouri

Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has made it his priority to sign Max Kilman after taking the reins at West Ham United, though the captain would cost £45m to prise away from Molineux.

Left-footed, Kilman is a talented defender but £45m is an attractive fee and Wolves could make an interesting swap by signing Carmo for a portion of the price, with the 24-year-old also favouring his left side.

Once described as “one of the most underrated young CBs in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 6 foot 4 Carmo played a crucial part in clinching European glory last term and offers one of the most imposing presences around, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers across relevant divisions over the past year for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.

Somewhat nomadic, Carmo's tough style could be the perfect counterbalancing force to Rayan Ait-Nouri's athletic, progressive style, with the Algerian full-back praised for his "phenomenal" energetic style by The Athletic's Tim Spiers.

Indeed, evidencing this: Ait-Nouri ranks among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

Carmo's 3.7 ball recoveries per game in the UECL speak of energy that is not found at the core of all central defenders, with Kulig also hailing his "complete & dominant" style.

He might need to polish his passing game somewhat but Carmo's titanic presence in the rearguard would be an interesting addition to bounce off the athleticism and pace of his slippery left-back partner, and if Kilman is to be sold, O'Neil should take a punt and bring him to Molineux.

How Wolves' starting XI could look after £83m summer spending spree

The Old Gold might not boast the deep pockets of other teams but some exciting arrivals could be welcomed this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 9, 2024

Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez after the goalkeeper won the Yashin Trophy for the second year in a row.

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• Goalkeeper Martinez wins Yashin Trophy again
• Lautaro finished seventh at Ballon d'Or
• Messi thrilled for his team-mates

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martinez was crowned the best male goalkeeper on the planet again on Monday night at the Ballon d'Or awards in Paris. The Argentina stopper has enjoyed a great 12 months, helping his national team win the Copa America and qualifying for the Champions League with Aston Villa. Martinez beat off competition from Spain stopper Unai Simon, Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin, Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG and AC Milan's Mike Maignan to scoop the award.

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  Martinez was presented with his trophy by Lautaro Martinez, who finished seventh in the Ballon d'Or rankings despite being Messi's pick for the main prize after winning the Copa America and the Serie A title with Inter. Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri ended up winning the Ballon d'Or, after pipping Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to top spot, but Messi was still pleased to see Lautaro attend the ceremony and be recognised for his achievements with club and country.

• WHAT MESSI SAID

  He posted on Instagram: "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the Ballon d'Or 2024. Especially to Dibu (what a great, another award for best goalkeeper in the world!). ), to Lautaro, to Leo and Ale. It's very nice to see them there!"

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  WHAT NEXT

  Messi will be reunited with his team Argentina team-mates in November when Lionel Scaloni's side return to action. Argentina are set to face Paraguay and Peru in qualifying for World Cup 2026.