Soccer’s two biggest stars are in the media for all the wrong reasons this week. Lionel Messi is facing backlash from the entirety of China with the country canceling Argentina’s friendly next month, and Cristiano Ronaldo is in the news after a classic temper tantrum.
HONG KONG — Chinese sporting authorities have canceled next month's friendly international between Argentina and Nigeria amid a growing backlash against Lionel Messi's failure to play in an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong last week.
Argentina were scheduled to play Nigeria in the Chinese city of Hangzhou next month before facing the Ivory Coast in Beijing, but Messi's failure to take the field for Inter Miami in Hong Kong on Sunday caused widespread anger among fans.
Inter Miami’s horrible preseason tour had its next devasting chapter on Wednesday in Japan as the Herons lost to J-League side Vissel Kobe 4-3 on penalties, Sergio Busquets suffered a nasty injury and Lionel Messi laughed at a teammate for missing a penalty.
Messi laughing at Robert Taylor’s missed penalty kick was one of the most discussed moments of the friendly game.
AL RAYYAN — Jordan upset South Korea 2-0 in their Asian Cup semi-final on Tuesday at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium where Yazan Al-Naimat and Musa Al-Taamari scored second-half goals to guide them into the final for the first time.
The result was a stunning upset for Jordan, who are ranked 87th in the world but played with nothing to lose against South Korea who are the third-best team in Asia, 64 places above them.
Weston McKennie’s recent club performances might’ve landed him a new contract to keep playing in Serie A.
It has been recently reported that Juventus have started negotiations with Weston McKennie’s agents to keep the American at the club for years to come. With the USMNT midfielder's current bianconeri contract expiring next summer, the club would be offering McKennie to renew until 2027 with a salary increase.
Jordan Pefok’s recent form to start 2024 deserves recognition and an international call-up in March if he remains consistent.
The 26-year-old provided an assist in Borussia Monchengladbach’s 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on Saturday marking his third goal contribution in his last four Bundesliga games.
GLADBACH TAKE THE LEAD OVER BAYERN AT THE ALLIANZ pic.twitter.com/hEdS4HWckF
United States men’s national team and Fulham left back Antonee Robinson provided one of the more creative assists we’ve seen during his side’s 2-2 draw with Burnley.
With Fulham leading 1-0 early in the first half, Robinson helped double the lead with a no-look, first-timed and backward assist over the top to Rodrigo Muniz.
Did that description sound extra confusing? Take a look for yourself at this Robinson assist.
Antonee Robinson assist vs Burnley
A viral video during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win vs. Getafe on Thursday appears to show superstar Jude Bellingham calling Mason Greenwood “rapist” during the game.
LaLiga said on Friday that the league is looking into the incident after Getafe filed a complaint.
The two English players were battling for possession near the sideline. When the ball went out of play the cameras zoomed in on Bellingham’s face where he clearly says something. The lip readers of the internet believe he said “rapist” while looking in Greenwood’s direction.
Drama in the U.S. Soccer sphere wouldn’t be complete without former player and pundit Alexi Lalas chiming in to give his opinion. Lalas has responded to USWNT captain Lindsey Horan’s quote about American soccer fans not being smart.
Horan’s chief complaint with American soccer fans was when they only listen to what the U.S. pundits and commentators say and accept that as the truth.
Captain America will be in charge of the penalties at the San Siro.
It has been reported on Friday that Christian Pulisic has been chosen as the new official penalty taker for AC Milan by manager Stefano Pioli. The decision has reportedly been caused by the club’s inaccuracy from the spot in recent matches and, with Pioli eager to fix the situation, Pulisic has been chosen as the new man in charge of penalties.