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      Lionel Messi’s next club ‘revealed’ after Sergio Aguero let slip private chat he had with PSG superstar

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      SERGIO AGUERO has “revealed” his close pal Lionel’s Messi’s next club as he let slip a private conversation he had with the legend.The World Cup winner has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 leaders this season with 16 goals and 14 assists in his 27 appearances, but his deal in the French capital runs out this summer.
      Sergio Aguero has let slip Lionel Messi’s next destinationCredit: Getty
      The Argentina legend will become a free agent in JuneCredit: Getty
      Although PSG are desperate to get him to extend his stay at the Parc des Princes.
      And with no signs of Messi slowing down despite turning 36 at the end of the campaign, PSG want him to sign an extension.
      Talks over a new deal were reportedly set to take place this month.
      However, Messi’s former club Barcelona and David Beckham’s MLS side Inter Miami are also keen to sign him.
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      But now another team appears to have entered the race – and it is the South American’s boyhood team Newell’s Old Boys.
      That is according to Messi’s close friend and Manchester City’s record goalscorer Aguero.
      In an interview with UOL, Aguero said: “He is seriously considering the possibility of playing for Newell’s.”
      Messi spent five years in Newell’s academy and was even a ball boy for them prior to joining Barcelona as a schoolboy in 2000.
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      But former Liverpool ace Maxi Rodriguez was quick to shoot down those claims, saying: “Kun is Kun. He can’t keep quiet. We will see. 
      “It is hard to talk about this because then a giant ball of rumours is made. Let’s wait and see what happens. We will not get ahead of the facts.”
      Messi is apparently set to feature in a testimonial for Rodriguez with Newell’s later this year which reports in his homeland claim “could be seen as a trial” as they attempt to get him to come home.
      The friendship between Aguero and Messi started nearly 20 years ago and the pair regularly roomed together while on international duty with Argentina. More

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      Ex-Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable as he becomes huge pundit in France… but can you guess who it is?

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      THIS Newcastle cult hero looks unrecognisable over a decade on from his playing days in the Premier League.The 45-year-old introduced himself to English football in 2007 after being a rampaging success at Strasbourg and Marseille.
      The ex-Newcastle ace can be seen as a pundit in FranceCredit: AFP
      He joined the Toon for £2million in the closing minutes of the summer transfer window, penning a three-year deal.
      Newcastle manager at the time, Sam Allardyce, called the acquisition of the right-back a “bargain”.
      The Senegal ace was also named Newcastle Player of the Season based on fan votes in 2008.
      However, his time at St James’ Park came to an end in 2009, following Newcastle’s relegation, with the player leaving the club in order to save his career.
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      After making 54 appearances in two years, the defender joined Aston Villa.
      But his bid to revive his career at Villa Park was unsuccessful.
      He made just 18 appearances for Villa and found it hard to break into the first-team.
      In fact, his spell at Villa was so bad that in 2011 he went on loan to Doncaster Rovers.
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      And in February 2012, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
      With his new free agent status, he joined Doncaster on an 18-month contract.

      However, Doncaster turned out to be the final club of his career, retiring in 2012.
      The mystery footballer can be revealed as Habib Beye.
      After retiring, Beye has tried his hand in management and punditry.
      Beye, now rocking short hair and a grey beard, can be seen on Canal+.
      The charming 35-capped Senegal icon is also the current manager of Red Star Football Club.
      Red Star play in the French third tier, the Championnat National.
      Habib Beye joined Newcastle from Marseille in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association
      Beye also manages Red Star in FranceCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi breaks silence after Rafa Nadal begs panel NOT to vote for him to win Sportsman of the Year

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      LIONEL MESSI was left “speechless” after Rafael Nadal admitted he wants him to win the Laureus Award, despite having been nominated himself.The icons are both among a star-studded shortlist of nominees for the prestigious gong, handed out each year to the world’s best sportsman.
      Lionel Messi reached the pinnacle of football in 2022 when he won the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Rafael Nadal won his 22nd Grand Slam in 2022 at Roland GarrosCredit: Getty
      Nadal, 36, could win the prize for the third time – having also picked it up in 2011 and 2021.
      But the humble Spaniard, while honoured to be nominated, says he wants Messi to win it instead.
      He wrote on Instagram: “An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the year… but… this year… let’s go Messi, you deserve it.”
      In response to tennis favourite Nadal, Messi gushed: “That an athlete as great as you says that about me leaves me speechless…
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      “Thank you very much, Rafa Nadal, you also deserve everything for the way you compete every time you go out on the court.
      “You’re a winner, maybe we have a lot of competition there, huh? You also deserve the Laureus award this year, really.”
      Messi, 35, inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award and scoring twice in the final.
      He also helped Paris Saint-Germain reclaim the Ligue 1 title from Lille.
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      Nadal, meanwhile, endured an injury-plagued year – but was imperious when he was able to play unencumbered by physical ailments.
      He scooped a stunning Australian Open title in January 2022, somehow defeating Daniil Medvedev from two sets down.
      He then won his 14th French Open – and record 22nd Grand Slam overall – comfortably beating protege Casper Ruud in the final.
      In the Sportsman of the Year category, Nadal and Messi are up against Kylian Mbappe, Steph Curry, Max Verstappen and Mondo Duplantis.
      While footballer Alexia Putellas and tennis world No 1 Iga Swiatek have been included on the Sportswoman of the Year shortlist.
      Steph Curry is also nominated for the prestigious gongCredit: Reuters
      Max Verstappen waltzed to F1 glory last yearCredit: Reuters More

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      PSG confirm Neymar has suffered ankle ligament damage just weeks before sister Rafaella Santos’ birthday

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have confirmed that Neymar has suffered ankle ligament damage – just weeks before his sister’s birthday.The Brazilian has developed a curious habit of missing matches around his younger sibling Rafaella’s March 11 birthday.
      Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Neymar has suffered ankle ligament damageCredit: AFP
      Neymar’s sister Rafaella celebrates her birthday on March 11
      And now the forward, 31, could be out of action again after sustaining the blow in PSG’s 4-3 Ligue 1 win over Lille on Sunday.
      Neymar scored the second goal in the victory but was carried off in tears early in the second half after colliding with Lille’s Benjamin Andre and rolling his right ankle.
      A PSG statement said: “Additional tests today have confirmed that Neymar Jr has sprained his ankle, with some ligament damage.
      “He will undergo further tests at the start of next week.”
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      PSG have a trip to bitter rivals Marseille on Sunday before hosting Nantes on March 4 and then travel to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie trailing 1-0.
      Neymar went into this year having been absent from games in seven of the last nine seasons around Rafaella’s big day and could be about to miss even more as the club refused to put a timescale on his absence.
      He did appear last year as he lined up against Real Madrid and Bordeaux last week but was booed by his own supporters.
      Neymar has traditionally been injured or suspended at this time of year.
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      In 2014 he was merely an unused substitute, although in the following two seasons he picked up suspensions around Rafaella’s birthday.
      During his final year at Barcelona he was suffering from a muscular injury.
      Neymar missed the rest of his first season in Paris after fracturing a metatarsal in February 2018, also suffering a similar issue the following campaign.
      In 2020 he was back in action, playing and even scoring against Dortmund in a Champions League clash on March 11.
      And in 2021 he missed a PSG Ligue 1 match due to a muscular issue. More

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      Incredible moment Lionel Messi almost snaps his ankle scoring free-kick with fans stunned he’s not injured

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      LIONEL MESSI scored a sensational last-gasp free-kick as Paris Saint-Germain edged past Lille 4-3 in a thriller.And eagle-eyed fans can’t believe the Argentine didn’t hurt his ankle in the process after spotted a gruesome picture of the strike.
      Lionel Messi’s ankle bends as he strikes PSG’s winnerCredit: Rex
      Messi, 35, wheeled away in celebration after his inch-perfect strikeCredit: Rex
      As Messi struck the ball with his left boot, still images show his right ankle appear to plant in the ground at a horrible angle.
      Regardless, the 35-year-old seemed to come out of the alarming moment unscathed, wheeling off to celebrate his incredible late winner.
      Commenting on Messi, one fan wrote: “Greatest ankle of all time.”
      A second joked: “I don’t think that’s a technique I think it’s a rolled ankle.”
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      Another added: “My ankle would’ve snapped a long time ago by now lol.”
      Unfortunately Messi’s team-mate Neymar did suffer an ankle injury during the match.
      The Brazilian had to be taken off on a stretcher during the second half after jarring his foot in the turf.
      PSG boss Christophe Galtier confirmed after the match that Neymar sprained his ankle but that there was no fracture.
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      Neymar twisted his ankle horribly during the matchCredit: AFP
      The 31-year-old hopes to only be out for under three weeks, and is reportedly targeting the Champions League last 16 second leg against Bayern Munich to return.
      Earlier in the match, Neymar had put his side 2-0 up, finishing neatly after Kylian Mbappe had already grabbed PSG’s first.
      Lille came roaring back, however, Bafode Diakite making it 2-1.
      Jonathan David levelled from the penalty spot just minutes after Neymar’s injury – with Jonathan Bamba completing the comeback in stunning fashion to go 3-2 up.
      Mbappe equalised on 87 minutes, however, before Messi broke Lille hearts with his stunning moment of genius in the fifth minute of added time.
      The win saw PSG stay five points clear at the top, ahead of a mouthwatering trip to second-placed rivals Marseille next weekend. More

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      Neymar’s stunning sister Rafaella dazzles in barely-there outfit at Salgueiro Parade after revealing she had liposuction

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      NEYMAR’S sister Rafaella Santos dazzled in a barely-there outfit as she paraded for Acadêmicos do Salgueiro at Carnival.However, the 26-year-old revealed she was almost unable to attend after having liposuction.

      Rafaella Santos wore a stunning outfit for CarnivalCredit: Instagram @Rafaella
      The 26-year-old revealed she was almost unable to attend due to having liposuctionCredit: Instagram @Rafaella
      Her outfit saw a red bikini paired with a large crown and large red feathersCredit: Instagram @Rafaella
      Rafaella has 5.9million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @Rafaella
      The Salgueiro school float was the penultimate float to perform on the dayCredit: Instagram @Rafaella
      Big brother Neymar normally attends Rafaella’s parties around her birthdayCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      She is turning 27 on March 11Credit: Splash
      Rafaella took Carnival by storm as she donned a sparkling red bikini to match the bright parade float she stood on.
      The bikini was paired with a large red and gold crown and bright feathers shooting out from the back.
      In the column of Leo Dias, via Metropoles, Rafaella opened up on how she spoke to the president of the Salgueiro school ahead of the event about her liposuction.
      She said: “It had been scheduled for some time, I talked to the president.
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      “I warned him that I wouldn’t be able to make it to the rehearsal, but as I love Salgueiro, he received me so well, I said that I would make an effort.
      “It wasn’t even to make all that effort, but I’m here.”
      The Salgueiro float was the penultimate school to perform during the day of parades.
      It is also close to the time of year of Rafaella’s birthday, with the model turning 27 on March 11.
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      This normally begs the question of whether big brother superstar Neymar will be in attendance.
      The Chelsea-linked Brazilian has picked up injuries or suspensions which have lead to him being unable to play around the time of Rafaella’s birthday in previous seasons.
      This time around, it appears Neymar will be unable to play after being stretchered off following a nasty ankle injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-3 win over Lille.
      The injury means the 31-year-old is now a doubt for the French club’s Champions League second-leg clash against Bayern Munich.
      To progress pass the last 16, Lille match-winner Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe may need to overturn their 1-0 first leg defeat without the Samba star. More

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      Kylian Mbappe responds to claims he took jibe at PSG team-mate Neymar with ‘eat well and sleep well’ comments

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      PSG forward Kylian Mbappe has denied he took a jibe at Neymar after urging team mates to “eat well and sleep well” following their 1-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich. The PSG star warned his teammates that they needed to be in the best condition possible for the return leg in Munich.
      Neymar and Mbappe during Psg’s defeat to Bayern Munich.Credit: Getty
      Neymar celebrates his goal against Lille with Mbappe.Credit: Getty
      ‘Everyone needs to be healthy, sleep well, eat well,’ the France forward said.
      Hours later Neymar was spotted at a poker tournament before heading to a McDonalds seemingly ignoring his team mate’s comments.
      Mbappe has denied that he was he specifically referring to Neymar.
      He told Prime Video in France: “They were for everyone. For everyone.
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      “I’ve seen people talking about Ney and what happened afterwards… it was not a dig or anything. I think in the context we are in now, we need anything but digs.”
      He added: “It’s really advice for everyone because, as I said, when we have everyone, other teams have problems.”
      PSG’s immediate concern will be hoping that Neymar will be fit for the second leg in Munich on Wednesday, March 8.
      The Brazilian was stretchered off during the French champions 4-3 win over Lille on Sunday with an ankle injury.
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      Mbappe said: “I hope Ney will come back soon because he’s a vital player for us.”
      The Brazilian has 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 Ligue 1 matches this season while Mbappe has 15 goals and 2 assists in the same amount of games.
      PSG are next in action on Sunday when they travel to rivals Marseille in a top of the table clash. More

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      Neymar stretchered off in tears after nasty looking injury in huge blow to PSG ahead of Bayern Munich clash

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      NEYMAR went off in tears after appearing to sustain a nasty ankle injury while playing for PSG against Lille.The Brazilian was stretchered off in the 51st minute, and is now a huge doubt to feature in his side’s Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich.
      Neymar writhed in agony after twisting his ankleCredit: AFP
      The Brazilian had to be stretchered offCredit: AP
      The 31-year-old’s ankle twisted horribly in the turfCredit: AFP
      Things had been going swimmingly for PSG, who led 2-0 through brilliant goals by Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
      But things began to go wrong on 24 minutes, when Bafode Diakite pulled one back for Lille.
      Disaster struck shortly after half-time, when Neymar landed awkwardly on the halfway line, twisting his ankle in the process.
      He receive lengthy on-field treatment, with the stretcher being called.
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      Neymar initially tried to walk off himself, but after one step realised that he’d need the stretcher after all.
      The tearful star eventually lay down and was carried off, being replaced by Hugo Ekitike.
      Things went from bad to worse just five minutes later, when Lille were awarded a penalty for a soft handball.
      Canadian ace Jonathan David made no mistake, levelling the match at 2-2.
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      Lille attacker Jonathan Bamba then completed the sensational turnaround on 69 minutes, thumping the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma on the half-volley.
      PSG turned it around in spectacular fashion, however, equalising on 87 minutes through Mbappe.
      Lionel Messi then made it a finish to remember, scoring a brilliant 95th minute free-kick to snatch it for his side.
      Christophe Galtier’s men went into today’s match in a rocky run of form – losing three games in a row in all competitions for the first time since 2011.
      Their skid started with a 2-1 Coupe de France dumping at the hands of fierce rivals Marseille, before a 3-1 loss at Monaco in Ligue 1.
      They were then beaten 1-0 by Bayern at Parc des Princes in mid-week, with Mbappe having a late equaliser chalked off following a VAR check.
      PSG face a tricky trip to Marseille in the league next weekend, before a home match against reigning Coupe de France winners Nantes.
      Their second leg against Bayern is scheduled for March 8.
      Lionel Messi celebrates his amazing last-gasp winnerCredit: AP More