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      ‘They probably won’t admit it’ – Xavi reveals inside story on Lionel Messi’s iconic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      LIONEL MESSI and Cristiano Ronaldo drove themselves to become iconic stars – because of their intense rivalry.That is the opinion of former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, who was present when ex-teammate Messi tried to outdo Ronaldo, then of Real Madrid, across 30 El Clasico meetings.
      Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo met 30 times in the El ClasicoCredit: AFP
      Xavi believes the pair drove themselves to become icons due to their rivalryCredit: Getty
      The pair have NINE Champions League titles between them and collected 12 Ballon d’Or awards, an accolade that recognises the best players on the planet.
      Speaking in a new BBC documentary about Messi’s career, current Barcelona boss Xavi said: “Cristiano and Leo probably won’t admit it.
      “But Cristiano even gave him an extra push, an extra push to become a better player.
      “I am convinced they used to keep an eye on each other.
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      “If you’re competitive you want to be the best, that’s human nature.”
      Tomorrow night the BBC will broadcast a new doc called MESSI which pays tribute to the Argentine genius ahead of next month’s World Cup in Qatar.
      It carries contributions from Rio Ferdinand, Henrik Larsson and Cesc Fabregas, who either played with or against the 35-year-old superstar.
      Xavi, now the Barcelona boss, added: “Messi is a 10. This guy is a 9.2. This one is an 8.5. But a 10, this kid has set the bar. There’s nothing above that, that’s the highest.”
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      In three separate summers between 2014 and 2016, Argentina lost to Germany in the World Cup Final in Brazil and then were beaten in TWO Copa America finals by Chile.
      Messi – long compared to World Cup winner Diego Maradona – finally won a major title for his country when Argentina beat Brazil in the 2021 Copa America Final in Rio.
      And Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez reveals the inspirational team talk that captain Messi gave before he broke his international trophy drought.
      Martínez, 30, said: “It was like our victory was meant to be. We were supposed to play in Argentina but it was changed last minute to Brazil.
      “We had been 40 days away from our families and he said something about me, which I will never forget.
      “He said: ‘Emi saw his daughter born on FaceTime. He couldn’t even give her a cuddle. So let’s do it for him.’
      “I had butterflies in my tummy when he said that. He nearly made me cry just before the game had started.
      “At the end, I hugged him so hard. I said: ‘We did it.’ I was crying. I am a very emotional guy. I did grab him in the air like my boy. I love Messi.”
      MESSI will be available on BBC iPlayer at 6am tomorrow and then broadcast on BBC One on Saturday November 19. More

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      LaLiga clubs ‘consider going on STRIKE’ after Government passes law to help hated European Super League

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      LALIGA clubs are considering going on strike as pressure grows on the Spanish Government to block the European Super League, reports say. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is desperate to revive his hated project, which fell apart within days 18 months ago.
      LaLiga fans could be deprived of seeing the league’s best stars, like Vinicius Jr, if it goes on strike on October 28Credit: Rex
      Barcelona remain one of the clubs in favour of the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      But La Liga clubs are determined to stop him as political parties become increasingly pulled into the debate.
      Fourteen sides in the top flight are reportedly threatening to strike unless the Government rejects the Super League.
      All 14 of the club presidents will meet Spain’s sports minister Miquel Iceta on Monday, where they are calling for reassurances.
      They want to see an update to Spain’s general ‘Sports Law’ that would see an official rejection to the controversial idea.
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      A potential LaLiga strike looms next week if they don’t get their way, according to Cope.
      They say LaLiga president Javier Tebas has informed clubs there is a “serious possibility” that they could call a strike on October 28.
      They add that 39 out of 42 clubs in the top two divisions in Spain reject the European Super League.
      Those believed to be in favour are Real Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.
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      The two Spanish giants, and Italian side Juventus, remain committed to the super league.
      The political situation in Spain has changed in recent weeks as governing PSOE and main opposition Partido Popular have both relaxed their opposition to Perez’s proposal.
      It had appeared doomed in April 2021 when all of the English clubs pulled out within hours of one another an extraordinary fan backlash.
      But Perez, Barca president Joan Laporta and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli are all still trying to push the unpopular idea. More

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      ‘Couldn’t be more proud’ – Ronaldo beams as Real Valladolid ace saves TWO penalties in row in bizarre VAR-fuelled chaos

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      BRAZIL legend Ronaldo could not contain his delight after watching his goalkeeper save TWO penalties to help Real Valladolid win.The man nicknamed R9, 46, was one of the world’s best strikers in his playing days and is now the Spanish club’s majority owner.
      Real Valladolid keeper Jordi Masip saved two penalties after VAR-fuelled chaosCredit: La Liga Santander
      Brazil legend Ronaldo, who owns a controlling stake in the club, tweeted his pride afterwardsCredit: EPA
      He purchased a 51 per cent controlling stake in Valladolid for £25million back in September 2018.
      They are one of Spain’s yo-yo clubs bouncing between the Segunda division and the top flight.
      However, they are currently enjoying life in midtable of LaLiga after yesterday’s thrilling victory over Celta Vigo.
      Valladolid took the lead just after half hour at their Jose Zorrilla Stadium on Wednesday.
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      However, they were pegged back seconds before the break as Oscar Rodriguez levelled.
      They regained the lead on the hour through Joaquin Fernandez and then Sergio Leon doubled the advantage.
      Leon then missed a penalty to make it four but made amends seconds later.
      Then came a bizarre moment involving ex-Liverpool flop Iago Aspas.
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      Keeper Jordi Masip guessed correctly as he dived low to his right to stop Aspas’ spot-kick.
      But the former Barcelona stopper was adjudged to come off his line, and after a VAR check, the kick was retaken.
      This time Aspas went the other way, but Masip was in no mood to be beaten, and he too dived the opposition direction and managed to grab home of the ball.
      Owner Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner, quickly took to Twitter afterwards to share snaps of the goal celebrations and penalty heroics.
      And he captioned them with: “4 goals, 2 penalties saved by Masip and a crowd that has been cheering until the end despite the rain.
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      “I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
      Vallodolid are next in action on Saturday when they host Real Sociedad. More

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      Gerard Pique could have to wear Shakira’s name on his Barcelona shirt in awkward move after split from pop star

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      BARCELONA defender Gerard Pique could be forced to wear the name of his ex Shakira on his shirt in an awkward situation at the Nou Camp.Reports in Spain say the Colombian singer could be the next to benefit from the Catalan club’s sponsorship with Spotify after they opted to wear the OVO owl on their jersey in Sunday’s El Clasico.
      Pique could be awkwardly forced to wear Shakira’s name on his shirtCredit: Getty
      Shakira is set to strike a deal with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The owl is the symbol of music artist Drake’s brand and he recently made history by becoming the first artist to reach 50 billion streams.
      Shakira is about to release her new single Monotonia and has already sparked speculation it reflects her acrimonious split with Pique after 11 years – with the pair having two children together.
      Barcelona-based sports journalist Moises Llorens’ claims a deal is close to being sealed with the singer-songwriter which would see her feature on the Barcelona shirt.
      And leading Spanish news website El Espanol reported overnight: “Barcelona is planning the ‘reunion’ of Gerard Pique with Shakira.”
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      There has not yet been any official comment from the singer or Barcelona – who are keen to bring football and music together through its Spotify partnership.
      Ex-Manchester United man Pique has had to endure jibes from opposition fans who have sung Shakira’s name during matches following their split.
      One of the Colombian’s hit songs was played over a loudspeaker at Majorca’s Son Moix stadium at the beginning of October as Pique and his teammates warmed up before the start of a league match, sparking laughter from fans.
      The former couple recently attended their eldest son’s baseball game and appeared to not speak or even look at each other.
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      Pique, now dating Clara Chia Marti, 23, has been left out of several games this season by manager Xavi Hernandez but played in the club’s 3-3 Champions League draw against Inter Milan last week.
      Shakira, who faces a tax fraud trial in the coming months, has teased her new song with cryptic social media posts which fans and critics have claimed allude to her split with Pique.
      In a clip of a video she has shared – which shows a beating heart – she sings in Spanish: “It wasn’t your fault or mine, it was the monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt me. I knew it would happen.” More

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      Zinedine Zidane cannot stop smiling as he hands Karim Benzema Ballon d’Or and congratulates Real Madrid star

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE was beaming like a Cheshire cat as he awarded fellow countryman Karim Benzema the Ballon d’Or.Juventus and Real Madrid legend Zidane, 50, was the last Frenchman to win the coveted prize when he collected the gong back in 1998.
      A glowing Zidane presented Benzema with the Ballon d’OrCredit: Getty

      The two French legends embraced on the stageCredit: Reuters
      Benzema posed with Zidane, Chelsea icon Didier Drogba and journalist Sandy HeribertCredit: EPA
      Zidane continued to beam from ear to ear as he congratulated Benzema backstageCredit: TWITTER / SARA_2437
      But Benzema ended that 24-year wait on Monday as he beat Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne to the accolade.
      Zidane presented the Real striker with the trophy – which Benzema claimed after leading the Spanish giants to LaLiga and Champions League glory last season.
      And the former Los Blancos boss, who coached Benzema for a total for five years, could not contain his joy at seeing his ex-player receive the honour.
      He was seen wearing a huge smile as the 34-year-old came up to claim the award.
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      And he then continued to show just how jubilant he was backstage after the ceremony as a clip emerged of Zidane embracing Benzema once more.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Look at how happy Zinedine Zidane is for him. What a beautiful moment. ❤️”
      While another added: “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Zidane and Benzema, legends.”
      A third said: “Zidane tried so hard to hold back the excitement after seeing Benzema’s name 😂❤.”
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      And a fourth added: “When the entire world criticised Zidane for playing Benzema during his bad form, he didn’t listen to the media or the fans. He believed in Benzema when no one did.
      “Five years later, Benzema wins his first ever Ballon d’Or and Zidane handed it over to him like a proud father.”
      Benzema credits Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo as the players he idolised when he was growing up.
      He then won three Champions Leagues in a row under the management of Zidane between 2016 and 2018 – although the limelight was often given to Cristiano Ronaldo instead.
      But last season Benzema finally received the credit he deserves as he scored 44 goals in 46 games on the way to Real lifting the LaLiga and Champions League trophies.
      Zidane looked thrilled from the moment Benzema stepped up on stageCredit: Rex
      Benzema was honoured to collect the award and pledged to retire at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois slams Ballon d’Or chiefs after best keeper award win as Iker Casillas slates decision

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      REAL Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois has taken a dig at the Ballon d’Or organisers after being voted last season’s finest shot-stopper but missing out on a place on the best player podium.The 30-year-old was awarded the Yashin Trophy for his feats between the sticks but only ended up in seventh place for the main prize which went to his teammate Karim Benzema.
      Courtois won the Yashin Trophy at the awards ceremony on Monday nightCredit: Getty
      Casillas feels Courtois should have been in the top three for the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas criticised his omission from the top three in a Twitter rant after Monday night’s ceremony, describing him as the “world’s best keeper”.
      He added: “What I’m not happy about is that he was not included in the final podium for the Ballon d’Or.
      “I still don’t understand what those who choose this award base themselves on.”
      Courtois then went a step further in an interview after the Paris ceremony by describing the Yashin Trophy as “invented” and insisting he believed it was “impossible” a keeper would ever win the coveted prize again.
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      The ex-Chelsea goalie posted a photo of him with the trophy on Instagram alongside Benzema and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and wrote: “Very honoured to win this.
      “I would like to share this moment with all of you and to thank you for your unconditional support and love.”
      But in a post-ceremony TV interview, the Belgian international was asked about the chances of a keeper winning the Ballon d’Or again.
      To which he replied: “The truth is that I think it’s impossible. Karim deserved what happened today and we all agree about that.
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      “But after a season in which I was the goalkeeper and you win the league and your team wins the Champions League final thanks to your saves and you only end up seventh is significant.
      “At the end of the day the votes don’t go the goalkeepers’ way which is something you can understand.
      “I think there was no defender in the top ten.”
      Courtois, who controversially claimed he didn’t get “enough respect” in England after being voted man of the match in the Champions League final, went on to say: “At least they’ve invented this trophy for the best goalkeeper because every year a goalkeeper is more important in his team.
      “You have to make the saves and stay like a book behind the goal-line. Let’s hope that one day we’ll do it and we’ll continue to fight for it.”
      Courtois’ stunning Israeli model girlfriend Mishel Gerzig, who attended the awards ceremony with her partner, was also quick to congratulate him.
      She posted a photo of him accepting the Yashin Trophy and wrote in an Instagram message alongside it: “Can’t have enough words to tell how proud I am of you. You deserve it my life. Congratulations.”
      The pretty blonde finished her message with a heart emoticon.
      The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or is Lev Yashin – who the Yashin Trophy is named after – but he claimed the honour way back in 1963.
      The legendary shot-stopper played for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970, as well as internationally for the Soviet Union.
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      Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer came the closest to repeating Yashin’s feat in 2014 when he finished in third position.
      The Yashin Trophy was established in 2019 when it was won by Liverpool’s Allison Becker. More

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      Meet Karim Benzema’s stunning girlfriend Jordan Ozuna the top model who used to work as Las Vegas Hooters waitress

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      KARIM BENZEMA scores some beauties on the pitch – now it looks like he has scored with a beauty off it.The Real Madrid skipper is reportedly dating American model Jordan Ozuna.
      American Jordan Ozuna is signed up with several high-profile modelling agenciesCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The beautiful 32-year-old used to be a waitress in Las VegasCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      She regularly posts images of herself in stunning locations on InstagramCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Benzema and Ozuna shared this shot of them having fun in a video call on social mediaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Real Madrid ace Benzema is the favourite to win the 2022 Ballon d’Or
      She used to work as a Hooters waitress in Las Vegas but is now signed to several US-based modelling agencies.
      The pretty 32-year-old old has used her enviable figure to help promote State Management, Caroline Gleason Management, Tricia Brink Management, and The Salt Agency.
      France striker Benzema has built a reputation for keeping his private life private but now looks loved up enough to drop his guard a bit.
      And the attractive couple have now started sharing a few public insights into their burgeoning relationship.
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      The first hint came in late May when Benzema was leading Los Blancos to a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final at the Stade de France.
      Ozuna was in Paris at the same time, prompting speculation she was there to support her footballing superstar beau.
      The theory was given more credibility in early August when Onzuna posted images on Instagram of the pair hugging.
      Then a second photo showing part of a video call between them emerged in which they are clearly have fun together.
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      They both follow each other on Insta and have publicly shared heart emojis during exchanges.
      Benzema is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or tonight and will lead the line for the French when they defend their world crown in Qatar this winter. More

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      Watch Antonio Rudiger wildly dance alone in Real Madrid dressing room after El Clasico win over Barcelona

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER celebrated Real Madrid’s El Clasico win in style on Sunday night.Los Blancos earned the bragging rights while also going top of LaLiga with victory over Barcelona in Spain’s biggest clash.

      Rudiger had teammates in hysterics as he danced and celebrated after El Clasico
      The centre-back helped his Madrid teammates beat Barcelona 3-1 at the BernabeuCredit: Rex
      The Germany international still has a nasty eye injury from the Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonestkCredit: Rex
      And Rudiger, 29, had his teammates laughing as he danced the night away.
      The ex-Chelsea defender threw shapes alone as the rest of the squad clapped.
      The dressing room was in a jubilant mood as stars like Vinicius Jr cheered him on.
      Centre-back Rudiger was only sporting a pair of shorts and a plaster over his eye after suffering a horror gash and 20 STITCHES last week.
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      He was spotted on the bench with a bloodshot eye and entered the game wearing a mask.
      The big German used to entertain his pals at Stamford Bridge with the same brilliant dance moves.
      Now the tradition continues at the Bernabeu, where he seems to be just as popular with the rest of the side.
      Goals from Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo sealed a 3-1 win over the Catalans on Sunday.
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      Barca’s only strike came late on through sub Ferran Torres.
      And the result means unbeaten Real are now league leaders as Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
      Both teams named strong line-ups, with superstar strikers Robert Lewandowski and Benzema both starting.
      But it was the latter who made an immediate impact when he opened the scoring for Real in the 12th minute.
      Benzema pounced after Marc-Andre ter Stegen spilled Vinicius Jr’s shot, firing it into the back of the net.
      Real then doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when Valverde struck from 20 yards out.
      Barcelona were left stunned as boss Xavi Hernandez made wholesale changes throughout the second half.
      And it looked to have paid off when Torres pulled one back with seven minutes to go.
      Ansu Fati narrowly missed the chance to level, but Barca’s hopes ended when Real won a 91st minute penalty which was put away by Rodrygo.
      The result will be hard to take for Barcelona, who had over twice as many shots as Real and 57 per cent of the ball.
      The Catalans are already on the brink of exit in the Champions League.
      And their next run of games sees them face Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Bayern Munich and Valencia.
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      As for Real, the defending champs have already booked their place in the last 16 of Europe.
      They have a kinder run of fixtures coming up, playing Elche and struggling Sevilla before a continental tie at RB Leipzig. More