KARIM BENZEMA INCLUDES HIMSELF IN HIS DREAM XI, BUT NOT LIONEL MESSI OR CRISTIANO RONALDO

 Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema (35) has revealed his dream XI during an interview with the Saudi Arabian club’s social channels. The former France international includes himself in the team, but notably not Lionel Messi (36), nor former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (38).

Messi and Ronaldo are considered by many to be two of the best players to have ever played the game; the former has won eight Ballon d’Or, the latter five. No players have won more than the pair. However, neither were good enough to make Benzema’s all-time XI.

The absence of Messi may not be entirely surprising, given their rivalry during their time at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, although that didn’t prevent him from naming Dani Alves at right-back. However, the absence of Ronaldo, with whom he spent nine years with Los Blancos (2009-2018) certainly constitutes a shock.

Benzema’s XI is full of former Real Madrid teammates, notably in defence, and also Les Bleus legends, notably Zinédine Zidane.

Benzema’s dream XI

Manuel Neuer; Dani Alves, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Claude Makélélé, Paul Pogba, Zinédine Zidane; Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (R9), Karim Benzema.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Source:https://onefootball.com/en/news/karim-benzema-includes-himself-in-his-dream-xi-but-not-lionel-messi-or-cristiano-ronaldo-38704032

LIONEL MESSI AND LIONEL SCALONI SET FOR KEY ARGENTINA MEETING

 Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is planning a key meeting with Lionel Messi before the end of 2023.

Under his leadership, Argentina won the Copa America title in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022, in the nation’s first respective triumphs in each tournament since 1993 and 1986.

However, he has admitted the strain is beginning to take its toll, claiming he needs time to think in the coming months, as he considers his options with La Albiceleste.

Sources:https://onefootball.com/en/news/lionel-messi-and-lionel-scaloni-set-for-key-argentina-meeting-38703443

Messi remains a key part of Scaloni’s squad, with the pair expected to remain in place for the Copa America in 2024, but the 2026 World Cup is a different situation.

Scaloni’s current deal runs until after that tournament, but he is keen to make changes in his squad, and wants to discuss his plans with captain Messi.

As per reports from ESPN, Scaloni has earmarked certain players he wants to remove from the squad, and will talk to Messi before making any firm decisions, with his desire focused on ensuring the team remains competitive at the highest level.

Sources:https://onefootball.com/en/news/lionel-messi-and-lionel-scaloni-set-for-key-argentina-meeting-38703443

BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA: LIONEL MESSI ACCUSES BRAZILIAN POLICE OF BRUTALITY AFTER FANS BLOODIED IN VIOLENT SCENES

 AFP via Getty Images

Alex Young @alexwsyoung

Lionel Messi has accused Brazilian police of brutality after clashes with fans before kick-off of Tuesday evening's World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on Tuesday

Both sets of fans started fighting during the national anthems, prompting police to attack the visiting Argentina fans with batons. Some Argentina fans responded by ripping up and throwing seats at the officers as other fans panicked and came onto the pitch to escape the fighting.

Police were also seen punching supporters and once Argentina fans with a bloodied face needed to be taken from the stadium on a stretcher.

Argentina captain Messi led a contingent of players to the stands in an attempt to defuse the situation, before leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room.

Read more

Source : https://onefootball.com/en/news/brazil-vs-argentina-lionel-messi-accuses-brazilian-police-of-brutality-after-fans-bloodied-in-violent-scenes-38600585

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