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La Liga Wrap: Barcelona, Real start strongly
19 August 2013
Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona have begun their title defence in style, belting Levante 7-0 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
Under new coach Gerardo Marino, the Catalans put six goals past their hapless opponents in the first half and took the foot off the pedal in the second to record the crushing victory.
Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas squared the opener for Alexis Sanchez after three minutes before Lionel Messi and Pedro exchanged a one-two allowing the FIFA World Player of the Year to grab the second goal in the 12th minute.
Levante were 4-0 down on 26 minutes as Dani Alves finished a slick passing move before Pedro profited from Messi's deft through ball to add another goal.
But it was to get worse with Messi converting a penalty in the 42nd minute after Adriano was fouled in the area and Xavi rounded out the first-half scoring with a quality finish from Fabregas' lobbed pass.
The visitors stemmed the bleeding in the second half but there was still time for Pedro to complete his brace on 73 minutes.
Much-hyped signing Neymar made his Barcelona debut, coming off the bench for the final 25 minutes.
Real Madrid also got their league campaign off to a winning start, coming from behind to beat Real Betis 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Jorge Molina gave Betis a stunning lead in the 14th minute before Karim Benzema cancelled out that effort 12 minutes later.
Isco, a new signing from Malaga, popped up in the 86th minute to grab the winner, delighting the Madrid fans with a debut goal.
Atletico Madrid won 3-1 away at Sevilla in a spiteful encounter which saw nine players yellow carded.
While Sevilla dominated possession, Atletico were much more clinical with striker Diego Costa scoring as brace either side of Diego Perotti's equaliser.
The game was finished off by Atletico's Cristian Rodriguez, who converted Leo Baptistao's assist.
First-half goals through Youssef El-Arabi and Hassan Yebda powered Granada to a 2-1 triumph at Osasuna.
Francisco Punal pulled a goal back for Osasuna in the 58th minute but the home side could not find the equaliser.
La Liga Wrap: Vela leads Sociedad past Getafe
18 August 2013
Carlos Vela has led Real Sociedad to victory in the opening game of the 2013/14 La Liga season as they triumphed 2-0 over Getafe.
The Mexican forward scored Sociedad's first goal just before half-time with a delightful chip and then set up Haris Seferovic for the clincher with 20 minutes remaining.
The win continued Sociedad's good form from last season, when the Basque club finished fourth; their highest finish in La Liga in 10 years.
Sociedad had seven shots on target to Getafe's two on Saturday and deservedly took the lead in front of their home crowd in the 42nd minute after Seferovic drifted in from the right with the ball at his feet and passed to Gonzalo Castro, who slid a first-time pass towards Vela.
The 24-year-old had gotten ahead of his defender and, as Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya came off his line, Vela expertly lifted the ball over the Spaniard's head and into the net.
Vela turned provider in the 70th minute, releasing Seferovic in behind Getafe's right-back Juan Valera and the Swiss striker matched his team-mate's effort, chipping Moya from a tight angle to clinch victory for the hosts.
Sociedad will hope their win over Getafe gives them confidence heading into the away leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off against France's Lyon on Tuesday.
It was a good day for the Basque clubs in Spain as Athletic Bilbao also started with victory, beating Real Valladolid 2-1.
Markel Susaeta gave Bilbao the lead away from home just before the half-hour mark with a powerful drive, following a fine pass from Benat Etxebarria, but the hosts hit back just three minutes later when Patrick Ebert scored from Oscar Gonzalez's cut-back.
Bilbao scored the decisive goal five minutes into the second half thanks to a half-volley from Iker Muniain after a sliced clearance from a Valladolid defender had come back off the post.
In the third match of the opening day of the La Liga season, Valencia defeated Malaga 1-0 thanks to a 64th-minute goal from captain Ricardo Costa.
Atletico start season with Sevilla scalp Diego Costa's double got Diego Simeone's men off to an ideal start in La Liga in 2012-13 as Granada claimed a 2-1 away win over Osasuna
Isco targets improvement from Real Madrid The 21-year-old's late header sealed victory in the club's first match of the season against Betis, but knows his side will need to step up their game
Real Madrid 2-1 Betis: Isco hands Ancelotti debut win The former Malaga playmaker popped up at the right time to give Jose Mourinho's successor an important first victory in La Liga
Barcelona 7-0 Levante: Stunning debut win for Tata Martino Goals from Lionel Messi, Pedro, Xavi, Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez ensured Barca began their defence of the title in some style under their new head coach
Valencia not interested in Adrian Lopez, says Salva Contrary to reports, los Che's president has confirmed the 25-year-old is not on the club's transfer radar this summer
Bojan hints at Serie A 'arrogance' The 22-year-old is hoping to enjoy a new lease of life with the capital club and says his team-mates are more modest people than those he has previously played with
Varane: Recovery going well The Frenchman has been missing since the end of last season but says he is progressing as planned, denying that he has suffered a setback
Ancelotti: Bale is delicate The Real Madrid coach has refused to be drawn on a potential move for the Welshman, fearing another backlash from Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas
Real Sociedad breeze past Getafe ahead of Lyon clash The Basques got their Liga campaign off to the perfect start by beating the capital club as they prepare for their Champions League qualifier in midweek
Soldado will always score goals, says Kempes The Argentine World Cup winner has backed another former Valencia striker to be a big success at Tottenham providing he can adapt to the Premier League
Sammer rages at Spain over Martinez The Bayern Munich midfielder was forced to sit out his side's 1-0 win over Frankfurt on Saturday and the club's sporting director has slammed the RFEF
Valencia close in on €7m Pabon Mexican outfit Monterrey have confirmed the Liga giants are free to discuss personal terms with the striker having met his release clause
'Martino won't fail Barcelona' Former Malaga director Mario Husillos insists the Argentine was the clear successor to Tito Vilanova and feels he will have no problems adapting to European football
Martino: We will not put pressure on Neymar The new Blaugrana coach insists he will be "logical" with the Brazilian's deployment and has called on Alexis Sanchez to rediscover his best form
Guardiola satisfied with narrow Bayern victory The Roten coach was pleased with what he saw in Saturday's win over Frankfurt, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is happy despite admitting they were not at their best
'Messi & Ronaldo scored more, but I won the treble' - Ribery Ahead of the Uefa Player of the Year award being handed out, the Bayern Munich winger has criticised Thomas Muller's absence and talked up his own chances of winning
Coentrao wants Real Madrid exit The full-back has set his sights on a move and will not be involved in Madrid's Liga opener against Betis, while Carlo Ancelotti says signing Gareth Bale would make his team better
Barcelona end David Luiz & Agger chase The Catalans made offers for both defenders earlier this summer, but Gerardo Martino has claimed they will no longer sign a centre-back
Ancelotti: Madrid desperate for Champions League glory The Italian coach has set his sights on European success and believes Cristiano Ronaldo will have a superb season
Ancelotti unconvinced by Real Madrid's defensive frailties
By Harry Slavin86
Aug 18, 2013 11:57:00 PM
Despite seeing his side win as he took charge of his first game in Spanish football, the Italian was left unimpressed by his defence's shortcomings at the Santiago Bernabeu
Carlo Ancelotti was left unconvinced by his side’s defensive display as Real Madrid snuck past Betis 2-1 on the opening weekend of the Liga season.
The Italian coach indicated that he was unhappy at the backline as a whole and suggested that goalkeeper Diego Lopez and others may find themselves out of the starting XI for Madrid’s next outing.
“We have to improve. We created chances to score but we had problems in defence,” explained the former PSG boss.
“Today I decided to choose Diego Lopez. I don’t know who is going to play in the next game.
“I have a great squad. [Alvaro] Morata, [Angel] Di Maria and Casemiro made the team stronger tonight [when they came of the bench].”
One thing that did impress Ancelotti was the performance of new signing Isco.
The Spain Under-21 star chose Madrid over Manchester City and others this summer and his new coach praised the playmaker after his goal sealed the points for los Blancos.
“Isco gave it all in this game,” stated the 54-year-old. “He scored a fantastic goal.”
The new Madrid coach was also quick to lament the international break just days before their opening Liga clash, citing it as a further distraction to his side’s preparations for the game against Betis.
He added: “We didn’t have time to prepare for the game due to the international games.”
The Barcelona star has praised the match-winning quality of the Portuguese forward, but says he is only focused on matters at his own club
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has dismissed the notion that he and Real Madrid counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo share a rivalry.
The two players have dominated the individual awards in Spain and on the continent in recent years and while the Argentine has conceded that he is an admirer of the 28-year-old, he says he is focused on doing his job for the Blaugrana.
"There is no rivalry [with Ronaldo] at all," the 26-year-old told Maxim.
"He's a good person and can change any game. He does his thing and I'm just focused on succeeding with Barcelona."
Messi was keen to stress that he wanted to focus on his personal goals and those of the club, with the Catalans' ambitions still high after the departure of Tito Vilanova.
"We want to win titles in Spain and in Europe this season," he continued.
"It was sad how Tito had to go, but now we are all with the new coach [Tata Martino].
"It is no coincidence that the Barcelona players keep low-profile lives and have achieved success. We know that we are footballers, not movie stars. When we're not training or playing, we are in home with our families."
Barcelona begin their title defence on Sunday against Levante at Camp Nou.
The Barca coach explained the need to manage the weight of expectation and responsibility on the shoulders of the Argentine ahead of another big season for the Catalan side
Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has emphasised the importance of keeping talisman Lionel Messi fit and fresh for the upcoming season.
The coach was speaking after he took off the four-time Ballon d’Or winner and replaced him with Andres Iniesta midway through the second half of the Blaugrana’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Levante in their opening weekend fixture.
Messi barely missed a game last season until his hamstring injury in April and Martino is aware that not given the Argentine, who scored a double against Levante, a break could be harmful to Barca's chances of success this campaign.
“I discussed with Leo he needs to rest every now and then,” the former Paraguay coach told reporters.
“Of course, when the game is tight, not even the biggest fool subs him.
“The season is long, and there’s a difficult series of fixtures coming up. He’s very intelligent, he knows that.”
Another player who was not getting as much pitch time as Barca may have wished for was summer capture Neymar.
The former Santos man only appeared off the bench for the final 25 minutes and picked up a yellow card in the process, but Martino insisted that the Brazilian needs time to settle.
"We have to give Neymar the time to adapt bit by bit,” explained the 50-year-old. “If we go too fast, we'll harm the player and the team."
Martino was thrilled with how his players had responded after there were question marks over the preparation for the new season following an underwhelming display in Malaysia at the end of pre-season.
He said: “This start of the season is better than everything I could have imagined. Now we have to keep this level.”
“I love Barcelona’s philosophy, and I want the boys to recover some of the things they weren’t doing anymore.”
The Real Madrid coach has refused to be drawn on a potential move for the Welshman, fearing another backlash from Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas
Carlo Ancelotti says he is seeking to avoid further confrontation with Andre Villas-Boas over Real Madrid's pursuit of Gareth Bale.
Los Blancos have been heavily linked with a move for the Wales forward, with the potential transfer fee reported to be in excess of €100 million.
However, Tottenham Hotspur have held firm over any proposed move and Villas-Boas has spoken out about Madrid's public courting of last season's PFA Player and Young Player of the Year award winner.
And Ancelotti has sought to play down reports of los Merengues' interest in Bale and stressed he would not be discussing the matter further so as not to infuriate the Spurs management.
"There are no new developments," the 54-year-old told the Corriere dello Sport.
"When I spoke about this recently, Andre Villas-Boas complained, so it's a delicate issue to discuss."
I'm a freeloader and a loser because i don't make soccer predictions while lurking in this forum for soccer tips. When results don't go my way, the world owes me a living sigh
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Arsenal in Valencia for talks over €20m Guaita The north London club sent a representative to Spain on Tuesday night with a view to signing the talented 26-year-old goalkeeper, who was recently on the radar of Barcelona
'Beast' Villa can fill Falcao void - Costa The 24-year-old believes the former Barcelona star will more than compensate for the loss of the Colombian this season
Schuster: Casillas should leave Real Madrid The Malaga coach insists he can empathise with the 32-year-old's position at the club and says he should be playing regular first-team football
Paulinho eager for Bale to stay at Tottenham The Brazil international insists he would relish the chance to play alongside the Welshman this season, but admits he has no idea whether he will get the opportunity
La Liga Team of the Week: Messi, Isco & Cesc all shine Four Barcelona players make the first selection of the current campaign after the Catalans' 7-0 win at home to Levante in the first round of Primera Division action at the weekend
Valdes thrilled with Barcelona start The Blaugrana beat Levante 7-0 on Sunday to kick off their campaign and the 31-year-old was delighted with the result and the team's performance
Bale price ‘too high’, says Raul The Real Madrid legend believes the club would be better off abandoning their pursuit of the Tottenham star and feels the title battle will be fierce in La Liga this season
La Liga: Dos Santos inspires stunning Villarreal comeback The Mexican netted on his Primera Division debut for the Yellow Submarine while Rayo Vallecano secured a comfortable win and Celta and Espanyol played out a thriller
'Doping is fine, if it is for recovery' - Schuster The German coach feels the administration of stimulants in order to assist the regeneration process of players after an injury is acceptable
Arda Turan likely to leave Atletico Madrid for Premier League, agent claims Atleti are believed to want to retain the Turkey international, but his agent stressed he has a release clause of €24 million suggested interest from England, France and Turkey
Ancelotti wrong over Casillas - Valdes The Blaugrana shot-stopper was surprised the Spain No.1 was only named on the bench on Sunday
By Alex Moretto187
Aug 20, 2013 8:27:00 AM
The 31-year-old insists the Copa del Rey champions must not make mistakes if they want to win the Supercopa and said he plans to celebrate if he scores
David Villa believes that Barcelona are weak when they concede possession and has revealed Atletico Madrid's plans to use that to their advantage in the Supercopa de Espana.
The Liga champions take on the Rojiblancos for the first piece of Spanish silverware this season on Wednesday and Villa - who moved from Camp Nou to Vicente Calderon this summer - believes that victory over two legs is feasible if they keep errors out of their game.
"Atletico will have many chances to win, but for that to happen we have to do everything perfect," he told reporters.
"We can't make mistakes, play well at the back, try to keep the ball as long as possible - because we know that Barc suffer when they lose the ball - and then we can take our opportunities in attack
"If you have to look for a favourite, it is Barcelona. We have to fight against that. When the match starts, we all have the same chance to win.
"Just look at the statistics of recent years and the way they have started the league. We must seek our options and how we can hurt them. Lifting this title is very important to us."
Villa insists he will put all friendship aside when he faces his former team-mates and says he plans to celebrate against the Blaugrana should he score in Wednesday's home leg.
"I have many friends and fond memories of my three years there, but when we start the game, they are my rivals.
"Hopefully I can help my team. I have always celebrated my goals. Out of respect, however, the exuberance of the celebration is different if you face an opponent that you love."
Villa acknowledges that Gerardo Martino's side will be the heavy favourites for the clash, especially following their resounding 7-0 win over Levante on Sunday, but the 31-year-old remains determined to upset the odds.
By Shane Callaghan7
Aug 20, 2013 8:34:00 PM
The 43-year-old says his side must play to their strengths if they are to claim a Super Cup scalp and cause an early upset to Spain's duopoly this season
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes victory over Barcelona will only be possible if his side remain disciplined and patient throughout the tie.
The Rojiblancos face the Liga champions at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday for the first part of the two-legged affair before travelling to Camp Nou on August 28.
Although Simeone admits his team go into the clash as underdogs, the Argentine has stressed his charges are capable of upsetting the odds provided they play to their own strengths.
He told reporters: "When you go into a game you need to know your strengths and your opponents' strengths as well.
"They have many strengths and we have some too and it's vital we know how to use them.
"We need to be patient, disciplined and tight at the back so we can take advantage of our opportunities.
"Barcelona are without a doubt the better team. They have Messi, the best player, and in Neymar they've bought a player who could become the best player in the world.
"They have a lot of important players and it's no surprise they are favorites, but we will fight them with all our might."
The 43-year-old, who led the capital club to a third-placed finish last season, went on to admit he is hopeful about breaking Real Madrid and Barcelona's stronghold as the dominant teams in Spain, having claimed earlier this week that La Liga is made "boring" by the dominance of the Clasico clubs.
He added: “It's very difficult for either of them to have a bad season. We hope their domination won't last forever, because fans want to see their team win."
By Craig Turnbull49
Aug 20, 2013 7:22:00 PM
The Barcelona boss has revealed he has spoken to the Argentine ace about the need to rest him at times this season - but insists he will do so sparingly
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says he will not continually substitute Lionel Messi despite admitting that the Argentine must accept the need to be rested this season.
The new Barca boss replaced Messi during the club's 7-0 thrashing of Levante on the opening day of the season in La Liga and, ahead of their Supercopa clash with Atletico Madrid, the former Newell's Old Boys man says he will not be making a habit of withdrawing the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"I think it's a matter of compromise from both parties, we've talked about it and Leo understands what it is about but of course I won't substitute him five times in a row," he told reporters.
"It's about balance. I am the coach and I make the decisions, but I seldom take such drastic action without speaking to my players first.
"It doesn't affect my authority if I change my stance on something. If I have to reconsider a decision, I will."
Barcelona head into the first leg of their Supercopa final, knowing they have beat Atletico Madrid in each of their last six meetings.
Despite the one-sided record though, Martino insists the Catalans will be in for a difficult encounter, with Atletico beating Real Madrid to claim their place in the final, while opening their La Liga campaign with a 3-1 victory on Sunday against Sevilla.
"Obviously we are expected to win the Supercopa, so we will try to make sure we get the result against Atletico Madrid but it is not guaranteed," he continued.
"Anything can happen over the 180 minutes it is different from the league where we have 38 fixtures over the course of the season."
Valencia 'would listen to offers for Guaita' The goalkeeper looks set to leave los Che after the Liga side revealed they will consider bids for his services
Barcelona rebuff Napoli & Inter's Montoya interest The Spanish full-back has been targeted by the Serie A duo but his agent insists a stay with the Liga champions is almost certain
Courtois vows to 'go for Barca' The Belgian is eager to record a victory over the Catalan giants for the first time in his career as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for Atletico Madrid
Xabi Alonso injury blow for Real Madrid The Santiago Bernabeu side will be without the experienced midfielder for up to three months due to a fractured metatarsal
Gonalons surprised by slick Sociedad The Olympique Lyonnais skipper has commended the Basque outfit on their 2-0 win over les Gones in France, while Xabi Prieto is thinking about 'revenge'
Arsenal buckle over Guaita price Gunners' chief negotiator Dick Law travelled to Spain on Tuesday for talks over the 26-year-old goalkeeper, but the Londoners have been deterred by Valencia's €20m valuation
Tottenham yet to agree Bale deal with Real Madrid Both clubs have moved to quash reports that a €109 million fee has been agreed for the Welsh attacking midfielder, despite Spurs' huge spending spree this summer
Leathered! Pep, Gotze and Ribery don German trousers for beer ad Last season's treble-winning squad put on some traditional garb as part of a shoot for a brand of lager, as the new coach's transition to Bavarian life took a colourful turn
Arsenal in Valencia for talks over €20m Guaita The north London club sent a representative to Spain on Tuesday night with a view to signing the talented 26-year-old goalkeeper, who was recently on the radar of Barcelona
'Beast' Villa can fill Falcao void - Costa The 24-year-old believes the former Barcelona star will more than compensate for the loss of the Colombian this season
Casillas' Spain place not in danger, says Del Bosque
By Stefan Coerts79
Aug 21, 2013 12:11:00 PM
The national team boss has assured the Madrid shot stopper that his spot between the posts for the world and European champions is secure
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has made it clear that he has no plans to drop Iker Casillas from his squad any time soon following the goalkeeper's substitute role at Real Madrid.
Casillas lost his starting berth to Diego Lopez under Jose Mourinho in 2012-13, but was widely expected to be reinstated between the sticks following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as Madrid's new head coach.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti opted for Lopez as his No.1 in the Liga opener against Betis at the weekend, leaving Casillas' future in doubt.
"Iker is a unique person and someone who's quite special in the Spanish game," Del Bosque told El Partido de las 12.
"Obviously, we have to keep an eye on his situation at all times, but I do not think there will be any changes for the position of goalkeeper.
"We are satisfied with the goalkeepers we have, even if one of them would go 10 games or so without playing.
"This is a matter between the club and the player. Real Madrid's next game is the 26th versus Granada and the Spain squad announcement will be on August 30.
"But like I said, I don't think there will be any changes regarding our goalkeepers."
The former Blancos favourite has urged the Portuguese to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and gave his thoughts on the pursuit of Gareth Bale
Real Madrid legend Raul has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at the club as he prepares to return to his former stomping ground on Thursday.
The former Blancos forward will grace the Santiago Bernabeu pitch for what is likely to be the final time as his current employers, Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, face Madrid in a friendly.
And after being quizzed about the future of the Portugual star ahead of his homecoming, Raul admitted Ronaldo has been the best signing the club has made in recent times and hopes he remains in the Spanish capital.
He told Marca: "I hope Cristiano continues. He has been the best investment by Madrid in recent years. He's really hungry, not tired of winning and hopefully he can renew and continue, all Madridistas would be very happy."
The 36-year-old also gave his backing to Madrid's pursuit of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale and hailed the Wales international as a player every side in world football would love to have at their disposal.
"He's a dominating player, makes a difference and behind Cristiano and [Lionel] Messi is a player who comes with drive," he added.
"All clubs would like to have him in their ranks. It seems that Real Madrid is going to make a big effort and if so everyone in Madrid will be happy and will enjoy a lot of his game."
Raul's contract in Qatar expires in one year and he admits he has considered returning to los Blancos in a non-playing capacity.
"At the moment I'm a player and I feel good, I have one more year of contract, then I'll take the most appropriate decision. Going back to Real Madrid is in my thoughts. If I think I can bring something to the club I will be happy."
Official: Barcelona sign Suarez The promising youngster has decided to leave Manchester City for a return to his native country after two years abroad
Raul scores on Real Madrid return The Blancos legend scored first for Carlo Ancelotti's men as they sealed a comprehensive victory over the striker's current team Al Sadd
Neymar thrilled with first Barca goal The Brazilian ace came off the bench to grab a second-half equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday
Xabi Alonso undergoes foot surgery The Santiago Bernabeu side have confirmed the midfielder has undergone treatment on a broken metatarsal sustained during training on Wednesday
Barcelona knew Villa is a great player, says Zubizarreta The Blaugrana director has insisted that they have no regrets over the departure of the prolific striker and has wished him all the best for the future
Raul: Real Madrid will have a successful season The experienced attacker has insisted that his former team have what it takes to challenge for silverware this campaign after a successful transfer window
Neymar's goal will boost his confidence - Xavi The Spaniard believes his new team-mate's strike against Atletico will help him find his way and was pleased with the final result of Wednesday's encounter
Messi burn-out fears mar Neymar's goalscoring arrival for Barcelona The Argentine was withdrawn at the interval with a thigh problem and has set the alarm bells ringing at the Catalan club with his fitness problems so early into the new season
Simeone: Atletico can still win Supercopa The Argentine was quite satisfied with his side's performance at the Vicente Calderon and thinks they can cause Barcelona trouble in the return leg
Martino: Atletico superior to Barca for parts of the game The Argentine coach has acknowledged that the hosts were the better team in the opening 45 minutes and said Lionel Messi will undergo further examination on his injury on Thursday
Barcelona suffer Messi injury scare The Blaugrana's talisman could miss his side's upcoming games after being replaced at half-time on Wednesday night
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona: Neymar denies hosts victory The Brazilian struck in the second half to ensure both sides took home a share of the spoils in a tight affair
Valencia 'would listen to offers for Guaita' The goalkeeper looks set to leave los Che after the Liga side revealed they will consider bids for his services
The Barcelona star has been called up to the 18-man squad to face Paraguay in World Cup qualifying on September 10
Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina squad despite the Barcelona star’s current injury concerns, which have left him doubtful for the Liga game against Malaga this weekend.
Alejandro Sabella’s side only have one match in the next round of qualifiers for World Cup 2014 – an away game against Paraguay on September 10.
The Argentine media had questioned whether Messi - who is struggling with bruising to his left thigh after being substituted against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday - would be risked given the country’s strong position in the qualifying table and the fitness issues their captain has suffered in recent months.
However, his name has been included on the 18-man list for the match alongside the likes of Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
Argentina have some notable absentees for the match, with Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Garay and Federico Fernandez all ruled out through suspension while Fernando Gago is injured.
The Albiceleste currently sit top of the Conmebol qualifying table, having lost just once in their 13 matches in the campaign so far, although they have been held to draws in their last three competitive fixtures.
Their last match was a 2-1 friendly victory over Italy on August 14, in which Ever Banega and Higuain scored the goals.
The Argentine is a doubt for this weekend's clash with Malaga after limping out of the 1-1 Supercopa first-leg draw with Atletico Madrid
Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi has suffered bruising to his left thigh, leaving him doubtful for Sunday's La Liga meeting with Malaga.
The Argentine star was withdrawn at half-time in Wednesday's Supercopa first leg with Atletico Madrid after complaining of discomfort during the opening 45 minutes.
Tests conducted by the club's medical staff have since confirmed a hematoma affecting Messi's left thigh muscle, with the Catalans confirming via their official website that the 26-year-old is a doubt for this weekend's clash with Bernd Schuster's side.
The news marred a spirited fightback from Barcelona in Wednesday's game at Vicente Calderon, in which Neymar headed home his first competitive goal for Gerardo Martino's side.
Martino has already made it clear that Messi will need to be rested at specific points during the 2013-14 campaign in order to avoid a repeat of the leg injury which blighted the end of last season for the Argentina international.
The Blancos legend scored first for Carlo Ancelotti's men as they sealed a comprehensive victory over the striker's current team Al Sadd
Real Madrid legend Raul scored in front of a packed stadium as los Blancos won 5-0 in an emphatic victory over Al Sadd in the annual Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu.
The 36-year-old rather appropriately started off the party, demonstrating his touch and technique had not deserted him by bringing down the ball expertly from an Angel Di Maria pass before firing a low shot into the back of the net.
It was the sort of goal the club's supporters had come to expect from their greatest-ever goalscorer but they still showed their appreciation and awe at his ability. Minutes later, he hit the post but the crowd erupted, shouting for their hero to be given a national call-up.
Iker Casillas gave him the armband while Cristano Ronaldo gave the striker his No.7 shirt in the first half as part of a fitting tribute for the all-time leading Champions League goalscorer before he switched teams at half-time to play for his current employers.
Further goals were to come for Carlo Ancelotti's men as Isco, who scored against Betis on the opening day, once again found the net before Karim Benzema made it three.
Jese, whose future at the club looks uncertain with the imminent arrival of Tottenham's Gareth Bale, did his best to put himself in his coach's thoughts as he grabbed a double before the end and Madrid eventually declared on five.
Meanwhile, the continued debate about who should be No.1 goalkeeper between Diego Lopez and Casillas was once again played out in public as supporters highlighted the split in opinion amongst some, with a chorus of boos and cheers reverberating around the ground for each of the keepers.
But it certainly did not take the gloss off a wonderful night for an emotional Raul as he said farewell to the Bernabeu faithful in style.
Raul snubbed Manchester United for Schalke, reveals agent
By Stefan Coerts22
Aug 23, 2013 9:19:00 AM
The 36-year-old had the option to continue his career in the Premier League three years ago, but preferred a move to the Bundesliga
Real Madrid icon Raul turned down the chance to join Manchester United in the summer of 2010 and opted to move to Schalke instead, his agent Gines Carvajal has revealed.
The experienced decided to leave Madrid after he was no longer guaranteed first-team action and had several options to continue his career, including the Red Devils.
However, then Schalke coach Felix Magath eventually convinced him to sign for the Bundesliga outfit.
"The first decision was to leave and the second whether to leave to still compete at the highest level or not. He chose the latter and there were a few clubs where he could compete for trophies, including Manchester United," Carvajal told Marca.
"But there was one person – that was Felix Magath – who convinced him to go and play for Schalke.
"The United thing was serious, but there was also some uncertainty surrounding his role in the team – whether he was going to be a key player or a substitute. He might as well stay at home if he would end up at the bench.
"If he was just going to go and learn English, he could have stayed at Real. It was Magath who came to Madrid to convince him to join Schalke."
Raul left Schalke for Al Sadd in 2012 and briefly returned to Real Madrid this week for a friendly game between his current team and his former club.
