BARCELONA • Trust Lionel Messi to pull another wonder strike out of his party bag of tricks.
The "panenka" is one of the most impudent techniques in football, and the Barcelona forward took it to another level on Saturday by applying it to a free kick against Espanyol.
Social media went wild after his dinked opener put his side on course for a 2-0 win at the Nou Camp - he also scored their second - keeping the Spanish champions 10 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
It was a fitting way for Messi to mark his 675th Barcelona appearance, which moved him ahead of Andres Iniesta into second on the club's all-time list - 102 adrift of Xavi Hernandez.
Afterwards, his manager Ernesto Valverde admitted that he "had no idea he would hit (the free kick) like that".
The Spaniard said: "I would love to say that we had planned it, but it's not true, it's up to him. He didn't need my opinion and he scored."
Although Messi made a low-key return for Argentina after ending his exile from the national team during the international break, playing his first game since the World Cup last June, Valverde was delighted there was no hangover.
He added: "Messi is the same player no matter what team he is playing in. He would be the same if he played in Australia. We are delighted to have him, it's a luxury for me to coach him."
The Barcelona talisman has now notched 41 goals in all competitions this season - the 10th straight year he has recorded over 40 strikes.
The 31-year-old, whose side are unbeaten in 17 league games, also joined former Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the most number of victories in LaLiga (334).
Atletico, who will visit Valverde's men in the league on Saturday, kept alive their faint hopes of winning the title after a 4-0 away thrashing of Alaves.
Saul Niguez, Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and Thomas Partey all got on the scoresheet and, post-game, Saul promised he would "fight to win the league for the fans".
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Pep Guardiola said his Manchester City team will be poised to pounce if Man City ready to pounce on any Liverpool slip-ups, says Guardiola. 2019-01-15 07:11 Jesus took a stuttering run-up
Step Up or Ship Out. Adam and Danielle struggle to keep up with the demands of the quintuplets while also making time for 4-year-old daughter, Blayke. Later, a
Solskjaer names the Man United duo who must 'step up' - Old
oldtraffordfaithful.com/solskjaer-names-the-man-united-duo-who-must-step-up/
The attacking area has been absolutely decimated with problems, although there are still two senior figures left standing. Solskjaer has now called upon these guys to 'step up' and prove that they deserve to wear the Red jersey. "The two of them are good mates and they link up well together." Solskjaer is quoted as saying by ManUtd.com.
Shape up or ship out - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
Ex-PAP MP & ex-FAS chairman Zainudin Nordin among 4 arrested & out on police bail for donation saga. New plot twist. Chan Cheow Pong FAS General Secretary Winston Lee,
Football Association of Singapore - Singapore's official home
The blog on sexual teasing is very informative. I am a male bisexual who has not been open about my sexuallity on my job my co-workers due to my demeanor assume that I live an alternative lifestyle.
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Pep Guardiola's bid to win the Champions League for the first time since 2011 will come under threat from his old friend Mauricio Pochettino when Manchester City face Tottenham
Mauricio Pochettino plans to ruin old pal Pep Guardiola's
UK Rescuers Launch Bid To Recover Body From Emiliano Sala's Plane British crash investigators on Tuesday launched an underwater operation to recover a body from the wreckage of the plane
UK rescuers attempting to recover body from Sala's plane
Rosell, his wife and four others, were accused of "large-scale money laundering" of close to 20 million euros ($23 million) since 2006, relating Spain court acquits former FC Barcelona president
Spain court acquits former Barcelona president of money
Feb 28 (Reuters) - Manchester City will play a pre-season match in Japan for the first time when they take on J League side Yokohama F. Marinos on July 27, the Premier League champions said on Wednesday. City Football Group (CFG) own a majority stake in City and a minority stake in the Marinos, and
Manchester City to play pre-season match in Japan against Marinos
A Genius in Full Bloom, Lionel Messi Lifts Barcelona - The
Football: 'Stratospheric' Messi scores 400th La Liga goal in Barca win. Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - FC Barcelona v Eibar - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - January 13, 2019 Barcelona's
'Stratospheric' Messi scores 400th La Liga goal in Barca win
'No room for complacency' Jump to media player Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Rachel Reeves says there is "still a long way to go", after figures from the ONS reveal UK unemployment has fallen
Christians, there is no room for complacency or despair in
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino feels his two-match touchline ban for confronting referee Mike Dean is "completely unfair".
Ban completely unfair: Pochettino - theworldnews.net
Chelsea manager has become one of the first people in the history of humankind to praise Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho's 'human quality.' Sarri has admitted that Mourinho's understanding after he became embroiled in a touchline fracas with Blues assistant Marco Ianni at Stamford Bridge last month has left a lasting impression on him.
Maurizio Sarri convinces wantaway star to - football.london
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United blueprint to beat Tottenham. Man Utd face Tottenham in the Premier League and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may need some advice from Sir Alex
Manchester United - Blueprint
Paris (AFP) - Japan failed to break down a determined and well-organised Argentine defence in Paris on Monday in the first goalless draw of the women's World Cup. Japan, finalists in 2015 and winners in 2011, enjoyed almost two thirds of possession, but only forced two saves from goalkeeper Vanina Correa.
Watch Argentina v Japan live in the Fifa Women's World Cup
0 comments:
Post a Comment