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Robert Lewandowski scored a first half penalty, but Manchester United found the net twice in the second to knock Barcelona out of the Europa League.

Barcelona opened the scoring in the first half, with Lewandowski converting from the spot after Bruno Fernandes dragged Alejandro Balde to the ground.

Manchester United struck swiftly after the break, as Fred found the bottom corner from outside the box. Antony found the winner 16 minutes from time, sending a shot spiraling into the bottom corner to seal a 2-1 victory (4-3 on aggregate).

Barca had one last chance, but Raphael Varane cleared Lewandowski's shot off the line deep into stoppage time – enough to knock the Blaugrana out of European competition early.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

Can't be faulted for the second goal. Could have done better on the first.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Dealt with Jadon Sancho well, but was pinned back for most of proceedings. Alejandro Garnacho gave him the runaround.

Ronald Aruajo (7/10):

Enjoyed a good night before being subbed off. One particularly impressive recovery to prevent Rashford from scoring stood out.

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Comfortable in the first half, stretched in the second.

Alejandro Balde (6/10):

Energetic, won a (slightly dubious) penalty for his side. Could have closed down Antony quicker on United's winner.

AdvertisementMidfield

Franck Kessie (5/10):

Was enjoying a solid showing until he gave the ball away in the build up to United's equaliser.

Sergio Busquets (6/10):

Positionally exploited in the second half. Looked leggy in his first game in nearly a month, and got himself a silly yellow card as a result.

Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

Impressive against the team he almost joined last summer. Completed the most dribbles in the match, passed well. Barca's standout on the night.

Getty ImagesAttack

Raphinha (5/10):

Skyed a few over the bar, and could've linked with Lewandowski more effectively.

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Scored from the spot, although it wasn't particularly convincing. Had his last-minute effort cleared off the line.

Sergi Roberto (5/10):

A typically solid shift, but a more natural forward would probably have put Barca 2-0 up.

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Subs & Manager

Ferran Torres (6/10):

Didn't really offer much beyond one floated cross that Ansu Fati couldn't convert.

Ansu Fati (5/10):

Mistimed his jump on what would have been an equalising header.

Marcos Alonso (N/A):

Didn't impact the game much, went down far too easily trying to win a foul.

Xavi (5/10):

Changed formation, playing a more natural 4-3-3 with Sergi Roberto operating in an unfamiliar left wing position. It offered some defensive solidity, but Barca looked short of ideas going forward. Not how he wanted Barca's European campaign to end.

The Brazil international headed home the only goal of the game as the Blaugrana hung on after Ronald Araujo's red card

Raphinha's first-half goal was enough for Barcelona to see off Valencia at home and extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 10 points, at least for a few hours.

Barca wasted no time asserting themselves on the game, and Raphinha handed the Blaugrana the lead inside 20 minutes, meeting Sergio Busquets' chip with a deft header.

Ferran Torres should have doubled Barcelona's lead in the second half, but clanged a spot-kick off the post after 54 minutes.

Barca then handed Valencia a further lifeline after Ronald Araujo was sent off for dragging Hugo Duro down as he ran through on goal.

Xavi's side, though, turned in a measured showing for the final 30 minutes, grinding out a 1-0 home win that could go a long way to helping them seal the title.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

Almost gave up a goal with a lax clearance. Didn't have a save to make.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

His poor header doomed Araujo to a straight red card.

Ronald Araujo (4/10):

Shown a straight red card for dragging Duro down as he ran through on goal.

Andreas Christensen (7/10):

Won his headers, passed well. Crucial in seeing off late pressure.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):

Another fantastic performance from the youngster, scampering up and down the left with ease.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Sergi Roberto (7/10):

Another impressive shift from a reliable player, a few days after penning a new deal.

Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Assisted Raphinha's opener with a wonderful chip over the Valencia back line. Tackled well, although looked slightly exposed as Valencia started to push for an equaliser.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

An agreeable 45 minutes, although some of his decision-making going forward was lacking. Removed at half-time, likely a pre-planned sub.

Getty ImagesAttack

Ansu Fati (4/10):

Handed his second Liga start in a row, but miscued a header from seven yards out, which pretty much encapsulates his struggles this year. Hit the post in the second half. Sacrificed after an hour for a centre-back after Araujo was sent off.

Ferran Torres (6/10):

Missed a penalty that should have doubled his team's lead.

Raphinha (8/10):

Opened the scoring with a well-taken header. Was Barca's most consistent threat otherwise, picking up the slack with Robert Lewandowski out.

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Subs & Manager

Franck Kessie (6/10):

Won the ball a lot, but wasn't composed enough in possession.

Marcos Alonso (6/10):

Centre-back cover for Araujo, not exactly convincing.

Eric Garcia (6/10):

Brought on for extra legs as Barca held on.

Angel Aracon (N/A):

Only introduced for the final five minutes.

Xavi (6/10):

Went with his strongest XI after a tiring Clasico on Thursday. Barca were far from their best, but they picked up an important home win.

Everything you need to know about the prolific Argentine!

When you talk about one of the best strikers in the top five European leagues, Lautaro Martinez certainly makes the list. At just 25, he is one of the faces of Serie A and has played a big role in helping Inter Milan return to face Europe's elite.

Born on August 22, 1997, in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, Martinez began his football career in his hometown club, Liniers and made a name for himself at under-17 level. After catching the eye of the then-interim coach Fabio Radaelli, Racing Club de Avellaneda signed Martinez in January 2014 and made his professional debut in 2015. He scored 27 goals in 62 appearances for the club.

In 2018, he signed with Inter Milan for a reported fee of €22.7 million. Since joining Inter, Martinez has becoome one of the first names on the team sheet and was instrumental in Inter's triumphant Serie A campaign in the 2020-21 season, where he played all 38 league games and scored 17 goals along with 10 assists.

This season, he has helped Inter reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 season, scoring one goal and assisting one in the second leg of their quarter-final against Benfica.

In Serie A, his 17 goals are only behind Victor Osimhen's 21, but Inter face a tough battle with the likes of Juventus, Roma, AC Milan, and Atalanta for a top four finish.

Martinez has also been one of the regulars for the Argentina national team ever since making his international debut in 2018, representing his country in various international competitions, including the 2019 Copa America, where he helped Argentina reach the semi-finals. He was also a part of the 2022 World Cup winning squad. He has scored 21 goals in 48 appearances for .

Martinez's style of play is characterized by his agility, quickness, and clinical finishing in front of goal. He is also known for his tireless work rate and ability to press the opposition defenders, making him a valuable asset in the attacking phase as well as the defensive phase.

Here are some of the most interesting facts you need to know about Lautaro Martinez!

Followed in his father's footsteps

Lautaro Martinez's father Mario Martinez was a professional footballer himself. Born in 1972, he played as a left-back for Nacional B (second-tier of Argentine football system) for sides like Club Villa Mitre, Racing de Olavarria, Liniers de Bahia Blanca, and Club Rosario Puerto Belgrano.

AdvertisementCamaraderie with Braian Mansilla

Before Martinez had joined Racing Club in 2014, another centre forward had already joined the Racing Club academy, Braian Mansilla. They were both 16 years old when Martinez joined the club.

The two were directly competing for the centre forward spot, and Mansilla saw that Martinez was too good. He knew that the newcomer would take his spot as the centre forward.

After Martinez arrived, he couldn't easily adapt to his new surroundings and was feeling extremely homesick. At one point, he decided to leave Racing Club and return to his family in Bahia Blanca, which would have cleared the way for Mansilla.

One day, Mansilla noticed that Martinez was crying because of all the difficulties he was facing. What Mansilla told Martinez would change the latter's life.

“How are you going to leave, idiot? Do you know what this is? We can play in Primera! Stop f****** around, stay here, one day we're going to play together in there, and we're going to break in [into the first team]. Come on, stay," Mansilla told Martinez.

Although both these players were of the same age, Mansilla treated Martinez like his younger brother and motivated him to fight his apprehensions. They would end up playing together for Racing Club's first team a few years later.

"Braian was one of those who opened the doors for me," Martinez acknowledged in an interview with Argentine sports magazine El Grafico in 2017.
"He knew that I was coming to take his job, but he was always available. I wanted to go back to Bahia because I missed it, but he convinced me that I had to stay, enjoy this, that it is unique. I will always be grateful to him."

GettyThe story behind his scouting

Martinez and his teammates had a training session at Liniers with the Bahia team. Scouts from Racing Club's academy were already conducting trials. After Martinez and his team's training began, the Racing Club staff surprisingly decided to stay back.

One of the those staff members was Fabio Radaelli, who was the coach of the Racing Club reserve team back then. He noticed Martinez's quality and decided to scout him for a couple more games, before directly signing him without any trials. The rest is history as he went on to score 27 goals in 62 games for the first team.

“He is a mix between Juan Esnaider and Diego Milito," Radaelli claimed when praising the then-16-year-old.

"I remember when I first saw him, I asked myself if he was naturally left or right-footed as he controlled and played the ball with both [feet], and that remains the same today.

"After watching him for 10 minutes, I realised that he was a special kind of player.”

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Would have been a basketball player if not a footballer

In the same interview with El Grafico, Martinez confessed his love for basketball, going as far as to say that he would have chosen to be a professional basketball player if he was not a footballer.

"I like it a lot," Martinez responded when asked if he liked basketball.

"As a boy I played basketball, but at 15 I had to choose [between basketball and football] and I decided on football. But, if I weren't a football player, I would play basketball, I love it. What's more: I'd rather watch a basketball game than a football game."

NWSL clubs are owned by some big names, with James Harden, Naomi Osaka, Eli Manning and Sue Bird among the others to invest in U.S. women's soccer

From sporting icons such as Serena Williams, Patrick Mahomes and Kevin Durant, to award-winning actresses such as Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Garner – the NWSL, the top division of women's soccer in the United States, has seen a flurry of star names invest in its teams in recent years.

There seems to be an ever-growing list of celebrities putting their money into the league as it, as well as the sport as a whole, continues to take big steps forward.

GOAL explains who owns every NWSL club below, highlighting more of those big names along the way.

GettyAngel City

Angel City is undoubtedly the club with the most star-studded ownership group, one led by actress Natalie Portman, entrepreneur Julie Uhrman and venture capitalists Kara Nortman and Alexis Ohanian.

Founded in 2021, big names such as tennis legend Serena Williams, actresses Jennifer Garner and Eva Longoria, plus a whole host of U.S. women's national team icons – including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Shannon Boxx, Lauren Holiday and Abby Wambach – were involved from the get-go.

Plenty more have become part of the growing group of owners since, too. They include another tennis icon in Billie Jean King, WNBA star Candace Parker, TV host James Corden and Super Bowl LVI champion Matthew Stafford.

Primary owners: Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman, Julie Uhrmann and Alexis Ohanian

Celebrity investors: Uzo Aduba, Jennifer Garner, Eva Longoria, Jessica Chastain, Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Rachel Van Hollebeke, Shannon Boxx, Amanda Cromwell, Lorrie Fair, Ronnie Fair, Joy Fawcett, Angela Hucles, Shannon MacMillan, Tisha Venturini, Saskia Webber, Lauren Holiday, Abby Wambach, America Ferrera, James Corden, Candace Parker, P. K. Subban, Matthew Stafford

AdvertisementGettyChicago Red Stars

Ownership in the NWSL isn't all rosy and glamorous, though. Sadly, there have been a lot of controversies in the league in recent years, one of which saw the Chicago Red Stars' former coach, Rory Dames, banned from coaching in the division ever again.

Investigations found Dames had been emotionally and verbally abusive toward players and that reports by players, specifically U.S. women’s national team star Christen Press, were mishandled and largely ignored by U.S. Soccer, the NWSL and Arnim Whisler, the majority owner of the Red Stars.

Whisler has since been removed as chairman of the board and is in the process of selling the club.

Primary owner: Arnim Whisler

GettyHouston Dash

Houston Dash is owned by the same ownership group as the Houston Dynamo, which is led by Ted Segal. He fully controls ownership after buying out his remaining minority partners in the summer of 2022.

The group also includes some star names in the sporting world, with boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya and NBA star James Harden also on board.

Primary owner: Ted Segal

Celebrity investors: James Harden, Oscar de la Hoya

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GettyKansas City Current

Back in 2017, two-time NWSL champions FC Kansas City ceased operations and saw its player-related assets transferred to NWSL expansion team Utah Royals. Three years later, when the Royals had to cease operations after controversy surrounding the team's owner, financial executives Angie and Chris Long took the opportunity to bring the NWSL back to Kansas City with the Royals' assets.

The Kansas City Current's ownership group is led by the pair, but it has also had a star name attached to it since day one as Brittany Mahomes, wife of NFL quarterback Patrick, also bought a stake in the team in late 2020.

The Kansas City Chiefs' star, a two-time Super Bowl winner, joined the ownership group in January 2023.

Primary owner: Angie and Chris Long

Celebrity investors: Patrick Mahomes

The England striker has become United's top earner after enjoying the best season of his life just one year after his future was in doubt

Marcus Rashford has just signed a five-year contract with Manchester United which makes him the club's highest paid player. And after the season he has just had, no one could begrudge him that status. The striker has staged an unbelievable individual comeback compared to where he was just a year ago, when his future at the club where he had spent his entire career was in serious doubt.

Rashford had fallen out of favour with interim manager Ralf Rangnick and had spent most of the season on the bench. He finished a dismal campaign for both him and his club with a measly five goals in all competitions.

What a difference a year makes. Rashford enjoyed the best season of his seven-year career in 2022-23, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. He fired United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, securing a swift return to the Champions League, and led them to win the Carabao Cup, while also reaching the FA Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

And so as United celebrate agreeing a long-term contract with their favourite son, GOAL takes a look at the key moments that convinced the club to give Rashford the new deal and make him their best-paid player…

GettyPutting in the work last summer

Rashford began his road to recovery in the summer of 2022. He had just endured a nightmarish 12 months which included missing his spot-kick in England's penalty-shootout defeat to Italy in the European Championship final and the shameful racist abuse that followed. He had also undergone back surgery and then struggled to reclaim a regular place in the United line up while being repeatedly left out of the England squad.

While many of his team-mates were enjoying their summer breaks last year, he headed to Nike's headquarters in Oregon for an intense training plan, working with a team of fitness coaches and sports scientists. He worked on his explosiveness, practising sprints on an elevated 200-metre track and running with bungee cords strapped to his back. The hard work he put in before the season paid off handsomely.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRegaining confidence against Liverpool

Rashford had not scored a goal for club or country for seven months in August, but in the third game of the season against Liverpool, he showcased his new physical prowess and renewed confidence. The striker scored the all-important second goal in the 2-1 win, sprinting in behind Joe Gomez to latch on to an Anthony Martial pass and taking one touch before burying the ball into the net.

It was far from the best goal Rashford has scored, but it was a sign he was back and meant business. The strike also clinched a badly-needed victory for United over the old enemy after they had made a disastrous start to the campaign with twin losses to Brighton and Brentford.

GettyThe towering header against West Ham

There was no doubt about Rashford's ability to run in behind defences, but in a tricky fixture against West Ham at the end of October, he showed he had all the attributes of a traditional striker too. He neted a towering header to score the only goal of the game, flying off the floor to beat Thilo Kehrer in the air and send Christian Eriksen's floated cross crashing high into the net.

With United lacking a proper centre-forward for much of the season, Rashford's ability to get in the box and score headers proved valuable as they eventually finished third in the Premier League.

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Getty The slalom run against Burnley

In the first game back after the World Cup, Rashford did his best Diego Maradona impression and scored one of his finest ever goals. He picked up the ball deep in his own half and accelerated down the right wing, never looking back.

His speed scared the lights out of the Burnley defenders and as he approached the area he danced past two of them before arrowing the ball into the far corner. The goal had shades of Ryan Giggs' solo goal against Arsenal in 1999 and demonstrated that Rashford had all the capabilities to be one of the best players in the world.

It was also the beginning of an incredible streak of form for Rashford, who scored eight goals in a run of seven matches between December and January.

Rasmus Hojlund has joined Manchester United in a £72 million ($92m) transfer, but how many goals does he need in order to be considered a success?

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Denmark international signed for big moneyExpectations are high at Old TraffordHas already been compared to HaalandWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils have spent big on making the Denmark international the most expensive striker they have ever signed. Big pressure is being lumped onto the 20-year-old’s young shoulders, with the expectation being that he will become a fearsome No.9 for the Premier League heavyweights.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hojlund is nursing a knock at present, which is delaying his debut, but former United striker Louis Saha has – speaking in association with – told GOAL of how many efforts the Dane is going to need in order to justify his price tag: “When you start your first season, you need to adapt to the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund is from Denmark, and he played in Italy, but the Premier League is a different animal, and he will need time to adapt. Hojlund should be aiming for 20 goals this season when you consider that he has [Marcus] Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and [Christian] Eriksen who can all create chances for him. With the players he’s got around him, 20 goals is a good target this season. We can see that if things click, he has good players around him and he’s got a manager who is smart enough to give him time to settle in. So, 20-25 goals in all competitions is a really good first season. They [Manchester United] have given him this responsibility and paid a lot of money, because he’s got the potential to score 30 goals like Erling Haaland has done. Maybe it will take him more time, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

AND WHAT'S MORE

Hojlund has already been likened to Manchester City superstar Haaland, despite being nowhere near as prolific throughout his career to date, and Saha believes the youngster needs to grow accustomed to operating under the brightest of spotlights. He added: “Haaland is a more confident player than Hojlund. He had played in the Champions League with RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, and we saw his potential before he moved to Manchester City. When he came to City, he was playing with quality players such as [Bernardo] Silva and [Kevin] De Bruyne and we knew he would score goals, that wasn’t a surprise. He’s the perfect fit for City. Manchester United are still in transition but they can still improve as a team. There are comparisons between Hojlund and Haaland in that they are both tall, quick, and have a great left foot. Hojlund can adapt, maybe not as quickly as Haaland has done but that’s because Pep Guardiola already had a successful foundation to win the Premier League, which has not been the case for a while at United. The comparisons between the two are not unfair because he [Hojlund] has the quality, but there will be pressure to fulfil the expectation.”

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Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Hojlund is yet to be assigned a squad number by United, as they work on comings and goings towards the end of another transfer window, with it yet to be determined how he will fit into the grand plans being drawn up by Dutch coach Erik ten Hag.

Harry Maguire continues to attract criticism with Manchester United and England, but Gary Pallister remains on the under-fire defender’s side.

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Centre-half stripped of captaincyNow struggling for game timeEngland winger also out of favourWhat happened?

It has been a testing 12 months or so for Maguire at Old Trafford, with questions constantly being asked of his value to the Red Devils cause. His performances for England – although steady enough at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – have also seen the 30-year-old centre-half become an easy target and international scapegoat for many.

AdvertisementGettyHarsh or fair?

United legend Pallister knows a thing or two about operating in the Red Devils’ defensive unit – as a four-time Premier League title winner – and, speaking on behalf of , he told GOAL when asked about the sporting circus that Maguire finds himself at the centre of: “For two years there was no issue with Harry Maguire at Old Trafford. He was made captain. I don’t think he’s in the mould of a Bryan Robson, a Roy Keane or a Steve Bruce – it was probably as close as they had at Old Trafford, and therefore he was made captain. For two years he was fine. After the Euros, he got injured shortly into the season and I think they rushed him back a bit too quickly. He didn’t look himself, he made a few mistakes, the crowd started getting on his back and it’s been a tough time since then. I don’t know if he feels the pressure, if he’s anxious about things off the pitch. It’s been a difficult time. Apart from the last six months or so, he’s been exceptional for England as well. He’s not a bad centre-half. I can’t buy into that because he has been in European Championship teams of the tournament, he’s got how many caps for England, Gareth [Southgate] trusts him implicitly and I can’t buy into what everyone’s saying – 'he’s done, he’s washed up, he’s finished'. At the moment, playing at Old Trafford, it has been difficult for him.”

Pressed further on whether Maguire is good enough for United – which is really the only question that matters when it comes to decisions on his future – Pallister added: “There was absolutely no problem for two years. He wasn’t afraid to bring the ball out from the back, he won his headers, won his tackles, he would join in. Nobody was looking at Harry Maguire and saying ‘he doesn’t look like a Manchester United centre-back’. He’s lost his place, the fans have been unsure and it makes it tough. It can be a lonely place, Old Trafford, if you don’t have the fans behind you. That’s probably played a big part in why he’s not in the team at the moment.”

Leader of men?

Maguire was stripped of the captaincy at United by Erik ten Hag ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. The armband was passed on to playmaker Bruno Fernandes, with Pallister saying when asked if the theatrical Portuguese is the right man to follow in the footsteps of iconic former skippers such as Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane and Paul Ince: “I don’t think there is anybody there of that ilk. It will be interesting to see if eventually [Lisandro] Martinez does get it, because I think he sets a tone for Manchester United in the way he plays the game – he’s a fan favourite, he leaves everything out on the pitch, he’s committed, aggressive, he’s in your face, he’s the kind of footballer that I played with – Robson, Bruce, Keane, Ince. They were in your face captains and led by example and weren’t afraid to give people a rollicking if they needed it. Bruno’s not one of them, but he’s a voice in that dressing room. Erik thinks he’s the right man for the job. Sometimes when he’s screaming at referees and things like that, you scratch your head and wish he’d just concentrate on football, but he’s been an incredible player for United.”

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(C)Getty ImagesWho’s in charge?

Ten Hag has shown that he is not afraid to make big decisions, with Jadon Sancho another of those to have found that out the hard way. He was dropped for the trip to Arsenal, with his performances in training called into question, before claiming to have been made a scapegoat. Pallister said of that unfortunate saga, with Sancho currently training on his own: “It’s unusual for it to be played out on social media like it has been. Most of that kind of stuff was kept in-house in the days I played at Manchester United. It’s been aired in public a bit. I think they have had a clear the air meeting. I hope they have because it’s not nice to see. If we can get Jadon Sancho performing like he did at Dortmund, then you have got a helluva of a player on your hands. He’s shown it in fits and starts – his ability, he’s scored goals, he’s caught the eye in moments. It’s that consistency that he’s got to find. The club were brilliant with him last year, giving him three months off to try and deal with whatever was going on, and it’s not often you see something like that happen. He’s got to give the club due respect for trying to help him. Hopefully it gets sorted out behind the scenes. There is a role in there on the right-hand side. If he’s put a good week’s training, maybe he’ll get a chance.”

Lionel Messi is set to star in a new animated series from Sony called ‘Messi and the Giants’ that is inspired by the Inter Miami and Argentina icon.

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World Cup winner inspired new Sony seriesFollows 12-year-old Messi on journey homeTeaser trailed ahead of full global releaseWHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is used to starring on the small screen, with his exploits on the field being beamed to every corner of the planet. He is now about to become a cartoon character, with the series in question – which will be distributed throughout the world – depicting a 12-year-old Messi confronting various obstacles and challenges while travelling through a video game in a bid to make his way home.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

‘Mess and the Giants’ will feature original music from Sony’s stable of artists and composers, with Joe D’Ambrosia – EVP & General Manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids – saying of the production: “Football is the only sport around the world that can inspire excitement and connection in the same way that storytelling does. What makes this series special is that it focuses on the same principles of good sportsmanship…it’s about perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and believing in yourself. We’ve enjoyed working with Leo and the entire team at Sony Music on this creative collaboration, and we’re looking forward to sharing more about this thoughtful and inspiring series to our broadcast and platform partners later this month.”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Sony have confirmed that ‘Messi and the Giants’ will be available in English, Spanish and “many other languages”, with Fernando Cabral – EVP, Business Development, Latin-Iberia, Sony Music Entertainment – adding: “We’re thrilled to present Messi and the Giants at MIPCOM, the global market for entertainment content. With our partners at Sony Pictures Television – Kids, we can’t wait to share the vision and creative direction behind this inspirational series with full support from Leo and his incredible team.”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

World Cup winner Messi is also about to star in a documentary series from Apple TV+ that lifts the lid on his start to life in the United States with Inter Miami – with the first three episodes of ‘Messi Meets America’ due to air from October 11.

Callum Wilson will pull out of the England squad for their upcoming matches after sustaining an injury, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe says.

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Wilson suffered hamstring injuryWill pull out of England squadJude Bellingham also a doubtWHAT HAPPENED?

Wilson was absent as Newcastle lost 2-0 to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. He was ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.

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The injury means the forward will have to miss next Friday's Euro 2024 qualifying match against Malta at Wembley and the away game against North Macedonia the following Monday.

Jude Bellingham is also in danger of missing the double header after he missed Real Madrid's match against Valencia in La Liga on Sunday because of a shoulder injury.

WHAT EDDIE HOWE SAID

Howe said after his team's Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium: "Callum won't travel with England. He's going to be out for a number of weeks."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE

After the international period, Newcastle will take on Chelsea in the Premier League on November 25.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni insists he is happy with the condition of Lionel Messi, despite the forward's limited minutes for Inter Miami.

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MLS season is overMessi not playing weeklySet to face Uruguay and BrazilWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi has not been playing weekly for Inter Miami, with their final game of the regular season coming on October 21 against Charlotte. Since then, the legendary Ballon d'Or holder has only played in a friendly, against New York City, which Miami lost 2-1.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Nevertheless, Scaloni has included one of the greatest players ever in his squad for the upcoming games against Uruguay and Brazil, and he has been heartened by what he's seen from the 36-year-old in training.

WHAT THEY SAID

Scaloni told reporters in a press conference: “How is Messi? He is in good shape, despite not having many games in the last month he comes in shape because he was training. He is good.”

The Argentina boss has also endorsed the decision to hand the Ballon d'Or to his countryman, adding: "I don't really understand those who discuss Leo’s Ballon d'Or. I imagine it because they want to generate a debate, but I no longer believe there is one debate left anymore."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Argentina face Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on Friday before taking on Brazil on Wednesday. Scaloni's men currently top the South American section having taken maximum points.