International News – Issue 229

Bale A Major Doubt For El Clasico Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is set to miss the Galacticos’ key upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Barcelona through injury. The Welsh speedster was an unused substitute in Madrid’s 5-0 thumping of Levante over the…

Brazil v Argentina Preview

Friendly | Saturday 11 October | Beijing National Stadium | 14:05South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina will face off in one of the greatest ongoing battles in world football on Saturday at the Beijing National Stadium. Both fierce and friendly, it is like an…

Lionel Messi: Player Profile

Messi On The Cusp Of GreatnessPersonal informationFull name: Lionel Andrés MessiDate of birth: 24 June 1987 (age 27)Place of birth: Rosario, Santa Fe, ArgentinaHeight: 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)Playing position: ForwardClub informationCurrent team: BarcelonaNumber: 10Youth career1995–2000 Newell's Old…

Fifa Ballon d’Or Nominees

Lionel Messi, Franck Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo are among 23 candidates on the short list for the Ballon d'Or announced by FIFA on Tuesday. Ribery, who won UEFA's best player in Europe award for the 2012-13 season, helped Bayern Munich…