Akmal was banned for three years by the PCB for not reporting corrupt approaches
Danyal Rasool06-Jul-2020Umar Akmal’s appeal against his three-year ban will be heard next Monday on July 13 by an independent adjudicator at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. The adjudicator is a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retired) Faqir Mohammad Khokhar, and notices have been issued to both Akmal and the PCB with regards to the timing of the hearing.The appeal was set to be heard on June 11 but became yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic, coming at a time when cases were increasing rapidly across Pakistan and lockdowns were imposed across Lahore. As a result, it was postponed; and now that the date of the new hearing has been confirmed, Akmal is set to learn his fate in a week’s time.Akmal was banned for three years by the PCB on April 27 for failing to report corrupt approaches and was found guilty of two breaches of the board’s anti-corruption code. The charges come under Article 2.4.4, which deals with “failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”. While each charge carries a three-year ban, they are being run concurrently.The severity of the punishment was at the time considered surprising, but it emerged he had been handed the stiffer-than-expected penalty for failing to show sufficient remorse. Players who had fallen foul in a similar manner to Akmal previously were handed far lighter sanctions, with Mohammad Irfan banned in 2017 for six months, while Mohammad Nawaz was given a two-month ban.Three weeks later, Akmal announced he would contest the decision on grounds that the length of the ban was unprecedented for a breach of the nature he had been found guilty of committing. According to the PCB’s code, the appeal does not mean a fresh hearing will have to be conducted, with the appeals process limiting itself to “a consideration of whether the decision being appealed was erroneous”.The ban has come as the most significant setback to 29-year-old Akmal, whose career has been littered with controversy. Repeated incidents of indiscipline since his debut in 2009 have meant that he has been fined and suspended on several occasions; and an inability to stay fit has led to penalties as well. In September 2017, he copped a three-month ban for publicly criticising then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, and earlier this year, was reprimanded by the PCB for misbehaving after failing a fitness test, reportedly exposing himself to a trainer in frustration at one point.
It was another weekend of mixed fortunes for Arsenal, as they dispatched Bournemouth to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League, only for Manchester City to instantly reduce the gap back to a single point.
Mikel Arteta's side might not be in the driving seat anymore, but with players like Leandro Trossard scoring for fun at the moment, they look set to carry on the fight until the very end.
The Belgian has become one of the Gunners' most important players in recent months, and yet there is a squad player who earns more than him and summer signing Jurrien Timber, who must be sold this year.
The signings of Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber
The North Londoners completed the £27m signing of Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 after missing out on their supposed primary target Mykhailo Mudryk to cross-city rivals Chelsea – talk about dodging a bullet.
Trossard's Arsenal record
Season
2022/23
2023/24
Appearances
22
44
Goals
1
16
Assists
10
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.40
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Since moving to the capital, the versatile forward has become an integral part of Arteta's system. He provided ten assists and scored one goal in 22 appearances last season before scoring 16 goals and providing two assists in 44 games so far this year.
The 29-year-old has been so influential in the year and a half he's been in N5 that he has now firmly established himself as the starting leftwinger for the rest of the campaign, ahead of the incredibly talented youngster Gabriel Martinelli and all while earning the relatively modest – in the world of football – wage of £90k-per-week.
On the other hand, Timber – who also makes £90k-per-week – hasn't been able to prove his worth in England as, after making his £38m move from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer, he played just 50 minutes of Premier League football before suffering from an ACL injury which has seen him remain out of action to this day.
However, the "intelligent, mature, and versatile young defender," as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, proved his worth in Amsterdam before coming to London. He made 121 appearances for Die Godenzonen, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
Overall, both stars have shown why they should be earning the salary they are, but this cannot be said for a Hale End graduate who is making more than both while playing little to no role in the first team this year.
Wage Burners
Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.
Why Reiss Nelson has to be sold
Nelson has been with Arsenal since the age of eight and has been in and around the first team for six years, since making his debut in the 2017 Community Shield.
However, aside from the odd goal here and there – including that last-minute winner against Bournemouth last season – he's struggled to have a tangible impact on the first team's fortunes.
The Elephant and Castle-born winger has made just 89 appearances for Arsenal since his debut, in which he has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, which, while not a terrible return, is nothing special, which makes the fact he was offered a £100k-per-week contract last summer all the more perplexing.
The finances of Reiss Nelson's Arsenal Deal
Wages (Total)
£100k (£9.2m)
Appearances
89
Cost per Appearance
£103k
Goals
8
Cost per Goal
£1.1m
Assists
9
Cost per Assist
£1m
Goal Involvements
17
Cost per Goal Involvement
£540k
All Stats via Transfermarkt & All Wages via Capology
In all, when taking into account the money the 24-year-old has earned in the seasons he has been in London – he spent two seasons on loan – he has cost the Gunners around £9.2m in wages, which can be broken down to £103k-per-appearance, £1.1m-per-goal, or £1m-per-assist.
In other words, from a financial or footballing perspective, it's not been a beneficial deal for the club.
So, with Football Transfers reporting late last week that Crystal Palace are interested in bringing the Hale End graduate to Selhurst Park in the summer, it might be high time for Edu and Arteta to let him go and finally cash in on a player who hasn't justified his wages in red and white.
Arsenal eyeing dream £26m Isak alternative who reminds Wenger of Henry
The incredible forwards has been tearing it up this season and could be the better option for the Gunners.
O São Paulo treinou na manhã desta terça-feira (29), no CT da Barra Funda, em preparação para o clássico contra o Corinthians, às 21h30 desta quarta-feira, na Neo Química Arena, pela oitava rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. E a atividade contou com uma novidade.
Léo renovou contrato: veja a duração dos vínculos dos jogadores do São Paulo
Em recuperação deum estiramento no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, o zagueiro Miranda treinou com o elenco do Tricolor e pode ser ao menos relacionado para o Majestoso. A tendência é que fique no banco de reservas.
CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!
RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo estreia no Paulista sub-20 contra o Audax; veja a tabelaSão Paulo29/06/2021São PauloSão Paulo aguarda situação de Léo; zaga passa por diversos desfalquesSão Paulo28/06/2021São PauloMarquinhos vibra com gol na estreia de Alex no São Paulo: ‘Especial’São Paulo28/06/2021
Miranda se lesionou na derrota para o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0, no dia 13 de junho, no Mineirão. Na ocasião, ele sentiu dores ainda na primeira etapa após uma dividida e precisou sair de campo. Desde então, o camisa 23 foi desfalque em quatro partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro.
🆕 De volta ao CT da Barra Funda com novidade 👇@miranda023, que se recupera de um estiramento no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, treinou com o elenco.#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪
Como mostrou o LANCE!, o São Paulo vem convivendo com diversos desfalques na defesa. Além de Miranda, Arboleda, que está na seleção equatoriana, também não vem jogando pelo Tricolor. Sendo assim, o time de Hernán Crespo vem precisando improvisar, colocando o lateral-esquerdo Reinaldo no setor.
Leeds United took another step on the road to securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League with a big 3-1 win over Hull City on Monday.
The Whites needed a late penalty from Crysencio Summerville, who took the ball off Joel Piroe to take the spot-kick, and a stoppage time long-ranger from Dan James to secure all three points at Elland Road, after Fabio Carvalho cancelled out Sam Byram's opener.
Ipswich Town are currently one point ahead of the club, in first place, whilst Leicester City are one point behind Daniel Farke's side, with one game in hand on the top two.
Daniel Farke before a game with Leeds United.
Leeds will be looking to avoid the lottery of the play-offs in the post-season and that means that they have to keep churning out results over the next six matches to ensure that they finish in one of the top two places to land automatic promotion to the Premier League, having been relegated from the top-flight last summer.
The Whites reportedly already have allowed some of their focus to shift to the summer transfer window and how they could improve their squad, whether they are in the Championship or the top division.
Leeds interest in Championship star
According to a recent report from the Belfast Telegraph, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sunderland star Trai Hume at the end of the season.
The outlet claimed that the Whites are considering a swoop to snap up the Northern Ireland international to bolster their options at full-back ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
It named Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Leicester as the other English teams keeping tabs on his progress at the Stadium of Light, which means that there could be Premier League competition for his signature.
Trai Hume
Reigning Serie A champions Napoli, who were in the Champions League this season, are also said to be weighing up a move for the talented right-back, who has seemingly caught the eye with his performances on the pitch in the Championship this season.
The report did not, however, reveal how much Sunderland would demand for the defender, who they paid £200k for in January 2022, from the interested clubs.
It, therefore, remains to be seen how viable a deal is for Leeds irrespective of the division they are due to be in next season. If the Whites are promoted to the Premier League, though, they could use that to tempt the full-back into making the move to Elland Road.
Farke could now land a big upgrade on current right-back Byram, who is out of contract at the end of this season, by securing a deal for Hume.
Sam Byram's Leeds season in numbers
The German boss brought the Leeds academy graduate back to Yorkshire for a second spell at the club, having also worked with him during their time together at Norwich, on a free transfer from the Canaries last summer.
Byram penned a one-year deal at Elland Road and has been a reliable performer when called upon throughout the season, at both left-back and right-back.
In four years at Norwich, the defender only played 54 matches in all competitions for the Norfolk-based outfit, with various injury issues, but has already racked up 32 appearances for Leeds this term.
Appearances
29
Starts
21
Sofascore rating
7.17
Duel success rate
55%
Tackles per game
1.8
Interceptions per game
1.2
As you can see in the table above, 29 of those games have come in the Championship as the versatile ace has provided Farke with defensive quality on the left and the right flank.
Byram, who scored the opening goal against Hull on Monday by bundling the ball in at the back post, has chipped in with two goals and one assist in those matches, with only one 'big chance' created for his teammates.
Sam Byram
Despite his solid performances in the Championship, his aforementioned injury issues with Norwich and the fact he turns 31 in September mean that it could make sense to shake hands and part ways in the summer.
His contract expires at the end of this season and Hume could be brought in as a natural successor to Byram, whilst being an upgrade on the 30-year-old gem who also has room to improve at the age of 22.
Why Trai Hume would be a Sam Byram upgrade
The Northern Irish whiz has been in fantastic form in the Championship for the Black Cats so far this season, and has outperformed the current Leeds man.
His progressive play on the ball could, firstly, make him a smart addition for Leeds from a stylistic perspective, given Farke's possession-based system.
Hume ranks within the top 16% of full-backs in the division for progressive passes (4.91) per 90, and the top 18% for pass success rate (81.6%), which shows that the 5 foot 11 dynamo looks to play forward to progress play for his side and is efficient at doing so in comparison to his positional peers.
The 22-year-old star, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, also has fantastic defensive qualities that could make him a big upgrade on Byram.
Appearances
29
40
Tackles per game
1.8
3.4
Interceptions per game
1.2
1.5
Ball recoveries per game
3.7
5.5
Ground duel success rate
55%
58%
Aerial duel success rate
54%
60%
Red cards
0
1
As you can see in the table below, the Black Cats titan has outperformed the English defender in almost every key defensive metric in the Championship this season.
Hume wins possession back for his team more frequently, through tackles and interceptions, and wins a higher percentage of his duels with opposition attackers, on the ground and in the air, which shows that he is a more effective and efficient defender.
Like Byram, the young enforcer also has the versatility to be deployed at left-back or right-back. This means that the Leeds target could be the perfect signing to replace the former Norwich ace, given that he can operate and provide cover on either side.
Therefore, Farke must push to secure a deal for the talented defender to improve his squad during the summer transfer window, as Hume could offer more quality at the back with his fantastic defensive skills whilst also having room to develop at his young age.
On the whole this season, Manchester United’s League standing isn’t a true reflection of their performances, and in truth, they should be even lower in the table.
Erik ten Hag is now under increasing pressure to succeed, but the same problems continue to occur every game, with no signs of visible progression.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
The only positive that can be taken from this campaign is the rise of the youth, with Alejandro Garnacho thriving in particular, becoming a key player for the Red Devils, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.
At just 19 years of age, the winger has truly cemented himself a spot in the starting lineup, as he continues to impress, but just imagine the levels he could go to with a new full-back providing support behind him.
Man Utd’s search for a new left-back
This season, the left-back position has been a huge problem for the Dutch boss due to often being left without a single available player in that role.
That’s currently the case at the moment, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both unavailable due to injuries, with the latter set to miss the entire campaign. It’s seen young Harry Amass given time among the senior team, however, named among the substitutes against Liverpool last Sunday.
Luke Shaw
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is desperate to sign a new left-back this summer, and his first potential acquisition could be Miguel Gutierrez, according to the Sunday Mirror via TeamTALK.
However, the English club will not get a clean run at the Spaniard, with Real Madrid having a £6.8m buy-back clause and Arsenal previously scouting him.
Girona defenderMiguel Gutierrez.
That said, let’s take a look at the potential influence Gutierrez could have on Garnacho in particular.
Why Gutierrez could turn Garnacho into a monster
Gutierrez has taken Spain by storm this season, thriving in the unbelievable Girona side that has won the hearts of many football fans across Europe.
The 22-year-old defender has been simply sublime across his 28 La Liga appearances, showing he can impact the game both defensively and in the final third.
Miguel Gutierrez for Girona against Barcelona.
But most importantly, he’s suffered no injuries all campaign, with his latest and only setback of his career occurring in the 2021/22 season.
This means that if he were to join the Red Devils, he would be able to develop a brilliant relationship down the left with Garnacho, who’s slowly nailing down that role even over Marcus Rashford.
As you can see by the table below showcasing Gutierrez’s recent performance against Rayo Vallecano, the “fantastic” ace, as dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig, is an exceptionally well-rounded star.
Assists
1
Big chances created
2
Key passes
3
Successful dribbles
3/4
Duels won
6
Interceptions
2
Dribbled past
0
Firstly, the number 3 is an extremely solid defender who likes to take a proactive approach, as shown by his two interceptions, six duels won, and the fact he wasn’t dribbled past once.
However, it’s the threat that he brings in the final third that could see Garnacho improve, with Gutierrez often opting for direct dribbling to evade the opposition and drag them out of position, in turn potentially giving the Argentine more space to work his magic.
The Spaniard is also an accurate crosser of the ball, as displayed via his assist, three key passes, and two big chances created, with his overlapping runs making the United attack on the left far less predictable while giving Garnacho the option to cut inside or lay the ball off.
On top of this, the former Madrid ace currently ranks joint-first for big chances created in La Liga (14), which is the same as Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League and 13 more than Shaw.
Overall, United have needed a reliable left-back for years now, and Gutierrez does tick every box for the kind of profile that Ten Hag’s team needs. It could just prove game-changing for the progression of one of the club’s best young talents too.
Man Utd can sign bigger talent than Garnacho in “future Ballon d’Or winner”
The Man United target is starring at just 16 years old.
Inter Miami are set to sign River Plate defender David Martinez after he was included in the squad list for the Leagues Cup.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Inter Miami bolstering defence with Paraguay international
Signing leaked on squad list for Leagues Cup
Messi and Co looking to defend title
WHAT HAPPENED?
Major League Soccer released the squad lists ahead of the upcoming return of the Leagues Cup and River Plate centre-back David Martinez was included alongside the rest of the Inter Miami names. The 26-year-old will link up with Lionel Messi in Florida as they look to go back-to-back in the competition.
Advertisement
Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Although the signing may have leaked, Miami fans will be happy to be bringing in a quality defender in Martinez. The 11-cap Paraguay international is a two-time league champion with River Plate and will sure up the defence alongside the likes of Jordi Alba in the near future.
DID YOU KNOW?
Although he represents Paraguay at international level, Martinez was born in Buenos Aires in Argentina. It will certainly be a talking point for him when he eventually meets up with Messi, who is fresh off winning the Copa America for a second time.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI
Inter Miami are still yet to announce Martinez as an official signing but reporters are expecting one very soon. They take on Puebla at home in the Leagues Cup opener this weekend.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have taken a major step towards fulfilling their ambition as Wrexham achieved a crucial academy milestone.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Wrexham granted Category Three academy statusWelsh club set to build a new youth set up in RossettNow eligible to field teams from U-9s and upwardsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Welsh club has been granted Category Three academy status, a milestone that reflects their commitment to youth development and the future of the club. After being given additional time to meet the necessary standards, Wrexham successfully upgraded their academy facilities to meet Category Three criteria. This upgrade represents a significant boost for the club, allowing them to field teams across all age groups, from Under-9s to Under-23s, for the 2024-25 season. Previously, under Category Four, the club was limited to operating only at the Under-17s level and above.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham are dedicated to setting up a robust youth development system and have already committed to a multi-million-pound infrastructure project that would see them raise a new training facility at Darland High School in Rossett. This state-of-the-art facility will feature five pitches of varying sizes, along with essential amenities such as changing rooms, toilets, offices, analysis rooms, and a classroom to fulfill the necessary requirements for Category Three status.
WHAT WREXHAM CEO SAID
Wrexham’s chief executive, Michael Williamson, said, via The Athletic: “The co-chairmen have outlined their ambition to create a sustainable football club, and the investment in the academy training facilities along with the Category Three achievement is certainly a key milestone towards that objective.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
DID YOU KNOW?
Wrexham have been granted a provisional licence for an initial 12-month period. This temporary status allows the club to implement and utilise their new facilities while continuing to meet the required standards. Following this period, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to ensure all criteria are met. If successful, Wrexham can expect to secure a three-year licence, solidifying their status and commitment to youth development.
The path to achieving Category Three status involved a rigorous four-day inspection by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) during the spring. This inspection identified the necessary upgrades and improvements required to meet the stringent criteria. The club’s swift response and commitment to these improvements have been instrumental in securing the provisional licence.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has shared what he's heard from "inside" Spurs about first-team plans for a "real talent".
Spurs seeking some of Europe's best talent
The Lilywhites' policy of recruiting some of Europe's finest talents has been well-documented in recent months.
Levy set for Tottenham bidding war as marquee defender wanted for Ange
The north Londoners’ summer plans are taking shape already.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 20, 2024
On the January transfer window's deadline day, they sensationally beat European heavyweights Barcelona to the signing of teenage sensation Lucas Bergvall, who has since been loaned back out to Djurgardens IF in Sweden.
They also attempted to bring in Norway starlet Antonio Nusa on a deal from Club Brugge. While that deal fell through, there are some suggestions that Spurs could still sign Nusa this year and a move to north London has not definitely been ruled out.
Antonio Nusa for Norway.
As revealed by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold last month, bringing in some of world football's most exciting young prodigies is something to watch out for at Spurs, as they continue to try and replicate similar deals which saw the likes of Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr become rip-roaring first team successes.
Tottenham's next league fixtures
Date
Crystal Palace (Home)
March 2nd
Aston Villa (Away)
March 10th
Fulham (Away)
March 16th
Luton (Home)
March 30th
West Ham (Away)
April 2nd
Nottingham Forest (Home)
April 6th
Newcastle (Away)
April 13th
Man City (Home)
April 20th
Arsenal (Home)
April 27th
Liverpool (Away)
May 4th
In terms of Bergvall, the midfielder already has a very big reputation, and it is believed that the Scandinavian could well come straight into the first team next season.
Paul Robinson shared Bergvall plan from "inside" Spurs
Speaking to Tottenham News, Robinson has shared the plan for Bergvall from "inside" Tottenham, with the pundit claiming he is being implemented into Ange Postecoglou's squad right from the off.
“From what I hear about the player he’s a real talent," said Robinson.
"We’re not overly versed on watching his games or know too much about him, but now that you know that Tottenham have signed him and you’ve done a bit of research on him you know that Tottenham were going head-to-head with Barcelona to sign him.
“From what I’m hearing from inside the club he’s coming in next season in pre-season as part of the first-team squad. He’s not coming in as a youngster with prospects who could potentially be loaned out again.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates.
“He’s that good. I mean from what I’m hearing he’s coming in preseason and he will hit the ground running and be in contention for a starting place next year and be part of the squad.
“He’s a quality player for his age. Look at the experience that he’s got, the amount of games that he’s played, and just the interest around Europe. For Tottenham to beat the other teams that were going for him it’s a huge coup for them and I think he’ll be a fantastic addition next season. It’s exciting to get such a good-quality young prospect coming to the club.”
India A take two-match series 1-0 after winning the first game by seven wickets
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2019Priyank Panchal scored a century and Karun Nair hit his second half-century of the match on the final day of the second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A in Mysuru, before the two teams agreed to call off the game after just 64 overs of action on Friday. The result meant India A won the two-match series 1-0.Opener Panchal’s 109 and Nair’s 51 not out from No. 4 took the home side to 202 for 3 in their second innings, with the declaration coming once Nair had reached his milestone. But with not much time left on the day, South Africa opted not to chase their 220-run target.Panchal – who had batted at No. 3 with Shubman Gill opening in the first innings – was on 9 with his opening partner Abhimanyu Easwaran on 5 overnight. The two built on the Indians’ 17-run first-innings lead with a 94-run stand before Abhimanyu fell, bowled by offspinner Dane Piedt, for 37 off 93 balls with three hits to the boundary.That was in the 34th over, and Piedt struck again in his next over when he had Gill, batting at No. 3 this time after top-scoring with 92 in the first dig, caught by Senuran Muthusamy for a duck.Panchal chugged along though, and proceeded to add 92 more with Nair, bringing up his 22nd first-class century in the process. His innings included nine fours and four sixes. It continued Panchal’s rich vein of form, which had hit a temporary snag in the Duleep Trophy with a top score of 33 across four innings.Muthuswamy, the left-arm spinner, did succeed in sending back Panchal, caught and bowled, but Nair, who had settled down by then, continued his own strong form in recent times with a half-century. His scores in first-class cricket this season read: 99, 166*, 90, 20, 78 and 51*. When the teams shook hands, Nair had captain Wriddhiman Saha, unbeaten on 1 off 33 balls, for company.Earlier, after Aiden Markram asked the Indians to bat, they rode on the half-centuries from Gill and Nair as well as Saha’s 60, Shivam Dube’s 68 and Jalaj Saxena’s unbeaten 48 to put up 417.Kuldeep Yadav and Shahbaz Nadeem combined to then reduce South Africa to 142 for 5, before hundreds by Markram and Wiaan Mulder rescued the visiting side. Markram (161) and Mulder (131*) added 155 runs for the sixth wicket, and though Markram was eventually bowled by Mohammed Siraj, Mulder carried South Africa close to India’s total.Kuldeep and Nadeem picked up seven wickets between them, and Markram was named the player of the match.This match marked the end of South Africa A’s tour of India, which started with a five-match one-day series – India took that 4-1 – and concluded with the two four-dayers, the first of which the Indians won by seven wickets.The senior sides from the two countries are currently engaged in a T20I series and will then play three Test matches.
Lionel Messi has played down Argentina's favourite tag as they prepare for their Copa America title defence in the USA.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Argentina won title in 2021
Heavy favourites to retain trophy in U.S.
Messi attempts to alleviate some pressure
WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi and Co. will begin their journey in Copa America 2024 in the United States as defending champions later this week in Georgia. The reigning world champions are widely considered favourites to defend their Copa America crown, however, their captain has sought to temper expectations among supporters.
Advertisement
(C)Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Inter Miami star sounded cautious while claiming La Albiceleste cannot take anything for granted as he expects fierce competition in the continental tournament. Messi also thanked the people of Argentina for showering unconditional love on the team.
WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID
Speaking to America TV's Marcelo Tinelli, the 36-year-old said: "Argentina are always favourites. I think it is going to be a very eventful tournament because national teams are becoming better and better. Argentina is always the favourite, we are like that and we take things for granted, that’s why we took so many blows. Today we are the best because we won the World Cup, but the Copa America is going to be difficult.
"Feeling loved by the entire country is the best, the greatest thing one can achieve as an athlete and as a person. I want to thank you and tell you that this continues and that we are going to try to win the Copa America again but let’s remember that not everything is about winning."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Geoff Burke
WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?
The South American giants will play the Copa America opener on Friday against Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Messi will hope to put in a strong performance to help Lionel Scaloni's side start in perfect fashion.