Village Idiot

Messi

Argentine defence was absolutely all over the place on the goal.

Forlán

Some do but it's by no means universal. Compared to someone like Tevez he isn't loved as much as people can't relate so much. Thats what I make of it anyway. Also the fact that he hasn't played at the same level for Argentina than he does for Barça, which some people infer it's because he doesn't care.

Hehe, closeup of Messi not singing the anthem. He's going to get massive stick for that if he doesn't have a good game. You should have chosen Spain, Leo.

I love these weird Argie stadium names, "Malvinas Argentinas" the other day "Cementerio de Elefantes" today.

If I hear any other pundit saying that "Argentina doesn't have Xavi and Iniesta so Messi can't be the same" i'll f***ing shot the telly. I GET IT.

I don't know if you've seen it but he did dink last season (IIRC in the derby v Fluminese) for Botafogo and missed, got another pen later in the game, stepped up and did the same...scored. Balls of steel. Yeah, saw it. "Loco" indeed.

Every time I see that defence... Tears of blood... Zanetti is still fantastic, though. Still speaks volumes if the best defender of the nation is a 37 year old.

Abreu Abreu... Abreu... Abreu!!!!!

Every time I see that defence...

Colombia's goalie

Any word on whats going to happen with Marcelo? I'd be royally f***ed off if I was him. Coentrao is starting on the left side of their attack so for now Di María is the one that should be worried.

Callejón and Coentrao starting for Real Madrid in their friendly against Galaxy.

I always had a soft spot for Uruguay since "El Príncipe" Francescoli was one of my favorite footballers when growing up. But I always want Messi to do well. So I'm a bit torn really.

Credit to Mou, the only time I have seen Messi marked out of a game is when he stuck Pepe to him as DM and proceeded to kick the hell out of him.

Can't wait for this, even if it turns out to be a s*** game it's going to be worth it for the tension and rivalry.

Everybody trolls Wenger nowadays.

I'll be amazed if we end up finding an use for Henrique too!

We have loaned Henrique to Palmeiras, which is apparently a sweetener for the Alexis Sánchez deal so Palmeiras accepted Udinese's offer for Danilo Larangeira.

Just found out there's an European tournament for unemployed players: http://www.fifpro.org/fifpro_tournament/players

Menotti, what a legend

Betis are still in administration after relegation and the hangover of years of hand-over-fist spending by their previous board. They are expected to sort themselves out this year after achieving promotion and selling their highest earners (including Emaná, their best player by a country mile), I hope they stay up myself, the Sevilla derby is huge and they have a great set of fans.

Betis and Rayo are strong outfits, but both are utterly broke so could have issues retaining a competitive squad (Rayo moreso than Betis). Granada are pretty crap but are backed by the Pozzos (Udinese owners) and are expected to reinforce significantly. Personally can't see Levante doing it again, but I backed them to go down last season too...

Spurs in talks with ManCity for Adebayor, according to "As".