On the latest episode of the International News Desk, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Sheffield Wednesday goalie Sean Roberts speaks with Soccer Laduma international news correspondent Kurt Buckerfield about Lionel Messi's off-field antics. Die-hard City fan Sean also celebrates Erling Haaland's record-breaking strike, and the gents discuss some false rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Al Nassr too. Only on the #SLPodcast!
Messi has received some stern punishment from PSG amidst his recent absence from training. Was this the correct decision by the French club? Catch the debate by clicking on the podcast player below!
In perhaps the biggest story coming out of the international world of football this week, Messi has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after the Argentine disobeyed club orders by missing a training session.
PSG recently lost 3-1 to Lorient in Ligue 1, during which the Parisians went down to 10 men. Head coach Christophe Galtier had insisted that should his team win that game, they could get two days off, but if they were to lose, Messi and company would only be allowed a single day off. Rumour has it that the Argentine had arranged a trip to Saudi Arabia before the fixture against Lorient and even asked for a special exception, which was denied. Galtier and the PSG board have since knuckled down on Messi and suspended the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner for two weeks. This looks to be a power move with the idea of showing the world that they are in control, but in fact, it could not be farther from the truth. It would appear as though Messi is set on leaving the Ligue 1 champions, with his heart seemingly set on Barcelona, for what will surely be dubbed "the last dance".
Erling Haaland stormed on to the English scene this season and has now broken the record for the most goals scored in Premier League history. The 22-year-old netted his 35th EPL goal on Wednesday night against West Ham United, which sees him overtake previous record holders Andy Cole and Alan Shearer. Haaland has already accumulated over 50 goals in the 2022/23 season (in all competitions) and with a potential nine games for the Citizens remaining, he could very well net a handful more. Manchester City have a few tough fixtures coming up: two UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid and the FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester United. Pep Guardiola would prefer for Haaland to be well-rested and fit for these fixtures, which might see the Norwegian striker being rested for a few games in between.
Going Through The News Reel Today:
- Erling Haaland Makes History
- Lionel Messi Deservedly Punished?
- Ronaldo Rumours Are Squashed!
To listen to the full interview, click on the podcast player above or find it on your favourite podcast player.
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