Latest editorial
Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, forms prior to a Copa America semi final against Colombia at the National stadium in Brasilia, Brazil
For the Gunners boss, ‘execution’ isn’t about brutality but precision — a mindset that’s driving his squad from nearly-men to genuine title contenders, writes JAMES NALTON
LIONEL MESSI has never played with so much freedom. Throughout the 2021 Copa America, he has been seen zipping around Brazilian football fields in an Argentina shirt, entertaining the masses from empty stadiums.
Playmaker, midfielder, striker, winger, false nine, inside forward and now passionate leader: Messi can do it all.
He has the most assists in the Copa America so far with five, and tops the goalscoring charts with four. Argentina have scored 11 goals and Messi has contributed to nine of them.
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
