“The Messi of Spanish soccer”

Spain coach Luis De la Fuente has praised Barcelona star Rodri, likening him to Lionel Messi when it comes to his significance and affect. The 30-year-old adopted in Messi’s footsteps by shifting to the Spotify Camp Nou this summer season, following a spell in England.

In a chat with Radio Marca, De la Fuente spoke about Rodri‘s transfer to Barcelona, predicting that adaptation won’t be an issue for the midfielder. In a nod to Messi, he identified that the midfielder will adapt to any group in world soccer, naming him as the very best on the earth in his place

“Will probably be simpler for him to adapt, as Rodri is the Messi of Spanish soccer, so he’ll adapt nicely to any group, in any circumstance. He’s the very best on the earth in his place,” he stated (by way of GOAL).

Rodri performed a starring position below De la Fuente this summer season, serving to Spain to win the FIFA World Cup for less than the second time of their historical past. He captained the group all through the event, and obtained the Golden Ball as its greatest participant.

The midfielder swapped Manchester for Catalunya this summer season following a prolonged saga that introduced among the world’s largest golf equipment to the negotiating desk. Actual Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had been eager on him, however he selected to hitch Barcelona in a €76.5 million deal, signing till 2030.

Rodri will now play alongside a number of of his Spain teammates on the Spotify Camp Nou, together with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Pau Cubarsi. Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia are additionally among the many membership’s key Spain internationals.

From Barcelona to Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi’s worldwide journey

Lionel Messi introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer with an emotional assertion on Monday, August 31. He dropped at an finish a profession with the Argentina nationwide group that spanned 21 years.

The diminutive attacker moved to Barcelona as a 13-year-old and commenced to play for the youth sides, making certain that he by no means managed to make a noticeable mark in his residence nation earlier than leaving. He was approached on a number of events by his teammates and coaches at Barcelona to signify Spain, who had been ready to snap him up.

He most well-liked to attend for Argentina’s name, and it got here in 2004 with the U-20 nationwide group. He performed his first senior worldwide at 18 in 2005, and made his FIFA World Cup debut in June 2006. He ended up enjoying 207 occasions for his nation, scoring 125 objectives and successful three main honours.