Lionel Messi scored in his 15th, yes 15th consecutive league game as he notched a goal in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Sevilla this past weekend. It marked his 38th league goal of the year continuing his streak of dominance in La Liga.
Messi is the face of soccer. He is a global ambassador for the game and his composure on and off the field makes him even more important to soccer then, let’s say, LeBron James is to basketball.
In recent years, Messi has come to be known as the greatest current player and arguably the greatest ever to play this sport. So we’re all clear that Messi is an unbelievable soccer player, but to be the best ever there has to be something extra special. Messi goes above and beyond. In 2007, Messi started The Leo Messi Foundation which is a prominent organization aimed at giving access to education and health care for vulnerable children. He was also named a global ambassador to UNICEF because of his incredible charitable work he had done in fighting for children’s rights.
After every goal he scores, Messi doesn’t point to his name on the back of his jersey or have a lavish celebration planned. He points to the sky to thank his grandmother who first took him to play soccer. The greatest soccer player on the planet takes time in front of tens of thousands of people to thank his grandmother for giving him the opportunity to play soccer. This shines light on the type of man and the character of Lionel Messi. There is something extra special about him. He not only dazzles millions with his talent but also has time to help needy children and in the process always thanks his family for everything he has. This is the type of man we want as the face of soccer, and this is why he is the best ever.
A couple of years ago, Eric Abidal was diagnosed with cancer in his liver. He immediately went through surgery and he was able to play the Champions League Final that year. After an emotional game, Puyol gave him the Captain’s band and let him lift the cup in front of 85,000 people.
Unfortunately, it was a happy moment that quickly faded. Abidal would eventually need a liver transplant due to some difficulties with his cancer recovery. His last game came against Athletico Madrid in February of 2012. But now, according to Barcelona’s website, he’s finally ready to return. It will be interesting to see if he will be able to dominate the field as he used to. Either way, you have to be impressed with his determination to continue to play the game he loves.
The world is ever-changing, and so is soccer. Back in the 1970s, the players would go to work during the day and than practice at night because the salary they gained from soccer was not enough for them to live on. The shorts were smaller and the hairstyles were longer. In modern soccer, the layout is very much different – the shorts, and the money, are much bigger.
And one of the best new ways to generate more money, interest, and loyalty for a club is through social media. Think about it: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have more than 1,5 billion users combined. That is more than 500 times the highest attendance of an MLS game. Social media is a unique way to reach an audience, and the ways to use it are unlimited. Clubs are now taking advantage in i variety of ingenious ways. Let’s take a look at a few:
The Spanish team Sevilla gave their fans a chance to have their Facebook profile picture in the number of their favorite player’s shirt for the prize of 24.90 Euro (below).
See how Valencia and Mexico’s Jaguares used Twitter after the jump.
Chivas USA is a team in transition. With a new crop of players the club is ready to forge a fresh identity. We spoke with several of the team’s additions starting with No.2 overall draft pick Carlos Alvarez. In our exclusive interview with the former Connecticut star we learned about his love for family, pregame rituals and … use of baby lotion?
Special thanks to Barry Ritson, the Executive Head Director of coaching at LA Premier, for his help in putting these interviews together.
Where are you from?
CA: City Terrace in East LA. My parents were born and raised in Mexico. My father played professionally for Chivas Guadalajara and then began a family here in Southern California.
If you had a clone what other professional team would your clone play for?
CA: Barcelona
Do you have a pregame ritual?
CA: Back at school I would eat breakfast with my team, go back to the room, shower, then put headphones on and listen to music. I like Drake, Chris Brown, and multiple Spanish bands. I like to listen to Spanish music and think about my heritage right before games.
If you score this coming season who will you dedicate your goal to?
CA: My first goal will be dedicated to a friend of mine who passed away in a car accident. His name is Eddie Valencia. He was great friend of mine who was on the same path as me. I am blessed to have known him and to be where I am today.
What kind of hair gel do you use?
Alexi Lalas asked me the same question and he was surprised to hear I don’t use any hair gel. However, I do use baby lotion. I like my hair a little bit messy looking and the lotion keeps my hair the same way during the game no matter how sweaty I get. It also never gets greasy or into my eyes. You should try it!
Who is the player you look up to on your team?
CA: I am still getting to know everyone. Everyone is working very hard to secure a spot in the 30-man roster. I will admit that I do my best to learn from those who have been at the club the longest. They are very experienced and know how to play and what to do during the demanding preseason.
You have made it to the pro level. What is your next goal?
CA: My next goal is to be a starter for Chivas USA and then get a call from the national team.
Alvarez talks playing for US and or Mexican National Team after the jump.
The beautiful Shakira and her husband Gerard Pique welcomed their first child into the world on Tuesday. His name is ‘Milan’ (was ‘Barcelona’ already taken?) and the above picture is our first introduction to the new celebaby.
Notice his custom-made Nikes with his name stitched on the strap. Nike took one look at the way he spit up on himself and offered him an endorsement deal at two days old (Nike made its initial offer during Shakira’s third trimester but it was tricky getting Milan’s signature).
Well, clearly, this boy has talent. He’ll be an athlete whose hips don’t lie. Prepare yourself for a new line of Nike bibs and playpens.
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