Real Madrid News
Lionel Messi lashed out at Real Madrid star during Brazil vs Argentina game
Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil last night had no shortage of drama. As such, Argentina captain Lionel Messi alleged that the Brazilian police engaged in brutal tactics, leading to a 30-minute delay in the start of the match at Maracana Stadium.
It is to be noted that the disturbance arose from confrontations between law enforcement and the visiting fans after violent clashes erupted behind one of the goals as the national anthems played, leading to a police intervention.
Officers charged at the travelling contingent with nightsticks and in retaliation, some Argentina fans tore up seats and hurled them at the officers, causing panic among other spectators who rushed onto the pitch to evade the turmoil.
The match eventually started after a brief pause and ended 1-0 in favour of Argentina.
Messi had an argument of his own
Leading to the story, a report from the Mirror has emerged that Messi had an altercation with Rodrygo moments before the start of the game.
After Argentina walked back onto the field after a brief delay, the Real Madrid forward confronted Messi, audibly expressing to the Argentine captain and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul, “You cowards.”
In response, Messi calmly placed his hand on Rodrygo’s shoulder and then on the back of his neck, saying, “We are the world champions. Why are we cowards? Watch your mouth.” With that, the 36-year-old departed, leaving De Paul to carry on the exchange.
Coaches and players from both teams rushed onto the field to calm the confrontation. The intensity of the incident, however, failed to subside, contributing to a troubled and fiery first half, which had a high frequency of fouls that hampered the overall flow of the game.
Towards the end of the match, Joelinton was sent off after Nicolas Otamendi had given Argentina the lead.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
