Lionel Messi on receiving end of horror tackle in Argentina win

Lionel Messi narrowly avoided a potentially serious injury after being violently chopped down by Adrian Martinez in Argentina's 3-1 win over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier. The incident occurred in the first half of the qualifier, when Martinez jumped into a tackle late and slammed his studs into the top of Messi's shin, causing the forward to flop to the floor in agony. After a quick VAR check the Venezuelan midfielder was rightfully shown a straight red because, well, he did nearly end the career of one of the greatest footballers of all time. Argentina controlled the game thereafter, winning 3-1 thanks for goals from Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa and Angel Correa. The win moves Argentina onto 15 points in second place in the South American World Cup qualifying group (which, if you're wondering, is just one big group in which the top four teams qualify, with the fifth placed team going into an inter-continental play-off) - six points behind pace-setters Brazil. Messi made a shock move away from Barcelona this summer after a trophy-laden 21 years on the books at the club, signing for Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine forward made his debut for his new club in their comfortable win over Reims - replacing fellow South American superstar Neymar after Kylian Mbappe had given PSG a two goal lead. Messi could make his first start for the club on the same day as Cristiano Ronaldo's second debut for Manchester United - 11th September - when PSG face off against newly-promoted Clermont Foot at Parc des Princes.

World Cup

FIFA are always looking at ways to shake up football as we know it, and one of their biggest proposals is to host a World Cup every two years instead of four. It's an idea which hasn't exactly been met with overwhelming support from around the world, so to try and fight his case, former Arsenal boss and FIFA chief of global development Arsene Wenger sat down with L'Equipe to explain the ins and outs of the idea. Here's what he had to say. Why FIFA want a World Cup every 2 years "The goal is to keep improving the quality of football by increasing the frequency of competitions, alongside an improvement to the laws of the game. The international calendar will remain stable until 2024, since it’s already set. "But after 2024, there’s a chance to change it. I would like to increase the frequency of competition, in a way that’s led by simplicity, a clear calendar, and a desire to only organise competitions that have a real meaning to them, which are those which allow an improvement in the level of football." How holding more World Cups would work "The big idea to start with is hold all qualifying matches over two international breaks, in October and March, for a greater visibility in the calendar, to make it simpler for clubs and for there to be less issues to resolve for national teams. "The idea is to reduce the number of qualifying matches, to group them together, and then at the end of the season to have a World Cup and a championship for each confederation every two years. In between these two qualifying windows, the player would stay at their club all year. "Instead of ten qualifiers, there would be six, for example in four-team groups. Nowadays, for the Euros 24 out of 55 teams qualify, close to half, while friendly matches are less and less important for audiences and qualifiers attract less interest than they did 15-20 years ago. What people want are competitions with high stakes, that are easy to understand. That’s why it must be done, for audiences and to improve football." How more World Cups would impact players "There will be the same number of matches as before, and players will go on international duty less often. The idea is really to improve the level of play and competitions, there’s no financial incentive behind it, especially as FIFA redistributes the money to all of the federations around the world to develop football in their countries. "For the players, there won’t be more matches, and there will be a compulsory rest time after international competitions – 25 days at least, as I see it. "Generally the players are in favour. Ronaldo Fenomeno, Kaká, Mascherano, Gary Lineker are all in favour. It’s an idea which initially evokes some reticence, but once we’ve explained it the guys go home thinking: 'in the end, it’s not a bad idea'. They change their minds." On the future of international football without change "I’m not worried about the future of big tournaments. But there’s everything else, and it’s important that international football survives, because that’s the football that brings together every country. We have to keep this communion alive at all costs. We shouldn’t introduce new competitions, but rather focus on the big ones which have meaning. "It’s true that you can oppose it to this almost ancestral four-year rhythm. I completely understand it because I myself grew up in it, but we have to recognise that society demands more and more high-stakes and high-emotion matches, and more often. Even the Euros, which took place two months ago, seem far behind to us now. "I don’t think the footballing world wants qualifiers to last a year and a half anymore. We can just as well concentrate them over four-five weeks. In the end, the idea we have would only really come into play from 2028, since the 2026 World Cup has already been set. This means that seven years will have passed, during which mentalities will have continued to change in this direction. We have to anticipate the future." On whether clubs will need to be convinced "The clubs will have their players all to themselves for seven months minimum! It’s a win-win for them. They’ll have their players constantly with them in the period when they need them the most. Having often been confronted with that myself, I know that it’s a real problem. Instead of having four breaks where clubs can lose their momentum because of internationals, there will only be two, or even one. "Personally, I would prefer to have the whole of October for national teams and nothing in March. But even if we keep the plan for two international breaks for qualifiers, there will only be two instead of five, plus the tournament in June. It’s important to note that this is a global project, for men’s football but also women’s football and youth tournaments. "In the end, this is a project which answers to an assessment I’ve had my whole life: I’ve always been happier to get up in the morning when I know I’m watching a great match in the evening. And I’ve always said that that’s the real goal of a manager: to give supporters the hope of something beautiful."

England

England will hope to put the ugly scenes from their 4-0 win over Hungary behind them when Andorra come to town on Sunday. Goals from Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice secured a comfortable three points for the Three Lions last time out, but the occasion was marred by abhorrent scenes of racist abuse from a section of the Hungarian supporters throughout the game. Despite the challenging atmosphere, England managed to keep their perfect start to World Cup qualifying intact, and they will hope to extend that run against an Andorra side whose recent win over San Marino was their first victory since October 2019 - and only the fourth in their history. Here's everything you need to know about the game. Where to watch England vs Andorra on TV/live stream When is it? Sunday 5 September What time is kick-off? 17:00 (BST) Where is it being played? Wembley Stadium TV Channel: ITV (UK), ESPN (US) Referee: Anastasios Papapetrou England team news Gareth Southgate Southgate is likely to fully rotate his squad / Michael Regan/Getty Images Gareth Southgate's decision to wait until the 84th minute of the Hungary game to start making changes suggests he's planning some significant rotation here, with a number of fringe players likely to get a run out. The boss will hope to have his whole squad available for selection, but doubts remain over the fitness of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who missed the Hungary match with a knock.

FIFA have

confirmed that they are investigating reports of racist abuse directed towards England players by a section of Hungary supporters in Thursday's World Cup qualifier. After England's decision to take the knee before kick-off was met with a loud chorus of boos, winger Raheem Sterling was pelted by cups from the crowd and was also subjected to monkey chants, which were also directed towards substitute Jude Bellingham as well. After the game, England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed that a report was in the process of being filed to FIFA, who have since opened an investigation into the incidents in question. "Following analysis of the match reports, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings concerning the incidents last night at the game Hungary-England," a statement read. "Once again, FIFA would like to state that our position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse. We have a very clear zero tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviours in football." On top of the FIFA investigation, the Hungarian Football Association also confirmed that they had called in the police to punish anyone found guilty of racism or discriminatory behaviour during the game. "The vast majority of the 60,000 fans in the Puskas Arena were sporting and encouraged the Hungarian national team even when they were already losing," they said in a statement. "It is in their defence that the perpetrators need to be identified and severely punished. "Fans entering the field, throwing flares and glasses, are being identified. The MLSZ has filed, and will continue to file, police reports against them. Any fines will be passed on to the perpetrators and they can expect a two-year ban from all sporting events at the end of their trials." The ugly scenes distracted from the actual match, which was won thanks to goals from Sterling, Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice.

After battling

to a 4-0 win over Hungary last time out, England will be able to take their foot off the gas slightly when minnows Andorra rock up to Wembley on Sunday. Gareth Southgate barely used his three substitutions against Hungary, suggesting he plans to rest his stars for this one and instead give a lot of his fringe players the chance to prove themselves ahead of the upcoming meeting with Poland. Here's how the boss could set up. 1. Goalkeeper & defenders Nick Pope Pope could get another start in goal / George Wood/Getty Images Nick Pope (GK) - Jordan Pickford had his rest during the Hungary game, but expect Southgate to give Pope an equally quiet run-out here. Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - Knocking on the door of Kyle Walker, Alexander-Arnold will be desperate for any international chances just to prove himself to Southgate. Tyrone Mings (CB) - Mings arrived at camp nursing a rib injury but was fit enough for a spot on the bench against Hungary, so now is the perfect chance for him to get some more minutes under his belt. Conor Coady (CB) - Harry Maguire and John Stones could do with a rest before the trip to Poland, so expect Coady to be given the nod. Kieran Trippier (LB) - With no natural left-back alternative to Luke Shaw in the squad, it will be over to Trippier to fill in on that side of defence for this one. 2. Midfielders Jesse Lingard Lingard is likely to see minutes / Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images Jude Bellingham (DM) - Bellingham's warm-up for the Hungary game was disrupted by abuse from the stands, but he'll get a far nicer reception from Wembley. Jordan Henderson (DM) - Declan Rice is one yellow card away from a suspension, so it makes no sense to risk him in this fixture. Bukayo Saka (RM) - Saka saw two minutes at the end of the Hungary game and will be towards the front of the queue for a start here. Jesse Lingard (AM) - Another of those to make a brief cameo last time out, expect Lingard to earn his first start of the season for either club or country. Raheem Sterling (LM) - With Jadon Sancho still doubtful with a knock, someone from the Hungary game is going to have to do a double shift. That should be Sterling, who will likely be freshest because of his limited minutes at club level. 3. Forward Patrick Bamford Bamford will earn his first cap / Michael Regan/Getty Images Patrick Bamford (ST) - It's debut time. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has left the squad through injury, meaning Bamford is the undisputed deputy to Harry Kane. His long-awaited first cap is coming.

Barcelona

Barcelona will attempt to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig in January, having already agreed a five-year contract in principle. The 23-year-old has been in the Bundesliga for a little over 18 months after joining from Dinamo Zagreb, penning a four-year deal upon his arrival. He has put in a number of quality performances since his January 2020 arrival, helping to fire Leipzig into a maiden Champions League semi-final appearance as well as becoming a regular starter for Spain. Now it seems as if Olmo has caught the attention of Barcelona, whom he surprisingly left in 2014 to move to Zagreb. In fact, Mundo Deportivo report that the Catalan giants engaged in talks with Leipzig late on in the summer transfer window, with the intention of bringing him back to Spain this summer. MD note that Olmo agreed to a five-year contract, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a fee before the transfer deadline. In a separate report, Mundo state that Olmo will now be Barça's priority signing in 2022, as the club look to piece themselves back together after a complete overhaul of their squad - one that has seen the club clear hundreds of millions of Euros off their wage budget. The highest profile departure, it goes without saying, was Lionel Messi, who Barça were forced to release after it became apparent that they could not comply with La Liga's salary cap were he to stay. Antoine Griezmann is another exceptionally high earner now off the wage bill - he's rejoined Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan - as is Miralem Pjanic, whose nightmare spell at Camp Nou has been ended by a loan move to Turkish giants Besiktas. A number of senior first team players, including Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, have also taken significant pay cuts so that new signings Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero - who all arrived on free transfers - can be registered to play. Olmo may be the first piece of a rebuilding jigsaw for president Joan Laporta and manager Ronald Koeman, though it may take some time before Barcelona once again have the financial firepower to mix it with the biggest clubs in Europe.

UEFA president

Aleksander Ceferin has confessed to having major concerns about FIFA's plans to host a World Cup every two years. FIFA chief Arsene Wenger recently stressed the need to shake up the international tournament scene, offering an in-depth interview to explain why the organisation believe more World Cups would be best for football. The plans haven't exactly been well received by the majority of fans, and in a letter to Football Supporters Europe executive director Ronan Evain, Ceferin admitted he is also not a fan of the proposals. “UEFA and its national associations also have serious reservations and grave concerns surrounding reports of FIFA’s plans,” Ceferin wrote (via AP). The UEFA president then went on to add his frustration towards Wenger's interview, claiming the comments to be nothing more than a publicity campaign from those higher up at FIFA. “Considering the major impact this reform may have on the whole organisation of football, there is widespread astonishment that FIFA appears to be launching a PR campaign to push its proposal whilst any such proposals haven’t been presented to confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs, players, coaches, clubs and all the football community," Ceferin continued. “As one concrete example amongst so many, it is imperative to highlight the concerns shared across the footballing world regarding the impact a biennial FIFA World Cup would have on the international match calendar and, prominently in this context, on women’s football.” Ceferin later confirmed to Evain that UEFA were prepared to butt heads with FIFA over their proposal, adding: “Allow me to assure you that UEFA stands with you and the fans on this important issue. “We must work together to defend the interests of the game and reinforce the position of fans as key stakeholders.”

Manchester United got their Women's Super League campaign

Manchester United got their Women's Super League campaign off to a perfect start with a comfortable 2-0 win over Reading at Leigh Sports Village. The hosts took a good 20 minutes to settle but after gaining the upper hand, outclassed their opponents in Marc Skinner's first game in charge. After upping their share of possession, United took the lead five minutes before the break when Kirsty Hanson latched on to Ella Toone's precise through ball to slide past Grace Moloney. The 23-year-old demonstrated great composure in front of goal, stroking the ball home with the outside of her left foot as Moloney came out to narrow the ankle. United continued to assert their dominance in the second half, but could easily have been pegged back when Brooke Chaplen thundered a shot off the underside of the crossbar. Replays showed the ball had probably crossed the line, but with goal-line technology not in operation, United were able to get back in the driving seat and put the game beyond Reading. Their second goal, and her first for the club, came from Ona Batlle, who after linking up with Toone, powered the ball home with her weaker right foot, rewarding initial good work from Leah Galton. Reading were unable to trouble Mary Earps thereafter, as United opened their season in style. Here's how both sets of players rated on the night...

Miralem Pjanic criticises Ronald Koeman following Barcelona exit

Miralem Pjanic has hit out at Ronald Koeman following his loan move to Besiktas, insisting that the Barcelona coach 'disrespected' him during his time at Camp Nou. The Bosnian midfielder completed a loan move to Besiktas on Thursday evening, agreeing a 60% reduction of his salary - with the Turkish champions paying €2.75m of his new €3.2m year wage packet and Barca paying the rest - to make the move happen. Speaking to Marca, the midfielder expressed relief at getting his move away from Barca, largely due to how he felt he was treated by Koeman. "Right now, today, I don't know what he wanted exactly," Pjanic said. "He didn't try to explain things to me or find a solution. I would go to ask him what he wanted from me, positionally or what I was doing well or badly. I wanted to adapt as quickly as possible to the team and be useful. "You need 17 or 18 players from a squad to win titles. He didn't have problems with my play and didn't give me answers. Time went on and the situation went from bad to worse, without any reason. "Like I said, I was being professional, so this is difficult to understand. Many people on the inside didn't understand it either. "Then there was this opportunity to leave and I wanted to listen to that, because I need to play. I know what I can bring to a team, but you need confidence and dialogue and things to be said to your face. "I'd have preferred things to be said to me directly, but it was what it was. It was a very odd way of communicating and it's the first time I've ever experienced this. I've had a very good relationship with all of my coaches. I don't know what happened, I honestly don't know. He didn't want responsibility or confrontation, because I guess that couldn't be handled." Ronald Koeman, Miralem Pjanic Koeman and Pjanic on the toucheline / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images Pjanic also revealed that the Barcelona head coach didn't even welcome him to the club when he'd signed from Juventus in place of Arthur last summer. "My situation was complicated from the beginning. I got there after two weeks away, started to train little by little, alone, to prepare myself to start with my teammates. Three, four, seven, 10 days went by and the coach never came to talk about the season, about me, to speak about anything" The midfielder will be hoping for a much more enjoyable spell at new club Besiktas, whom he is set to make his debut for against Yeni Malatyaspor on 11th September.

Manchester United close to appointing Ed Woodward replacement

Manchester United have decided to hire group managing director Richard Arnold as their new chief executive, bringing an end to their search for Ed Woodward's replacement. Woodward announced in April 2021 that he would be leaving the Red Devils at the end of the year, after the club's failed attempt to form the breakaway European Super League led to major fan protests and calls for change at the top of the club. Richard Arnold Arnold is set to become the new chief executive / Fred Lee/Getty Images The club have been deliberating over the chief executive's successor for the past four months, and they have finally found Woodward's replacement. According to Sky Sports, Man Utd's group managing director Arnold will take over from the unpopular Woodward, and the decision could be officially confirmed as early as next month. Arnold has fended off competition from two other candidates, both of whom currently work as executives at the club. His announcement - and Woodward's subsequent departure - will continue the feel-good factor buzzing around the club, after the Red Devils turned a corner off the back of a difficult 2020/21 season off the pitch. Friction between the supporters, the owners and the club's hierarchy reached new heights in April, after the Glazers, along with Woodward, masterminded Man Utd's entry into the heavily criticised European Super League. This shock decision stunned the Red Devils fan base into action, as they staged mass protests against the running of the club, leading to Woodward's resignation. Supporters even caused a Premier League game against Liverpool to be postponed, preventing the team bus from reaching the stadium, and storming the pitch prior to kick-off. Those protests forced the Glazers to reassess their running of the club, and they later announced a new scheme that would introduce a fan-ownership element into the decision-making at the top. They then spent big in the summer, signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, before bringing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club. Confirmation of Woodward's impending exit will only add to the feeling of positivity around the club at the moment.