We simulated one season of Serie A with Messi in 4 teams on FIFA. This is what happened.

Messi at Napoli, Inter Milan, Lazio, and AC Milan?? Cristiano Ronaldo challenged Lionel Messi to join him at Serie A, but the FC Barcelona star rebuffed the idea. He told the press that each year brought him fresh challenges at the Camp Nou and he was not thinking about leaving for Italy. The idea is cool, if impractical, and it has led to interesting Photoshop jobs: pic.twitter.com/CYkc1Xsg7D —...

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Barcelona “optimistic” about signing newest French centerback prospect - report

Jean-Clair Todibo from Toulouse is the new hot commodity FC Barcelona are again diving into the market that’s proven very fruitful lately, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barça have gotten great deals for Clément Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti in the last few years, so it’s not too surprising the team is looking at another French centerback - Tolouse’s Jean-Clair Todibo - as a possible...

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FC Barcelona News: 31 December 2018

Return to work with a double session | FC Barcelona This Sunday, players from the first team, including Sergi Roberto, trained in a double session on Pitch 2 of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Miranda, Chumi, Wague, O. Busquets, Collado and Riqui Puig, from Barça B made up the numbers. Samuel Umtiti is also back in Barcelona to continue with his recovery process. Senegal...

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Valverde has to announce his future intentions soon

Uncertainty could upset team equilibrium if left too long I noted the recent move by the Barcelona board with interest. Putting pressure on Ernesto Valverde to commit himself to another year in the job, or not, by February was to be expected. However, I’m left wondering if it was necessary to publicise their intentions to the media? All it’s done has heightened any tensions...

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OPINION: Murillo was the right move for Barca

The CB situation was a genuine emergency. FC Barcelona moved quickly and snapped up Jeison Murillo on loan from Valencia. The team was with only two fit CBs before, with Samuel Umtiti still out and the injury-prone Thomas Vermaelen back on the treatment table. Umtiti may require surgery and his return date is unclear. Vermaelen could be back come the New Year, but how long...

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One thing Messi did not manage to do in 2018

It’s fair to say that Lionel Messi has enjoyed another phenomenal 2018 for Barcelona. He picked up another league and cup double and finished the year as Europe’s top scorer and assister with 51 goals and 26 assists for club and country. Messi also picked up records left, right and centre throughout the year, and at times it seemed like he reached some kind of landmark in...

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Poll: Barcelona shareholders want to renew Valverde, keep Dembélé, and reject Neymar

Possibly important signals as the socis elect the president of the club Polls commissioned by Mundo Deportivo show that a majority of FC Barcelona’s shareholders want to renew coach Ernesto Valverde, keep the faith in Ousmane Dembélé, and reject the return of Neymar. The socis elect the club president, so their collective will is very important. Almost 80% of socis approve...

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Lionel Messi finishes as top scorer and assister in Europe for 2018

It’s safe to say the Argentine had another amazing season Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Juventus as they defeated Sampdoria 2-1 yesterday, but it wasn’t enough to surpass Lionel Messi as 2018’s top scorer. Messi finished the year at 51 goals for club and country, with Ronaldo “just” on 49. Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewanodowksi finished the year with 46. Meanwhile, Mohamed...

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Barca confirm interest in Rabiot buy deny having agreed a deal

The club were in contact a week ago Barcelona released a statement on Sunday denying having reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot. Speculation has been rife over recent weeks that Barcelona will move for the midfielder in the January transfer window, and the club do confirm they are interested in the 23-year-old. “FC Barcelona wish to address...

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FC Barcelona News: 30 December 2018

Mystery Box: Arthur Melo | FC Barcelona We’ve hidden a selection of items in our Mystery Box, all of which are connected in some way with Arthur Melo and his life. Let’s see if he can guess what they all are… Jordi Alba and the contract renewal of the year | Marca His laptop and mobile phone blow up constantly throughout the year, as was the case 12 months ago when he helped...

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Barcelona return to training after winter break

Thoughts turn to the trip to Getafe Barcelona returned to training after the winter break on Sunday with the majority of the first-team squad back in action. Ernesto Valverde’s men were put through their paces in the morning, and they’ll also return later in the day for a second session as they prepare to take on 2019. Sergi Roberto was back with the squad as was Moussa Wague...

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Barca think Umtiti needs surgery - report

The latest update is not positive Samuel Umtiti has made his way back from Qatar where he’s been receiving ‘conservative’ treatment on a knee injury but the latest update is not good. According to Sport, he has been examined by medical staff who are not too happy with what they’ve seen, and he’s not expected to join in with the team’s first training session after the winter...

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Barcelona to offer Adrien Rabiot five-year deal worth €60m - report

The midfielder could earn €10m a year at the Camp Nou The rumors surrounding Adrien Rabiot are slowly hotting up again as the January transfer window approaches. The latest update comes from Sport, who reckon that Barcelona will offer the midfielder a five-year deal at the club on January 1. The Spanish champions are willing to offer Rabiot a €10m signing-on bonus and also...

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Vidal keen to keep his place in Barca’s first team

The Chilean has started the last five league games Arturo Vidal has been talking about life at Barcelona and says he’s going to work hard to stay in Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI. The Chilean has forced his way into the first team after a slow start to life at the Camp Nou following his summer move from Bayern Munich. However, he’s made a real impact in recent weeks but...

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FC Barcelona News: 29 December 2018

Barcelona players enjoy their short breaks | Marca The Christmas break is here and Barcelona’s players have been taking full advantage of the holidays by setting off with their families, though the majority of the players will have to return in the next couple of days. The funniest moments from 2018 | FC Barcelona The year 2018 is about to end and so it’s time to review the...

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Argentina ‘optimistic’ Lionel Messi will return in 2019

The Barcelona captain is on a break from national duty Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says he’s “optimistic” Lionel Messi will return to the national team in 2019. The Barcelona captain has not featured for Argentina since the 2018 World Cup, but Scaloni says he’s due to talk to the 31-year-old. “I do not talk very often with Messi, but we have a relationship,” he said. ”We...

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Messi wants Valverde to stay another year - report

Lionel Messi reportedly wants Ernesto Valverde to stay at Barcelona for another year, according to AS. Valverde signed a two-year deal with the option for a third when he arrived in 2017, although president Josep Maria Bartomeu said in October his contract runs until 2020. The Barcelona boss hasn’t wanted to discuss his future at the club whenever he’s been asked this season,...

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Rodrigo Caio says he had medical before Murillo signed

The Brazilian was also an option for the champions Sao Paulo defender Rodrigo Caio says he came close to a move to Barcelona before the club opted to bring in Jeison Murillo from Valencia. The 25-year-old explained how he had a medical with Ernesto Valverde’s side but then found out they had signed Murillo instead. “I was expecting Barca to sign me. Of course it was a great...

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FC Barcelona News: 28 December 2018

Murillo: ‘It’s a plus to be at the best club in the world’ | FC Barcelona FC Barcelona’s new centre-back, Jeison Murillo, stated in his presentation that “it’s a great sensation and a plus to be at the best Club in the world.” The defender, who will wear the number 17, appeared in the Ricard Maxenchs press room before the media, after his first steps onto the Camp Nou pitch...

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Murillo’s arrival shows La Masia players no longer count

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Messi says Barca would love Neymar to come back

But he think PSG won’t let him go Lionel Messi has been talking about former team-mate Neymar and says Barcelona would love to have the Brazilian back at the Camp Nou. There have been plenty of rumors this season that Neymar wants to return to his former club and could depart Paris Saint-Germain next summer. Messi would be happy to play with him once again but reckons any...

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Abidal talks Barca’s transfer window plans

Barcelona technical secretary Eric Abidal spoke about the club’s plans for the January transfer window during Jeison Murillo’s unveiling on Thursday. The Spanish champions are being linked with several players, most notably Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but Abidal played down talk of further signings. “We are always monitoring the market,” he said. ”In theory,...

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Rumor Round-up: De Jong close, De Ligt ruled out

More rumors as the January transfer window opens De Jong close Frenkie de Jong is said to be closer than ever to joining FC Barcelona from Ajax, according to Diario SPORT. That's because he has reportedly agreed personal terms with the club. He was said to have bigger offers, but his preference was always for Barça. The club reportedly responded by offering him a long contract...

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Rabiot’s capture would be a win-win for Barca

The midfielder would provide necessary depth I’m not sure I understand the furore that has erupted amongst the cule fraternity over the potential capture of Adrien Rabiot from Paris Saint-Germain. A player who is still a long way from his peak years but who is world class in his position already, who will give Barcelona strength and depth where they need it most and who will...

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Murillo keen to make Barcelona move permanent

The defender has joined on loan from Valencia Barcelona’s latest signing Jeison Murillo was unveiled at the Camp Nou on Thursday after completing his loan move from Valencia. The defender joins until the end of the season but says he’s keen to make the move to the Spanish champions permanent. “This is a very important opportunity for me, it is the biggest door that can be...

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Messi says Dembele ‘could be the best in the world’

High praise from the Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has given a big interview to Marca where he’s talked about a range of topics including Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and team-mate Ousmane Dembele. The Barcelona captain reckons the young Frenchman has the world at his feet and has already learned from mistakes made in the past. “It’s up to him where he wants to go. He could...

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FC Barcelona News: 27 December 2018

Jeison Murillo’s presentation, as it happened! | FC Barcelona See how the the new first team player’s unveiling went down. Ajax starlet Frenkie De Jong agrees deal with Barcelona | Sport Frenkie de Jong is now a step away from Barcelona. The Blaugrana have taken a big leap forward in the push for the Ajax midfielder in recent weeks. De Jong has now given the OK to the club’s...

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Barca confirm Jeison Murillo’s squad number

He inherits Paco Alcacer’s jersey Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that new loan signing Jeison Murillo has been handed the No.17 shirt at the Camp Nou. The defender has arrived on loan from Valencia until the end of the season and will take over the shirt most recently worn by Paco Alcacer. ⚽️ @JeisonMurillo19 = 1️⃣7️⃣ Força Barça! pic.twitter.com/8KShaZmiSQ — FC Barcelona...

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Messi offers his view on Ballon d’Or

The Barcelona captain says he didn’t expect to win Lionel Messi has been talking about his fifth-placed finish at the 2018 Ballon d’Or and says he knew he would not be in the running for the main prize. The GOAT was not even shortlisted for the award which Luka Modric won, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. Antoine Griezmann also finished above Messi, but the Barcelona...

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Garcia Pimienta: Success for me is Alena in the first team

Player development more important than winning for Barca B Barcelona B coach Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta has given a pretty interesting interview to Barca TV where he’s talked about developing the club’s young stars. The 44-year-old spoke about how producing players for the first team is more important than the team winning games and gaining promotion. “I want to win...

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Real Madrid without Ronaldo is a warning to Barca - Cruyff

Jordi Cruyff has told Barcelona that Real Madrid’s struggles since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure is a warning for Ernesto Valverde’s side. Los Blancos have not found goals quite as easy to come by without Ronaldo this season, have already sacked one manager and are fourth in the table going into the winter break. Cruyff reckons it should act as a warning for Barcelona who...

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FC Barcelona News: 26 December 2018

December 27: Jeison Murillo presentation | FC Barcelona Last Thursday, FC Barcelona announced its agreement with Valencia for the loan of Jeison Murillo for the remainder of the 2018/19 season. The Colombian centre back has already visited the club to try out his new blaugrana colours and speak of a “a dream come true” but he has yet to officially put pen to paper and be...

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Thuram offers Ousmane Dembele some advice

The former defender gave his view Lilian Thuram has been talking about Ousmane Dembele and has offered the young Frenchman some advice. The 21-year-old has attracted plenty of negative headlines this season, but he’s also been in fine form on the pitch with 10 goals already in all competitions. ”The most important thing is that he is a great player. I would tell him to learn...

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Neymar wants to come back, but Barça will not swap Dembélé for him - report

The option was considered in the past, however Neymar wants to return to FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain may be forced to sell him, but Barça may not be interested, according to Diario AS. The daily reports that Neymar is making "constant" calls to Barça, hoping to engineer a return to the club which he left for PSG last year. Médiapart calculates that the Parisian club...

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Barcelona not willing to enter "auction" for De Ligt

De Jong situation looks more positive, however FC Barcelona are unwilling to enter an "auction" for Matthijs de Ligt, making it very difficult for the Ajax defender to be wearing blaugrana next season, according to Mundo Deportivo. De Ligt's agent, Mino Raiola, has reportedly adviced him to accept the highest salary offer, no matter the club. With several top teams in for...

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Arthur: I pray that Neymar returns to Barcelona

The Brazilian wants to play with his compatriot at club level FC Barcelona midfielder Arthur really, really wants to play with his fellow Brazilian, Neymar, at club level. "Personally," he said, "I'm praying for him to come because he's a superstar. It's indisputable." Neymar played at Barça before jumping ship to join Paris Saint-Germain last year. That was before Arthur...

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FC Barcelona News: 25 December 2018

FC Barcelona’s 2018 in numbers | FC Barcelona We look back at the last 12 months for Barça. Who has scored the most goals? Who has played the most games? Find out here! Munir El Haddadi, between Sevilla and Real Betis | Sport Munir has good offers from Italy but wants to stay in Spain and Sevilla are a good opportunity for him. They tried to sign him in the summer with Aleix...

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Munir looking at winter exit - report

The former B teamer could be leaving Munir already has offers to join a new club, and he could even leave during the winter transfer window, according to Diario SPORT. The striker's contract is up at the end of the season and rumors suggest the player is not likely to renew his contract. While SPORT says the former Barcelona B player has offers from Italy, he prefers staying...

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Barcelona increasingly nervous over Umtiti injury - report

The defender has been carrying an injury since May FC Barcelona are worried about Samuel Umtiti's injury, because it's unusual for a player his age, according to Diario SPORT. Umtiti has pain in his left knee cartilage, which eventually could become a real problem. This type of pain is said to be rare for people Umtiti's age, 25. As the condition worsens, part of the cartilage...

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