<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> president Joan Laporta has been publicly clashing with others over refereeing in La Liga. Since the Negreira case became public, he and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> president Florentino Pérez have exchanged words. Recently, a former referee joined the discussion.



It was Eduardo Iturralde González, a referee from 1995 to 2012, who spoke on “El Larguero” and said Laporta should apologize for his comments about refereeing. “I would advise Laporta that, when he says a club is being benefited, the climate we are living in is that he, among others, has paid the vice president of the CTA (Technical Committee of Referees),” he said.



González added: “The current climate in Spanish football and refereeing shows the disservice that has been done to Spanish referees, partly thanks to him and Enriquez Negreira. He must apologise to Spanish football and refereeing.”



<h2>What did Laporta say about Real Madrid’s referees?</h2>



The comments followed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-laporta/">Laporta</a>’s reaction to the penalty Real Madrid received in their win over Rayo Vallecano and the amount of stoppage time added. “I watched Real Madrid’s game against Rayo Vallecano, and I don’t know where those nine or 10 minutes of extra time came from,” Laporta said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/04140854/gonzalez-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619501"></figure><figcaption>González was a referee until 2012 (Bagu Blanco/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



He continued by referring to what he described as a controversial result involving Barcelona’s historic rivals. “I saw many plays in which players are getting used to diving, and this should be a card. I say this in a constructive sense. Sometimes it also happens in our favor, and I would recognize it the same.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/marcus-rashford-reportedly-willing-to-make-sacrifice-to-secure-barcelona-future-amid-manchester-united-interest/"></div>


Barcelona is competing in a very close title race with Real Madrid in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Liga</a>. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappé</a>’s late goal againts Rayo Vallecano could prove important later in the season. Currently, Barcelona is one point ahead after 22 matches played.



<h2>Negreira case prompts scrutiny of refereeing payments</h2>



The “Negreira case” refers to allegations that Barcelona made payments to a company linked to Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spain’s refereeing body, which sparked investigations and widespread scrutiny of refereeing integrity in Spanish football.



The controversy has led to legal inquiries, increased media attention, and heightened tensions between clubs and the refereeing establishment, influencing public debate about transparency, governance, and conflicts of interest in the sport.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized by former referee after Real Madrid remarks: ‘He must apologise’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized by former referee after Real Madrid remarks: 'He must apologise' - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>’s retirement has been a topic of discussion for years. However, the Argentine doesn’t seem to be slowing down, even while playing in a non-European league. His influence at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> has been immense, guiding the club to the MLS title last season.



Rumors about Messi’s next move rarely gain traction, as he hardly ever hints at his plans. This time, however, it was the club doing the talking. Juan Manuel Medina, vice president of Newell’s—Leo’s childhood team—has positioned the club as a potential destination, signaling their interest in bringing him back.



Medina said to TN: “We are working for Leo to play in Newell’s in the first semester of 2027, but there isn’t much more than that for now. It’s a project that exceeds Newell’s. It’s a project from the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football.”



<h2>What club would Messi find?</h2>



There’s no denying that Messi knows exactly where he would be headed: his childhood club. It’s the team where he played in the youth divisions before moving to Barcelona, and the club whose jersey he wore to honor Diego Maradona after his death, even while he was still playing in Spain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03173229/messi-1-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619292"></figure><figcaption>Messi honored Diego Maradona with his jersey (David Ramos/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Newell’s have been under very poor conditions for years. The club hasn’t had strong leadership at the top, but it’s now aiming for a brighter future. Medina’s party was chosen to command the club last December, hoping for a return to glorious days.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/james-rodriguez-could-join-lionel-messi-in-mls-as-club-reportedly-targets-2026-move/"></div>


The season has started poorly, with Newell’s failing to secure a victory in their first three matches and the outlook not looking promising. One intriguing possibility for Messi would be the famous derby against Rosario Central. If he were to play, he would face his friend Ángel Di María, who joined the club from Benfica last year to finish his career.



<h2>Messi’s contract situation with Inter Miami</h2>



Messi surprised everybody when Inter Miami announced a contract extension last year. After years of signing for just one or two seasons, he committed to ending his career there when he signed through 2028, at age 41.



A potential move to Newell’s would not be to finish his career there. The Argentine club reportedly intends to sign him on loan for the first half of the season so he could play in his home country for the first time. But that seems unlikely based on what he said when he renewed his contract with the Herons.



“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality, playing in this stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” Messi said last year at the Miami Freedom Park site.

Lionel Messi linked to potential Inter Miami exit as another club reveals 2027 plans to sign him

Lionel Messi linked to potential Inter Miami exit as another club reveals 2027 plans to sign him - World Soccer Talk

Most players are currently under fire in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> amid a disappointing season. While much of the criticism targets the stars, promising youngster <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/franco-mastantuono/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franco Mastantuono</a> has also come under scrutiny. Argentina legend Mario Kempes has offered his view about the player, using <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamine Yamal</a> as an example.



Advice comes from all directions, but one voice with the experience to guide young players is Kempes. The World Cup winner in 1978 recently compared what Mastantuono should do with what the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> star has been doing.



In an interview with Argentinian streamer Rodrigo Rea, Kempes said: “He must be more aggressive. Play like he did on River Plate. Look at Yamal. He dribbles, he shoots on goal. He makes mistakes, a few, but he continues trying. If he doesn’t do that, he won’t last much”.



The first few months of Mastantuono with his new club have not been good. The expectations were high for the $60 million transfer, but his role in the team is now being questioned. So far, he has appeared in 23 matches, scoring three goals, leaving his spot in the starting eleven uncertain each week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03171337/kempes-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619286"></figure><figcaption>Kempes offered some advice to Franco Mastantuono (Elsa/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Kempes on Real Madrid’s pressure</h2>



Something very noticeable about Kempes statements on Mastantuono regards the club he is in. The Valencia legend knows very well the pressure that fans can put onto the players if the results aren’t coming their way.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/jude-bellingham-and-two-other-stars-reportedly-met-with-real-madrid-president-florentino-perez-over-a-major-issue/"></div>


Despite having played in a famous club in Argentina, Kempes remarks this is even more difficult. “It’s not River or Boca. This is Real Madrid. In this club you must win even in the training sessions.”



Lastly, he referred to Mastantuono’s effort. “He has to make more sacrifices than the rest of his teammates. He has to run more than <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappé</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/vinicius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinicius</a>, even Rodrygo. He’s mature but he has to demonstrate his talent on the field”.

Argentine legend uses Lamine Yamal as an example to warn Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono

Argentine legend uses Lamine Yamal as an example to warn Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neymar</a> has been one of the greatest players of the past decade. His highs have been spectacular and frequent, but his lows have become increasingly common in recent years. This time, however, something positive may be on the horizon for Santos fans.



After being out since December with a knee injury, the Brazilian star is nearing his return. According to Diario Do Peixe, Ney was part of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a> training on Monday without any setbacks, completing a full session that included ball work.



While the exact comeback date remains uncertain, there is a chance he may suit up again soon. Per the Brazilian outlet, Neymar could be back on Wednesday’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazilian-serie-a/">Brazilian Serie A</a> match against Sao Paulo, in front of his home fans at Urbano Caldeira Stadium.



<h2>What was Neymar’s injury?</h2>



Neymar is getting ready to play his first match of the year, if he finally gets the green light from Santos’ coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The Brazilian forward has been recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to repair a meniscus injury.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03143104/neymar-1920x1080.webp" alt="Neymar may be back from injury." class="wp-image-619221"></figure><figcaption>Neymar may be back from injury (Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images).</figcaption></figure>



The injury doesn’t require much time to heal, but his history with these types of problems may force the team to take a cautious approach. ESPN reported that he has been focusing on strengthening his left knee with specific exercises.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/not-messi-or-ronaldo-lamine-yamal-names-the-legend-he-wants-to-face-at-the-2026-world-cup-final/"></div>


But that may not be the case entirely for Neymar if he wants to be in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a>. He hasn’t played for the national team since 2023 mostly because of a torn ACL. While Carlo Ancelotti probably considers him an important piece, the competition he has is very good.



<h2>Neymar won’t have margin for error with Ancelotti</h2>



Ancelotti was brought in to correct course in a turbulent time for Brazil. Their standard must always be to win the World Cup, but the qualifiers suggested that a change was needed.



The Italian manager has won almost everywhere he has coached and has led star-studded squads throughout his career, giving him the experience to manage players at the highest level. Under his leadership, Neymar will have little margin for error.



“There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinícius. If Vini is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%. It’s a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. We have really many good players”, he said to Esporte Record.

Neymar nears return with Santos after knee surgery: When could the Brazilian star be back?

Neymar nears return with Santos after knee surgery: When could the Brazilian star be back? - World Soccer Talk

Mauro Tognacca is a contributor for World Soccer Talk and a dedicated sports journalist with a deep-seated passion for global soccer. Since beginning his career, he has developed a reputation for comprehensive match coverage and insightful analysis across multiple digital platforms. Mauro has extensive experience covering the fast-paced world of Argentine soccer, most notably contributing to Diario Olé, where he specialized in live match reporting and digital content creation. His versatile background also includes roles at various sports websites and significant experience in the sports betting industry, where he monitored and analyzed league action from around the globe. Additionally, Mauro has served in media positions during the Olympic Games, bringing his expertise to one of the world’s largest sporting stages.

Mauro Tognacca

experience

education

interests

latest articles by Mauro Tognacca

News

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized by former referee after Real Madrid remarks: ‘He must apologise’

News

Lionel Messi linked to potential Inter Miami exit as another club reveals 2027 plans to sign him

News

Argentine legend uses Lamine Yamal as an example to warn Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono

News

Neymar nears return with Santos after knee surgery: When could the Brazilian star be back?