The long-standing debate over who is the greatest player of all time—Lionel Messi or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>—has been reignited after <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messis-argentina-teammate-dismisses-cristiano-ronaldos-claim-as-the-best-in-history/">recent comments from both players and their former teammates</a>. This time, it was&nbsp;Angel Di Maria, one of the few players to have shared a dressing room with both superstars, who weighed in on the discussion.



In a recent interview with&nbsp;InfoBae, the Argentine winger made a&nbsp;definitive statement, asserting that&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Messi</a> is not just the best player in the world but the best in history. His comments come as a direct response to Ronaldo’s latest claim that he is the ‘most complete’ player of all time.



Cristiano Ronaldo, who has long been vocal about his status in soccer history, recently made headlines with his bold assertion. Speaking on Spanish television show El Chiringuto, the Portuguese forward declared: “I’m talking about numbers. I think I’m the most complete player to have existed. In my opinion, I think it’s me. I do everything well in soccer: with my head, free kicks, left foot. I’m fast, I’m strong.



“One thing is taste—if you like [Lionel] Messi, Pele, [Diego] Maradona, I understand that and I respect that—but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete… I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.” Ronaldo went on to cite his&nbsp;goalscoring records, particularly his ability to score with both feet and his head, as proof of his dominance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554888_Messi-and-Ronaldo-1200x675_74869061.webp&amp;width=650&amp;height=365" alt="Messi and Ronaldo" class="wp-image-546797" width="650" height="365" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/02152355/Messi-and-Ronaldo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></figure></figure>



<h2>How did Di Maria respond?</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/angel-di-maria/">Di Maria</a>, however, was&nbsp;not impressed&nbsp;with the Portuguese’s remarks. Having played alongside him at&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>&nbsp;and with Messi for&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a>, the winger did not hold back in expressing his belief that Messi&nbsp;stands above all.



“I’m not surprised, I was with him [Ronaldo] for four years. It was always like that. He always made those statements, he always tried to be the best, but well, he was born in a generation, just at a bad time, because another one was born who was touched by the magic wand [Messi].”



Di Maria emphasized that&nbsp;Messi’s superiority is not based on opinions but on facts. “The reality is shown in numbers. One has eight Ballon d’Ors, the other five. There is a very big difference. Being a world champion is another very big difference, having two Copa Americas. There are many differences, many.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="600" height="402" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554888_RonaldoDiMaria-600x402_53a6f233.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=402" alt="" class="wp-image-115905" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/RonaldoDiMaria-600x402.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/RonaldoDiMaria-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/RonaldoDiMaria-300x201.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/09/RonaldoDiMaria.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Ronaldo vs Messi: Who is the ‘GOAT’ according to Di Maria?</h2>



Beyond the numbers, Di Maria highlighted Messi’s&nbsp;longevity and consistent brilliance, which set him apart from all other soccer players. “You see it in every match, every minute. Messi plays as if he were in his own backyard, and he has done so for nearly 20 years. For me, Leo is the best in the world and the best in history, without a doubt.”



He also pointed out how&nbsp;his compatriot’s predictability doesn’t make him any less unstoppable: “People say, ‘You already know what he’s going to do,’ but they can’t stop him. Even at 40, he’ll still execute his tiki-taka moves effortlessly. That’s the reality.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554888_messi-di-maria-1200x675_ae6f620a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="messi di maria" class="wp-image-546938" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/03114450/messi-di-maria.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Though the debate over the&nbsp;‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT)&nbsp;will likely never be settled completely, Di Maria’s&nbsp;first-hand experience with both players&nbsp;makes his opinion significant: “For me, Leo [Messi] is the best in the world and the best in history, without a doubt.”

Messi vs Ronaldo: Di Maria settles debate and fires back at Cristiano’s GOAT claim – ‘Reality is in numbers’

Messi vs Ronaldo: Di Maria settles debate and fires back at Cristiano’s GOAT claim – ‘Reality is in numbers' - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/">Kylian Mbappe</a>’s journey with the French national team has been filled with highs and lows, from winning the&nbsp;2018 World Cup&nbsp;to recent controversies surrounding his absence from international duty. After missing France’s last two international breaks, speculation ran wild regarding his relationship with manager&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/didier-deschamps/">Didier Deschamps</a>&nbsp;and whether he would retain his leadership role. Now, Deschamps has made a definitive call on Mbappe’s future with&nbsp;Les Bleus, putting an end to months of uncertainty.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>&nbsp;forward was noticeably absent from France’s squads in&nbsp;October and November, fueling rumors of a possible rift with Deschamps. However, the French manager has now confirmed that Mbappe will be back for the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/nations-league/">UEFA Nations League</a>&nbsp;matches against&nbsp;Croatia&nbsp;in March.



“Of course, he’ll be there. Why wouldn’t he be?”&nbsp;Deschamps told&nbsp;L’Equipe.&nbsp;“Yes, for very specific reasons, he was not here before, but he’ll be there if nothing happens to him between now and then. He’s very attached to the French team, even if he’s had a complicated personal period. He’s back to full fitness, and you can see that in his game, and in his head too.”



The 56-year-old acknowledged that Mbappe’s transition to Real Madrid had been challenging, affecting both his performance and mental state.&nbsp;“Few holidays, little preparation, six complicated months in Paris, back pain, a broken nose at the Euro—these things obviously have athletic and psychological consequences, not to mention his adjustment to Madrid. It took some time, but it fell into place because he did everything necessary.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554880_Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-1200x675_910c85f5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Kylian Mbappe France Didier Deschamps (2)" class="wp-image-543337" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/08234018/Kylian-Mbappe-France-Didier-Deschamps-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Controversial absence: Mbappe’s international break drama</h2>



Mbappe’s absence from the last two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/france/">France</a> squads did not go unnoticed, with critics questioning his commitment to the national team. Reports even emerged that the forward had considered retiring from international soccer after he was accused of prioritizing his club career over his country.



The 26-year-old ace himself addressed the controversy previously in an interview with&nbsp;Canal+, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kylian-mbappe-addresses-deschamps-decision-after-being-left-out-from-france-national-team/">explaining his absence</a>:&nbsp;“In September, I asked the coach not to go. I had just arrived in Madrid. The coach insisted that I go. After October, I got injured. The coach told me it was better not to call me up. I wanted to go, but I can’t say why they didn’t call me.”



Adding to the scrutiny, the French star was seen partying in Sweden while France was playing, leading to further criticism. However, Deschamps has now dismissed any notion of a permanent fallout, making it clear that the striker remains an integral part of his plans.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554880_Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-1200x675_4be83122.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-548915" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/15104850/Ancelotti-and-Mbappe.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Will Mbappe remain France’s captain?</h2>



One of the biggest questions surrounding Mbappe’s return was whether he would retain his captaincy, a role he was given following&nbsp;Hugo Lloris’&nbsp;retirement from international soccer. With younger stars like&nbsp;Antoine Griezmann&nbsp;and&nbsp;Aurelien Tchouameni&nbsp;emerging as leaders, some believed Deschamps might make a change.



However, Les Bleus boss confirmed that Mbappe will continue as the team’s captain, reaffirming his leadership despite past tensions.&nbsp;“There have always been internal discussions, whether individual or collective, but I currently have no reason to believe he won’t be captain in March,”&nbsp;he stated.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="534974" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554880_Mbappe-France-2_23dc430c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-534974" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-France-2.jpg 1920w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-France-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-France-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-France-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/Mbappe-France-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure></figure>
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With the captaincy question settled, the focus now shifts to France’s&nbsp;Nations League&nbsp;quarterfinal matches against Croatia on&nbsp;March 20 and 23. After missing two international windows, the superstar will be expected to lead from the front as France looks to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Kylian Mbappe’s future with France decided: Will he keep the captaincy? Didier Deschamps weighs in

Kylian Mbappe’s future with France decided: Will he keep the captaincy? Didier Deschamps weighs in - World Soccer Talk

According to reports, Brazilian superstar <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> is preparing for a spectacular comeback to Barcelona this summer. He will use his current loan stay at Santos <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neymars-strategic-return-to-santos-the-career-boost-hes-counting-on-and-why-barcelona-fans-should-be-watching/">to get back in shape</a> before potentially signing for his old club for free. The 33-year-old forward, who has faced injury setbacks and a challenging stint at&nbsp;Al-Hilal, is eager to prove he still belongs among Europe’s elite.



But is Barcelona ready to welcome him back? The situation remains unclear, as the club weighs its options amid financial constraints and sporting concerns.



Neymar’s return to&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a>&nbsp;earlier this year was more than just a sentimental homecoming—it was a strategic move. The Brazilian opted for a six-month deal at his boyhood club, taking a significant&nbsp;pay cut&nbsp;in the process. His ultimate goal? A return to European soccer, with&nbsp;Barca&nbsp;at the top of his wish list.



According to&nbsp;Cadena SER, Neymar has no intention of staying at Santos beyond the summer. His primary motivation is to showcase his ability at the highest level once again, in the hope of securing a move back to Europe. More importantly, he is focused on regaining his place in the&nbsp;Brazil national team&nbsp;ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/World-Cup/">2026 World Cup</a>&nbsp;in North America.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554874_Neymar-Santos-3-1200x675_786cb1a3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Neymar of Santos reacts during a Campeonato Paulista 2025 match between Santos and Botafogo at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on February 05, 2025 in Santos, Brazil." class="wp-image-554075" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/09193429/Neymar-Santos-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



While his name has often been linked with a&nbsp;Camp Nou comeback, this time, there seems to be a real possibility that it could materialize. Sporting director&nbsp;Deco&nbsp;has expressed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neymar-to-return-to-barcelona-hansi-flicks-side-says-welcome-amid-lionel-messis-inter-miami-and-santos-interest/">interest in signing a&nbsp;left winger</a>, and if Neymar is willing to&nbsp;accept lower wages, the move could be more feasible given the club’s financial struggles.



<h2>Barcelona president’s conditions for Neymar’s return</h2>



Despite Neymar’s enthusiasm for a return,&nbsp;Barcelona president <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-laporta/">Joan Laporta</a>&nbsp;has set&nbsp;two strict conditions&nbsp;for any potential deal. Firstly, he must arrive as a free agent.&nbsp;Given Barcelona’s&nbsp;financial constraints, the club cannot afford a transfer fee for the Brazilian. Any potential deal must be structured in a way that does not compromise their already tight wage bill.



Secondly, he must prove his physical condition.&nbsp;Neymar has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, including a&nbsp;serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury&nbsp;that has sidelined him for months. Barcelona will only consider signing him if he demonstrates that he can return to his best form and maintain fitness over a full season.



“Neymar continues to have a strong relationship with Laporta”, according to Spanish journalist&nbsp;Joan Fontes and is even willing to sign a&nbsp;pre-contract&nbsp;with the club. However, his physical condition remains a significant concern.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554874_Neymar-Messi-Barcelona-1200x675_05704c09.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-524213" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Neymar-Messi-Barcelona-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Neymar-Messi-Barcelona-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Neymar-Messi-Barcelona-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Neymar-Messi-Barcelona-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Neymar-Messi-Barcelona.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Divided locker room</h2>



While Neymar’s potential return is generating excitement among some players,&nbsp;manager <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/hansi-flick/">Hansi Flick</a>&nbsp;remains skeptical. Reports suggest that the German coach&nbsp;opposed the idea&nbsp;of signing Neymar last summer, and his stance&nbsp;may not have changed.



On the other hand, Neymar has&nbsp;key allies in the dressing room&nbsp;who would welcome his return. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/">Lamine Yamal</a>, one of the Catalans’ rising stars, idolizes Neymar and would relish the opportunity to play alongside him. Meanwhile, Raphinha is Neymar’s close friend and fellow Brazilian, and he is also in favor of the move.

Neymar eyes pre-contract with Barcelona? Joan Laporta lays down two major hurdles for Santos star to overcome

Neymar eyes pre-contract with Barcelona? Joan Laporta lays down two major hurdles for Santos star to overcome - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> is gearing up for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout stage clash against Manchester City in what promises to be a pivotal match for their European aspirations. After a thrilling 3-2 comeback in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/carlo-ancelotti/">Carlo Ancelotti</a>‘s side will be boosted by the return of three key players ahead of the crucial second leg.



Despite being down twice in the game, Real Madrid rallied to secure a remarkable 3-2 victory. With a narrow advantage heading into the second leg, Ancelotti gave encouraging news regarding the fitness of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/antonio-rudiger/">Antonio Rudiger</a>, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez.



During the pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Osasuna, Ancelotti confirmed the positive updates on the trio. “They are improving. They will continue with individual work until Monday, and from Tuesday, they will join the group. They will be available for the match against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/">Manchester City</a>, including Lucas Vazquez,” Ancelotti said.



While the coach had previously mentioned that the three players would be available for the second leg, he had not specified a return timeline. With these key defensive reinforcements back in contention, Real Madrid will be better equipped to maintain a solid backline as they aim to secure their place in the next round of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250214_WST_554845_Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-1200x675_5c08f1e5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-554868" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/14111751/Antonio-Rudiger-David-Alaba-Lucas-Vazquez-Real-Madrid.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City is scheduled for Wednesday, 19th at the Santiago Bernabeu. Following their 3-2 victory in the first leg and the support of their home crowd, Los Blancos are now positioned as the favorites to advance to the next stage.


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<h2>Rudiger, Alaba, and Vazquez return for Real Madrid</h2>



Rudiger (hamstring), <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/david-alaba/" rel="sponsored nofollow">Alaba</a> (adductor), and Vazquez (hamstring) had all been sidelined due to muscle injuries prior to the first leg against Manchester City, forcing Ancelotti to field an unconventional defense.



With Federico Valverde filling in at right back, Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni playing as center backs, and Ferland Mendy the sole natural left back, Real Madrid faced significant defensive challenges, conceding two goals due to defensive errors.



Now, with the trio’s recovery on track, Ancelotti will be eager to have them available for the second leg as Real Madrid aims to build on their first-leg advantage and continue their pursuit of Champions League glory.

Carlo Ancelotti welcomes back three key Real Madrid players for second leg against Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti welcomes back three key Real Madrid players for second leg against Manchester City - World Soccer Talk

As Alexi Lalas once said, “There is nothing stopping others from trying to build a better mousetrap.” Based on preliminary details announced Thursday, the United Soccer League (USL) may have unlocked that mousetrap with a plan to launch a USL Premier League division in 2027 as a Division I league, pending approval from the US Soccer Federation. 



If USL can pull it off and implement a system of promotion and relegation between its leagues, it’ll give the majority of soccer fans in the United States something it has been craving for decades: A logical organizational structure for the sport, i.e. a pyramid.



No Major League Soccer (MLS) teams would be part of the pyramid. Besides, MLS owners would never agree to a system of promotion and relegation despite Commissioner Don Garber’s history of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/promotion-and-relegation-in-mls-don-garber-on-the-subject-20230208-WST-416293.html">moving the goalposts</a> on the topic. Major League Soccer’s game plan is to continue operating as a closed super league of North American teams.



<h2>USL’s announcement opens the door to a brighter future for the sport in the U.S.</h2>



USL’s <a href="https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1331372" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcement</a>, while not yet agreeing to adopt promotion and relegation, gives hope to soccer fans in the United States that it can be included. 



“I think I speak for every true soccer fan in the United States that we would hope and pray for promotion and relegation in this country,” said Sporting JAX Chief Community Officer Tony Allegretti on <a href="https://youtu.be/fXmAZWtvyp8?si=brIxYA-RFbhjToVb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sporting Pod</a>. “When it finally does happen, it thrills me that somewhere we will be in that system.”



Sporting JAX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, plans to launch a men’s team in USL during 2026.



If a team has no opportunity to reach the top tier, what’s the point of existence?



And if a team can join the top tier like MLS with an investment of $500 million or more, does it no longer become a sport but purely a business decision? Where’s the fun in that?



<h2>USL D1 announcement is the kick up the backside MLS needed</h2>



If USL can pull off its plan to launch the new top-tier division in 2027, it’ll give MLS a much-needed kick up the backside. Monopolies often prevent innovation, so if USL can become a stronger competitor to MLS, that’s to the benefit of soccer across the entire United States.



It gives hope to smaller cities across the United States that a team could move up the leagues to the top tier. Currently, that dream doesn’t exist, which prevents investment at the local level. It also limits player growth, which certainly hurts the US Men’s National Team.



Looking at MLS from a 50,000-foot view, the top-flight American league is thriving with record attendances, the 2025 launch of MLS’ 30th team, as well as signing well-known stars such as Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Marco Reus.



Therefore, if you live in a MLS city, you’ll enjoy the benefits of seeing your local team play against decent opposition. With MLS only in 27 cities in the United States, that means the rest of us, i.e. the vast majority of people in this country, have no local MLS to support.&nbsp;



Without a local MLS team, soccer fans are then faced with a choice of figuring out which league to watch on TV and/or streaming, or supporting a local team — if you have one — in USL or a different lower league. With dozens of leagues from around the world to choose from that are more accessible to viewers in the United States across television and streaming options, this is where MLS and club soccer in the United States fall flat.



It’s not necessarily the quality of these other foreign leagues that’s the reason why they’re more popular than MLS. Instead, MLS’ major flaw is that it doesn’t give viewers enough reasons to watch the league.



<h2>What’s missing from MLS</h2>



In almost every other soccer league around the world, the key components that keep fans enthralled for the majority of the season are missing from MLS:



– A system where every game matters – A league season that has suspense from game one through the last match – Sporting merit, and – Jeopardy, i.e. promotion and relegation



USL’s plans, while preliminary, have a lot of key ingredients in place to be a success, and to give soccer fans in the United States a reason to believe as well as hopefully a local team to support. A fan of Liverpool FC living in any town in the United States would be open to supporting his local team if there was a pyramid where that team could rise to the top.



That is enticing not only to local US soccer fans but also to foreign investors who are looking for an opportunity to invest in a market where the cost of entry isn’t half a billion dollars.

USL builds better mousetrap for US soccer with plans for new D1

The USL D1 announcement of a planned top-tier soccer league is the first step of building a better mousetrap to entice soccer fans in the USA

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