<p>Right now, the Argentine national team is experiencing one of their greatest periods ever. Since they won the 2022 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a>, losing has become quite rare, and fans are eager to see them play. However, the idea that the same need might sabotage lucrative chances is hard to fathom.</p>



<p>Reports indicate that Lionel Messi’s side lost an opportunity to play <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> after the two failed friendlies in China. As a result, the team <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-without-4-players-for-march-games-but-include-messi-20240302-WST-492703.html">landed in the USA</a> to fill the international break.</p>



<p>It would have been ideal for the Albiceleste to face the top teams in the world ahead of Copa America. They would have felt better about themselves if they had won the match against Spain, a European powerhouse.</p>



<p>But when it comes to money, the World Champions would not budge. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) reportedly sought an outrageous sum of money from the Spanish national team. Thus, the players decided not to play in a friendly match against Lionel Messi, as per <a href="https://elpais.com/deportes/futbol/2024-03-26/lamine-brilla-en-el-momento-vinicius.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Pais</a>. So, La Roja went with a game against Brazil, the 5-time title World Cup winner, <a href="https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2024/03/26/cbf-diz-que-nao-joga-mais-sem-var-apos-polemicas-contra-espanha.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UOL</a> adds.</p>



<h2>How did Spain fare in friendlies after denying Argentina?</h2>



<p>At the same time, Argentina traveled to the United States for a pair of friendly matches. They dominated over Costa Rica and El Salvador, two teams only slightly lower in the rankings.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, taking into consideration the soccer rivalry between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> and Spain, their matchup may have been intriguing. Surprisingly, the two sides have clashed 14 times before, with 6 wins each and 2 draws. Not to mention that the reigning champions may have been seeking vengeance for their 6-1 setback in their last meeting. </p>



<p>That so, Spain had a tough test against Brazil, a quality squad. Endrick, a promising 17-year-old soon joining Real Madrid, grabbed the show with a goal. He also went up against the technically gifted Lamine Yamal of Spain.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240328_WST_497919_Yamal-Spain-1200x670_c1d3a40d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497932" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Yamal-Spain-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Yamal-Spain-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Yamal-Spain-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Yamal-Spain.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>How did Argentina do without Messi?</h2>



<p>The Argentine national team entered their friendly matches without Lionel Messi, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite their captain’s knock, Lionel Scaloni’s side has shown no signs of panic and has plenty of time to prepare for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/best-players-to-watch-at-copa-america-2024/">Copa America</a>.</p>



<p>Angel Di Maria suggested Lionel Messi should rest now if he hopes to avoid missing the continental competition in June. The team coach has already commented on their involvement in the 2024 Copa America.</p>



<p>The head coach of La Albiceleste, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/gastonedul/status/1772861720089821516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">writer Gaston Edul</a>, said, “Only Messi and Di María have their places guaranteed in the Copa America.” The fact that Scaloni chose not to mention the apparent names—Emiliano Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martínez, and Julian Alvarez—adds to the surprise. There is, however, a more fundamental explanation for why Scaloni and his coaching team have narrowed the field to Messi and Di Maria. The 45-year-old is expected to put up a team for the next event in the USA that is comparable to the one that won the World Cup in Qatar.</p>



<p>On the other hand, Scaloni seems to be selecting his roster with great care, giving serious thought to each player before making a decision. Also, other worthy players won’t miss out on a chance to shine as they did in the World Cup if he does this.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Argentina passed up chance to face Spain due to bizarre reason

Reports indicate that Lionel Messi's Argentina lost an opportunity to play Spain after the two failed friendlies in China.


<p>A bright future awaits Barcelona after they agreed to sign both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde to contracts with a release clause.</p>



<p>The Blaugrana clearly have complete trust in them. This season’s crop of young Spaniards who have been turning heads on the pitch seem to have a bright future at Camp Nou.</p>



<p>At 16 years and 57 days old, Yamal has just made his Spain debut in the Euro 2024 qualification, becoming the youngest player in the country’s history in the process. </p>



<p>His current teammate on the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barca</a> squad, Gavi, established the record in 2021 at the age of 17 years and 62 days.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Balde is rapidly progressing under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-exactly-is-barcelona-buying-new-players-20230902-WST-453621.html">Xavi Hernandez</a>, where the young prodigy’s talents have made an unforgettable mark despite his tender years. His latest Golden Boy nomination, with Gavi and Yamal, is a testament to his promising future.</p>



<h2>Barcelona to sign Yamal and Balde to long-term deals with a release clause</h2>



<p>When they return from representing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> in international competition, the two will allegedly sign new contracts with Barcelona. Both are now on the road with Luis de la Fuente’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024 qualifying</a> side, playing against Cyprus and Georgia.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/fc-barcelona/20230904/9204510/lamine-yamal-balde-firmaran-renovaciones-barca-paron-internacional.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Vanguardia</a>, upon their return, the pair will sign new contracts to ensure their continued success. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alejandro Balde comments on Lamine Yamal&apos;s latest IG post: "You give him his first goal and he doesn&apos;t even tag you… Nico Williams."<br><br>Nico William replies: "He doesn&apos;t respect his father." <a href="https://t.co/n5g3IjkAGC">pic.twitter.com/n5g3IjkAGC</a></p>— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarcaUniversal/status/1700535297828614576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Lamine Yamal’s contract will last until 2026, while that of Balde’s will extend until 2028. A three-year deal is the most that Barcelona can give him because of his age.</p>



<p>Both new contracts are set to feature buyout provisions valued at more than&nbsp;$1 billion to deter prospective suitors. Barca has reportedly been waiting for some time for the contracts to be finalized. This is because they needed to make room in their Financial Fair Play (FFP) budget.</p>



<h2>How have the duo been doing this season?</h2>



<p>As a result of his hard work and improvement, Lamine Yamal will sign his first professional contract. The teenager is presently a member of Xavi’s first-team squad and has been doing well.</p>



<p>Balde, who has established himself as the starting left defender, has also been rewarded with a contract extension. The Spanish international will wear Pique’s old No. 3 jersey this year.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Bright future: Barcelona to tie two rising stars to $1bn release clause

Two young talents at Barcelona will soon be locked into long-term contracts with a $1 billion buyout clause

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Argentina passed up chance to face Spain due to bizarre reason

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Bright future: Barcelona to tie two rising stars to $1bn release clause