Sport

Messi fights back the emotions as an impassioned reporter explains exactly what he means to Argentina

The little genius' impact not only his country but on football world as a whole cannot be overstated.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 14th December 2022

A TV reporter nearly left Lionel Messi in tears during a post-match interview in which she waxed lyrical about his incredible career and the impact it’s had on Argentina and the footballing world.

Journalist and compatriot Sofia Martinez spent little time talking about yet another magical Messi performance as the sporting icon starred to send his country into the 2022 World Cup Final, almost as if we’ve now become so used to it that it’s barely worth analysing anymore.

Instead, she chose to make the most of the opportunity and explain to the footballing genius exactly what he means to his country, to football and to the sporting world in general

This is a truly lovely watch.

You can see how much it means to the 35-year-old who has already admitted this is likely his last World Cup if not his last major international tournament altogether.

As you can see, Martinez assures him that regardless of whether they lift the trophy, “there’s something that no one can take from you… it’s the fact you resonated with Argentinians, every single one.

“There’s no kid who doesn’t have your [shirt], no matter if it’s a fake, real or a made-up one. Truly, you made your mark in everyone’s life. And that, to me, is beyond winning any World Cup.”

She goes on to add, “No one can take that from you and this is my gratitude, for the amount of happiness you bring to a lot of people.”

With Messi just smiling as he tries to keep it together, Martinez concludes by saying: “I seriously hope you take those words into your heart because I really believe that’s more important than winning a World Cup and you already have it. So thank you, captain.”

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It goes without saying that this deep affection for what many consider the GOAT goes far beyond national pride: the Argentina and Barcelona legend has inspired generations of kids to not only try and become footballers but play the beautiful game with more fluidity, creativity and freedom than ever.

The Messi vs Ronaldo debate aside, he is an icon whose contribution to modern football, ability to create unforgettable moments and overall influence on the sport cannot be accurately measured.

‘La Pulga’ (‘The Flea’) has seemingly his last chance to lift the greatest trophy in sport on 18 December and no matter who Argentina face in the final, you know Messi will play more than his part in making it a memorable game.

He’s finally going to win it, isn’t he?

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Featured Image — TVP Argentina/@ksoolina (via Twitter)

Sport

Southampton youngster bids goodbye to boyhood club ahead of Manchester United move

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Southampton FC youngster, Harley Emsden-James, has bid goodbye to his boyhood club ahead of an imminent move to Manchester United.

The promising 16-year-old defender, who has already impressed plenty of youth scouts in the under-18s Premier League, is set to become Man United’s latest summer signing, making that four so far.

Identified not just by the Red Devils recruitment team but tipped for big things by their new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox – who was with the Saints before arriving at Old Trafford – he’s clearly thought of very highly already.

Posting on Instagram over the weekend, the Southampton-born centre-back shared images of himself as an even younger boy (joining the academy at age 7) along with a heartfelt farewell message.

As you can see, the caption touches upon almost a decade with the club, writing, “I’m incredibly grateful for all the memories made and the amazing people I’ve met throughout the journey.”

He goes on to add: “A huge thank you to all the staff who have supported and guided me over the years, to my teammates who’ve become friends, and to everyone who’s been a part of this chapter with me.

“Southampton will always hold a special place in my heart. On to the next chapter!”

Currently signed to Puma, the England prospect’s move to Manchester was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano back in June, and there seems to be an understanding that Wilcox knows him well already.

United are reported to have paid around £1 million for the young Southampton defender’s signature, fighting off other suitors, including Man City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Spurs and more.

Having recently shifted appointments in the INEOS administration, initially being appointed as Technical Director back in April 2024, the previous Premier League winner and coach, now looks to be spearheading MUFC’s transfer business and a big chunk of the youth development.

Although the belief is that Emsden-James will be dropped directly into Man United’s U18s PL squad, rather than be blooded into the first team, there is an expectation that he will feature as part of Ruben Amorim’s first pre-season tour, so he will benefit from training with more senior figures at the very least.

On the other hand, along with the likes of fellow new arrival and defensive partner, Diego León, we wouldn’t be too surprised if you see them given minutes amid issues with squad depth, injuries and not quite as much transfer activity as many may have hoped for.

Looks like United may once again be putting that old ‘you can’t win anything with kids’ adage to the test.

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Featured Images — Harley Emsden-James (via Instagram)/The Manc Group

Sport

Gymshark is opening its first standalone northern store in Manchester this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Outside the new Gymshark store

A huge new Gymshark store is opening in Manchester tomorrow, and it’s the brand’s first standalone store in the North.

The global sportswear and fitness brand will be setting up shop at the Trafford Centre and taking over a large 7,500 ft space on Upper Peel Avenue with all of its iconic Gymshark ranges, including the massively ‘Vital’ and ‘Power’ collections, as well as some exciting new exclusives for Gymshark Trafford Centre.

The store itself is said to have Gymshark’s ‘increasingly trademark’ look and feel throughout it, including mannequins that are created from the image of real people in the community, different destinations for its hero products, and spacious changing rooms with bespoke lighting.

Unfamiliar with Gymshark? Since it was founded by Ben Francis from his garage in 2012, the brand has gone on to become one of the UK’s greatest business success stories of the 21st century – with more than 20 million people across 200 countries now counting themselves as members of the Gymshark community.

Gymshark is opening its first standalone northern store in Manchester this weekend / Credit: Supplied

The new Trafford Centre will be Gymshark’s first standalone store in the UK outside of London, and follows recent openings in Dubai and Amsterdam, as well as coming ahead of the opening of Gymshark’s first flagship store in the US later this year.

Most importantly, it builds on the brand’s long association with Manchester, as one of the first-ever Gymshark meet-ups was in the city, as well as its first ‘Lift’ event post-COVID.

Gymshark also credits the public’s reception to its space inside Selfridges at the Trafford Centre as one of the driving forces behind its choice to open a permanent store within the shopping centre, calling it ‘nothing short of spectacular’ and adding that the new opening genuinely solidifies Manchester’s role as a ‘big brother’ to a Brummie brand.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gymshark’s first Northern store to Trafford Centre this weekend, joining our growing athleisure and sportswear offering at the centre,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.

“We have no doubt that Gymshark will prove immensely popular and can’t wait to welcome them on opening day.”

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Gymshark is opening at the Trafford Centre tomorrow (Saturday 12 July) with a grand ribbon cutting at 10am, followed by goody bags, refreshments, and merch being handed out for those waiting in line.

There’ll also be different fitness challenges to take part in too, in true Gymshark spirit.

Featured Image – Trafford Centre

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