In today’s edition of Pundit Daily Digest, Japan withdraws from hosting the 2021 Club World Cup, Messi breaks Pele’s record, Ronaldo sends warning to rivals and more.
It’s another edition of Pundit Daily Digest and it promises to be as entertaining as ever. Let’s take a look at the trendiest football news from all over the world.
1. Lionel Messi Reaches Another Landmark
Lionel Messi scored thrice to overtake Pele as the top international goalscorer in South American football history on Thursday as he scored all the goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Bolivia in their 2022 World Cup qualifier.
Messi scored his 77th, 78th and 79th international goals to keep Argentina on course for a spot in Qatar next year and break Pele’s record.
Messi drew level with Pele’s record with his first goal and scored two more to effectively break the record and set his own. Click here to read what Messi said about the record.
2. Ronaldo Seeks Trophies, Not A Vacation
Manchester United and Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo says his return to Old Trafford is not a vacation and he hopes to prove himself again with consistent performances and trophies.
Ronaldo spent six seasons at United between 2003-09 and won eight major trophies. He re-joined the Red Devils after he left Juventus last month and signed a two-year contract.
He had this to say;
“I’m not here for a vacation… Before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before many years ago.
“But I’m here to win again. I’m capable, me and my teammates. I’m ready to go. It’s a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead.”
Click here to read Ronaldo’s full interview.
3. Ferdinand Speaks On Online Racism
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said on Thursday that there was a “disheartening” inevitability about the racist abuse directed at black England players especially those who missed penalties at the final of the Euro 2020.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their penalties in the final of the Euros 2020 against Italy and were the victims of online attacks.
Speaking on the issue, Ferdinand said;
“When those three players missed those penalties, the first thing I thought was ‘let’s see what happens on social media’. I expected it (the abuse) to happen.”
He also spoke about the negative impact abuse can have on individuals and their families. He said;
“I’ve seen members of my family disintegrate at times, I’ve seen other sports stars’ family members taking it worse than the actual person who’s receiving the abuse.”
Ferdinand was giving evidence to a joint committee of MPs and peers seeking views on how to improve the draft Online Safety Bill designed to tackle social media abuse.
Downing Street said Boris Johnson is determined to do everything possible to “stamp out” racist abuse in the UK.
Following Ferdinand’s appearance before MPs and peers, a No 10 spokesman said Johnson sympathised with anyone who had suffered racist abuse.
4. Japan Pulls Out Of Hosting Club World Cup
The Japanese Football Association (JFA) announced on Thursday that it had pulled out of holding this year’s Club World Cup due to coronavirus restrictions.
The football tournament which sees the champions from the six global confederations compete along with the host nation’s top team, was due to be held there in December.
Japan has battled a record fifth wave of virus cases driven by the more infectious Delta variant this summer, although the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics went ahead under strict virus restrictions.
Much of the country is currently under anti-infection measures that limit the number of spectators at sports events.
FIFA have announced that details about an alternative host will be revealed in due course.
5. Luuk De Jong Unveiled At The Camp Nou
Barcelona forward Luuk de Jong was presented at the Camp Nou in the new Barcelona Champions League kit on Thursday afternoon.
The striker made a deadline day switch from Sevilla to Barcelona on loan for the rest of the season.
With the move, de Jong is reunited with Dutch compatriots Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong, and coach Ronald Koeman.
In a press conference, he revealed how happy he was to be a part of the club and also talked up his scoring record stating he was ready to get straight to business at Barca.
This article was compiled by Kayode Ogunbote and Muslihat Shaka.
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