DEJA VU: CHILE KNOCK OFF ARGENTINA ON PKs, REPEAT AS COPA AMERICA CHAMPS

At East Rutherford, New Jersey:

In front of the largest crowd ever to attend a soccer match in New Jersey (82,026 at MetLife Stadium), following 120 scoreless minutes (during which both squads were reduced to ten men each due to first-half red-card ejections), Nicolas Castillo, Charles Aranguiz, Jean Beausejour, and Francisco Silva converted their spot kicks as Chile, in a rematch of last year's final, knocked off Argentina 4-2 in the penalty-kick shootout to win their second straight Copa America championship on Sunday.  During the shootout, Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved Luis Biglia's spot kick while Lionel Messi's attempt missed the goal altogether.

Leo the Lion's reaction after his PK miss says it all.


Photo from USA Today website

Leo And Cristiano's Excellent Adventure: Classico Ends In 2-2 Deadlock

At Barcelona:

In the latest renewal of the Super Classico rivalry, Real Madrid came from behind to gain a 2-2 Spanish Primera Division Sunday road draw with arch-rivals Barcelona.  Lionel Messi scored both of Barca's goals (31', 61') while Cristiano Ronaldo did the same (23', 66') for Los Galacticos.

Leo The Lion WAY Too Much For Parakeets

At Barcelona:


Lionel Messi scored all four goals (12', PK-64', 74', PK'79') in Barcelona's 4-0 home demolition of local rivals Espanyol in Saturday Spanish Primera Division action in Pep Guardiola's final home match as Catalans manager.

Broken Record

Congrats again, Leo.

LEO THE LION HELPS BARCA CLUB SANTOS TO WIN WORLD CLUB CUP TITLE

At Yokohama, Japan:





Lionel Messi scored twice (17', 82') as Barcelona whitewashed Santos 4-0 on Sunday to win their second FIFA Club World Cup championship in three years.  Shown here is Barca midfielder Adriano celebrating after the victory.


Earlier on Sunday, after 120 scoreless minutes, Al-Sadd won the penalty-kick shootout with Kashiwa Reysol 5-3 to capture the third-place contest.


Associated Press photo

Leo Wins Award

Lionel Messi takes home the FIFA Men's World Player of the Year for 2010.

Congrats again, Leo.

Another Award For Leo

Argentina international and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was Monday named FIFA world player of the year.

He May Be From Argentina...

But, well, congratulations anyway, Leo.

Lionel Messi Double Helps Barca Sink Sounders

At Seattle:

Lionel Messi doubled in the first half as FC Barcelona dominated Seattle Sounders FC 4-0 Wednesday night in an exhibition match before 66,848 fans at Qwest Field.