Share

cover art for Lionel Messi: one step from football immortality

The Athletic FC Podcast

Lionel Messi: one step from football immortality

•

Adam Leventhal is joined by Oli Kay and Argentinian journalist Martin Mazur to discuss Lionel Messi as he looks to crown his career with a World Cup winners' medal on Sunday.

Having taken Argentina to the final in 2014 as his country's talisman, now at 35, in his last World Cup Sunday offers his final chance for World Cup glory.

The panel analyse his tournament so far as well as his role within the Argentine side, plus Jay DeMerit, Adrian Mariappa and Leon Balogun share their experiences of playing against Messi while former PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino tells The Athletic what it's like to coach Messi.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • What is the hardest job in football?

    35:50|
    With so many big clubs potentially in the market for a new manager this summer.So, what actually is the hardest coaching job in football?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

  • Vinicius, Mourinho and another ugly night for football

    36:03|
    Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win at Benfica on Tuesday night was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse suffered by goalscorer Vinicius Junior.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Dermot Corrigan to break down what happened, discuss the reaction and what might happen next.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jay Harris, Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

  • Will De Zerbi return to the Premier League?

    39:05|
    Marseille’s season is in danger of spiralling after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach.So why did his spell come to an end so suddenly?And could the Italian return to the Premier League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

  • Can Igor Tudor save Spurs?

    27:00|
    Spurs have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach.So why him, and how does it affect their summer plans? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle, Jay Harris, Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale

  • Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks

    37:42|
    This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast are talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

  • Why have England extended Tuchel’s contract now?

    35:42|
    England have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract beyond the 2026 World Cup. So why has this happened now, and with sacking season in full flow, how does this impact the wider managerial market? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Oli KayExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers

  • Four managers in one season: Inside Forest's chaos

    33:40|
    Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.Former Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira is in pole position to succeed Dyche and would follow on from Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou as the other men to have taken charge of Forest this season.Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, can a fourth manager of the season save Forest from the drop?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe

  • Frank sacked: Why now and who next?

    35:52|
    Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches spelled the end for the Dane.So who do they turn to next? And can that person fight off the very real threat of relegation?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

  • What caused Ronaldo's Saudi rift?

    37:20|
    At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines.This time, he’s fallen out with his club, Al-Nassr.So why is he unhappy?And what does the future hold for the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton
Copyright The Athletic
Hosted with ❤️ by Acast