Latest Football Headlines: Xhaka, Messi, Depay, and more football moments you missed

‎Football’s global reach means that every second of the day, somewhere in the world, the beautiful game continues in myriad forms—whether it’s a last-minute goal, a viral social media post, or a friendly match among friends. The dynamic nature of the sport, with its constant drama, offers endless entertainment, making it impossible to keep up with every moment. It's often the smallest, yet most compelling events—such as a fan’s unique perspective on a penalty save or an intense moment between rivals—that capture the true essence of football.
‎'L. Messi' Ft. 'C. Ronaldo.'
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‎At SPORTING, we've launched a live blog to help you keep track of all these captivating snippets, highlighting the best of social media and the most interesting football stories of the past 24 hours. Below are some of the standout moments:
‎2nd April: Granit Xhaka’s Heated Exchange with Leverkusen Fan Following Shocking Defeat
‎In what can be described as a major shock in German football, Arminia Bielefeld, a third-tier side, defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the German Cup semi-final. Leverkusen, the reigning German champions, were heavily favored, but the upset continued Arminia’s fairytale run. After the match, Granit Xhaka was filmed engaging in a heated altercation with a Leverkusen fan. While the specifics of the exchange remain unclear, Xhaka’s frustration was evident. This isn’t the first time Xhaka has clashed with fans, as similar incidents occurred during his time at Arsenal.
‎Walker Critiques Joao Felix’s Play in Tunnel
‎Footage emerged from the tunnel after AC Milan’s match against Lazio, where Kyle Walker was seen chastising his teammate Joao Felix. Felix, struggling since his loan move from Chelsea, had a lackluster performance, prompting Walker to tell him: "Just pass the ball, we are not Messi. No one here is Messi, pass the ball."
‎31st March: Yeovil Town Bans Fans Over Social Media Criticism of Chairman
‎Yeovil Town has banned two supporters for two years after they criticized club chairman Martin Hellier on social media. Hellier, who bought the club in May 2023, has faced harsh criticism following financial losses of £2.8 million. The situation has escalated with Hellier now putting the club up for sale. In response to the bans, the chairman stated, "It’s simply not worth losing the money to be abused."
‎30th March: Andy Murray Jokes with Lionel Messi About Playing in Stoke
‎Tennis legend Andy Murray humorously posed the age-old question to Lionel Messi: "Can you do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke?" The query, often used to compare Messi and Ronaldo’s abilities in tougher conditions, was met with Messi's playful reply, "Cállate la boca," which, humorously, translates to “Shut your mouth.”
‎28th March: Memphis Depay’s Showboating Sparks Brawl
‎Memphis Depay’s antics during the Campeonato Paulista final led to a mass brawl between Corinthians and Palmeiras. Depay, attempting a showboating move near the corner flag, drew the ire of Palmeiras players, resulting in a skirmish. The referee handed out red cards to two players, but Corinthians held on to win the match.
‎27th March: Argentina Fans Target Raphinha After Brazil’s Humiliating Loss
‎Raphinha and his Brazil teammates faced a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina. The Barcelona winger, who had promised a victory before the match, was ridiculed by the Argentine fans, who sang: "Sub on Raphinha," despite the player playing the full 90 minutes.
‎26th March: Leandro Paredes Shuts Down Rodrygo During Brazil Defeat
‎After Brazil’s devastating 4-1 loss to Argentina, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo attempted to taunt Argentina’s Leandro Paredes by calling him "terrible." Paredes quickly responded, highlighting his own accolades, including one World Cup and two Copa America titles, and shut down Rodrygo’s comment with a cutting reply.
‎24th March: Robbie Keane 'Books' Michael Dawson During Legends Match
‎In a fun moment during the Tottenham Legends vs. AC Milan Legends match, Robbie Keane issued a yellow card to his teammate Michael Dawson for a misplaced pass. The comedic moment added to the lighthearted nature of the charity event, where Keane's team triumphed 6-2.
‎23rd March: Germany’s Quick Thinking Leads to Genius Goal Against Italy
‎In a Nations League encounter, Germany took advantage of Italy's inattentiveness, with Joshua Kimmich quickly restarting play after a goal kick to set up Jamal Musiala for an easy goal. Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was distracted by his defenders’ poor positioning, allowing Musiala to score.
‎23rd March: Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Rare Penalty Against Denmark
‎Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his prolific penalty-taking, missed a rare spot-kick in Portugal’s clash against Denmark. His tame effort was easily saved by Kasper Schmeichel, marking an unusual blip in the legendary forward's career.
‎23rd March: Welsh Club Barry Town United Shocked as Vice-Captain Jailed
‎Barry Town United was stunned by the news that vice-captain Evan Press had been jailed for two and a half years for drug dealing. The club, unaware of Press’s activities, expressed their shock and disappointment, describing him as a "wonderful young man" who had made a grave mistake.
‎22nd March: Peter Crouch Revives Iconic Robot Celebration in Legends Match
‎In a nostalgic moment during the Liverpool Legends vs. Chelsea Legends match, Peter Crouch scored a header and revived his famous "robot" celebration. The crowd was thrilled to see the iconic striker’s celebration once again.
‎22nd March: Solanke Ranks Premier League’s Top Defenders
‎Dominic Solanke, who has played against Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and Ruben Dias, ranked the trio of centre-backs. He placed Van Dijk at the top, praising him as the "best centre-back in the world," followed by Saliba and Dias.
‎Stay updated with all the latest football news, from club drama to viral moments, by following our live blog. Football is a game of passion, and we’re here to bring you the most captivating stories.

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