FC BARCELONA

The Brazilian Robinho, Diego Forlan and Argentine Ariel Ortega, Javier Mascherano and Ezquiel Lavezzi, are part of the friendly 'Messi and his friends', to be held on 21 June in Bogotá.

They are joined by Colombians also James Rodríguez, Mario Yepes and as was confirmed, Falcao García, among other Colombians who played the game with the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, said Lorena Petersson, press officer of Total Concerts, company in charge of the event.

It also confirmed the Venezuelan names like Danny Alves of Portuguese and Brazilian Julio César. Part of the proceeds with the game tickets will go to Lio Messi Foundation, the philanthropic organization created by the player who also is an ambassador for Unicef. (via SPORT)

Mascherano stressed today that it would a mistake to focus on the Real Madrid game instead of Wednesday’s match at Stamford Bridge: “We’re in a Champions league semi-final”.

"We want to put the league out of our minds a bit and focus on Chelsea, because we have the chance of reaching the final of Europe’s top competition”. Speaking at Sunday’s press conference, Javier Mascherano left no-on in any doubt as to the players’ attitude in a week that will be key to the Club’s aspirations both in Europe and in La Liga.

Not surprisingly, he emphasised that the result of Wednesday’s match at Stamford Bridge will be vital in the outcome of the tie: “It’ll be a really difficult tie that will depend a lot on getting a good result in the first leg against a team that has always been characterised by their tremendous physical strength, and which has some really experienced players”.

"The main thing right now is Wednesday’s match. Afterwards, we’ll think about the league and Real Madrid. We’re in a Champions League semi-final and we have a great opportunity to reach the final. It would be a really big mistake to focus on Real Madrid first, because Wednesday’s match is very difficult and will go a long way to deciding the tie”.

The Argentine international believes there’s “no room for error” in any of the competitions at this stage of the season and is proud of the spirit shown by the players game after game, as demonstrated by the comeback against Levante: “Faith is the last thing you lose and we have faith in what we can do. Then it depends, because you never know in football, but it’s important we have the right dynamic. Obviously the victory [against Levante] in the Ciutat de Valencia strengthens us, above all because we maintained the team spirit. It’s alive and well and won’t be beaten and keeps fighting against the odds”.

However, by his own admission, Mascherano is not too keen to talk about the ‘what ifs’ and so doesn’t want to go into whether a win against Real Madrid on Saturday would bring the league title a little closer: “We are all aware that even if we win all our matches in the league we still depend on other results. Real Madrid have a four-point lead and we’ll have to see if we’re capable of beating them next weekend. It’s not in our hands. But what’s real right now is Wednesday, Stamford Bridge, Chelsea".

Finally, Mascherano confirmed that he’s happy about his current form: “When you have a run in the side and you see that things are going well for the team then you improve individually as well. I’m in a team that demands individual improvement. The fact is that each and every one of us has to give that little bit extra, the best we can, especially at this stage of the season”.

Messi and the squad

In answer to the question as to whether the team depends too much on Messi’s goals, Mascherano praised his fellow countryman’s goal scoring talents but also pointed to the contribution of other team-mates: “We know that we have a player who usually gives us at least a one goal or the final pass for other players. Messi makes the difference and having the best player in the world in your team means you tend to depend a bit on him because he’s goal-hungry and it’s very possible that in any match he can be the deciding element. But you have to say that sometimes it’s the goals of Cesc, Xavi, Alexis or Iniesta that have kept us alive”. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Javier Mascherano spoke to Barça TV microphones after the meeting and wanted to respond to the words of Ibrahimovic to a Swedish channel.

"Now I understand why Mourinho complains when it comes to Camp Nou," said Swede Ibrahimovic to a channel just after the game. Not far from there and a few minutes apart, Mascherano He talked to Barça TV and TV3 and was told the words of Swedish. "Everyone has their opinion, but two penalties were very clear," said the Argentine. "We do not always help because Milan did not help us much," he added, referring to more of an arbitration award in San Siro.

Mascherano gave their views on the match: "Overall we did a good job defensively despite scoring a goal. Oportuindades They did not have to mark and this is due not only to the defense if not the defensive task of the whole team," said .

"Knowing that they have very strong players in attack had to have control of the game, create chances and score more than one goal," he said. Mascherano said change from three to four defenses necessary. "We started with a 3-4-3 because we needed people out since the Milan defended very good inside. But after the 2-1 defense was better prioritize and so we went back to back four," he said.

The Argentine has no preference for the semi-final opponent and wanted to achieve "the bell a third final in four years." (via SPORT)

The Argentinian defender was proud of the work carried out by the first team in the game against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

"We were a bit surprised, especially how our rival made us work so hard" said the player.

Javier Mascherano praised his team's victory against Athletic Bilbao, 2-0, in the interview after the game on the Barça TV program “El Marcador”. The Argentinian player said that "it was that type of game, at a physical level, as demanding as we’ve had" and added that Bilbao are a team that "over and above whether you like them, or like their footballing philosophy, they pressurise you all over the pitch".

The defender was delighted with his teams’ effort, as well as with the end result. "You have to give a bit more, and I think the team did that, and that’s why we won, as well as playing a great game" he said. Mascherano also stated that "we were very good, and created a lot of chances; it may not have been noticeable, but the game was really demanding".

Mascherano was thrilled with the huge banner that Barça fans dedicated to his compatriot, Lionel Messi, at the start of the match: "Just seeing the banner gave me goosebumps" he said, and pointed out that "for him, it was spectacular. That your own people, people who saw you grow up as a sportsman, appreciate you so much, and let you know it with this type of gesture, is just spectacular".

Mascherano also commented about the controversies that have been created around his teammate Gerard Pique. "Football is often very unfair. Gerard has given so much to FC Barcelona since he came back, not only in terms of titles, but with the way he’s always played" said the defender. He added that it is an honor to play alongside Pique, and the rest of his teammates: "Playing alongside the likes of Gerard and Puyol has given me lots of confidence".

Javier Mascherano had only kind words for his manager. "We are talking about one of the best managers in the world, if not the best," he said. He added that working with Guardiola is "a constant learning process", and emphasised Pep’s desire for continual innovation. "He always comes up with some surprise, or some detail, that helps us win the game, or helps the team to feel comfortable on the pitch" he said, and pointed out that "it’s what makes Pep different from the rest of the managers” .

"Coming into a game as important as Tuesday’s there’s no way you can be tired” he said in reference to the game on Tuesday against Milan in the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Mascherano also stressed that "when you have something so important to do, you forget everything and your body just responds". (via FCBarcelona.com)

On the occasion of the Olympic Games, London honors outstanding athletes.
Rafa Nadal, Miguel Indurain, Manel Estiarte and Theresa Zabell, are the Spanish representatives.

The 'Olympic Legends Underground Map' (Map of Olympic legends) is a project that has taken place on the occasion of the 2012 London Olympics team which aims to honor outstanding athletes in history by renaming the 361 stations underground with their names.

In this map each line collector's edition is dedicated to a sport or Olympic sports such as basketball or athletics. They will also have a proper name athletes are recognized worldwide but have not ever gotten a medal.

In the brown line, corresponding to the football stand out among all the names of the players of FC Barcelona, ​​Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano both winners of the gold medal in Beijing 2008 with Argentina.

Stations share the same line the former Barcelona Samuel Eto'o, the Real Madrid player Ángel Di Maria or Manchetser City forward Carlos Tevez.

In this map there is also a small Spanish representation consists of 4 athletes: tennis player Rafa Nadal (gold in Beijing 2008), the cyclist Miguel Indurain (gold in Atlanta 1996), the water polo Estiarte Manel (gold in Atlanta 1996) and Theresa Zabell sailor (in 470 sailing gold in Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996).

Other sports figures such as Roger Federer, Michael Phelps, or legends like Michael Jordan or Muhammad Ali will also have their name in the subway stations in the British capital during the Games.

The map designers, Alex Trickett and David Brooks say they are "happy with the result" and that "dozens of countries are represented, all Olympic sports including the 2012 and Ali and Phelps, two of the greatest Olympians in history, are on the website of the Games in Stratford " (via MD)

Javier Mascherano said the good match of Barça and regretted not being marked.

Javier Mascherano began discussing the problem of poor San Siro turf. "It's very difficult to control that. Is a problem that seems to have this stadium and you can not force them to play elsewhere. They also suffer from both Milan and Inter."

On the final stressed that "there is, which was achieved. I think we deserved much more but it's all in our hands." And to qualify for the Argentine is clear that on Tuesday at the Camp Nou, "essentially will be us, as we have been today."

Mascherano also highlighted the good level shown by in defense. "Yes, I think we have done well, we have security, we controlled the game but sometimes the ball does not enter."

On his duel with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, explained that "his physical strength is almost double than mine, but you try to neutralize the possible weapons we have."

Finally, the defense would not comment on the performance of the referee. "It makes no sense to talk about it and do that on Tuesday we can bring victory." (via SPORT)

The Argentinian believes that we must respect the time being taken by Guardiola to decide his future "because he’s managed to get unanimity and support from the fans, the Club, and the players".

He agrees with Xavi: "Which club would be ready for the most successful coach in their history to go?"



Javier Mascherano defended his manager, Josep Guardiola, regarding the time he is taking in his decision to renew or not his contract in charge of the first team. "Everyone is free to make their own decisions. He's an adult and we should respect the time he's taking. Very often we players also take our time to decide whether to renew our contracts, and in this case everyone agrees: President, Board , fans, and players all want him to continue" he said.

Mascherano believes that this general support for Guardiola is fruit of "his way of doing things. It's not due to the titles, but by how he's achieved them" he added. In this sense, he agreed with what Xavi said on Tuesday: "It's logical what Xavi said. Which club would be ready for the most successful coach in their history to go?. No one is prepared for it. We hope he carries on".

Asked about the League, Mascherano is very clear: "We have to continue our work and win the points that we need, and then see if we have any chance, because we have no margin for error." In any case, he said that maintaining a good run in the regular competition "will help us in the other two competitions" which are the Cup and the Champions League. In this regard, on the draw for the Champions on Friday, he acknowledged having "no preference". (via FCBarcelona.com)

AC Milan thinks meet next season Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez in their squad.

'The Mirror' insisted yesterday that interest 'Rossoneri' to 'The little chief' advanced by MD, adding another key striker for Manchester City finish clocking and this is a first step to convince the Barça player, they do share a friendship.

Mascherano and Tevez have coincided in the past for Corinthians in Brazil and West Ham and in the Argentina team. (via MD)

Javier Mascherano is a man so reserved that right and no one knows if his desire is to recover sports a place in midfield in their natural position, ahead of the defense, nearest where still playing for Argentina.

With that hook Milan wants to catch him, one of the most Italian clubs are becoming interested in him. The squad led by Ibrahimovic seen as a serious physical decline of more than Gattuso and the possible departure of Van Bommel in June, two players of similar profile to that of Argentina.

Massimiliano Allegri wants Mascherano, which would be compatible even with the addition of another Barcelonista hypothetical as Keita.

But publicly, 'The jefecito' has been accepted with joy tactical discipline and competitive centre-back recycling as submitted to it by Pep Guardiola, so there is nothing to indicate who will be tempted by Milan or another club in Serie A.

Mascherano joined Barça in 2010 and his buyout clause is 90 million. For his versatility and commitment has become one of the most valued by the coaching staff and fans, who applaud the spirit that infects the computer. His transfer would be a surprise, but we must remain vigilant because there is a difference Barça with Guardiola without him. (via MD)

Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano have been called up to play a friendly for Argentina on 29th February against Switzerland in Berne. Jonathan Dos Santos has also been called up to play for Mexico against Colombia in Miami. Remember that on Tuesday it became known that Alexis had been called up by Chile to play against Ghana in New Jersey, and Alves and Adriano were called up by Brazil to face Bosnia in St. Gallen (Switzerland). The matches will all be played in the last week of February. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Argentine midfielder Javier Alejandro Mascherano was sent off for two yellow cards at the end of the game against Osasuna for protesting, as the arbitration act.

"After the encounter was booked FC Barcelona player No.14 Javier Alejandro Mascherano for dissent, so obvious, the second warning, for which he was expelled", contained in document arbitration.

Mascherano, again according to the minutes, he saw the first yellow card on 88 minutes, for the same reason.

In the Andalusian collegian's records José Paradas Luis Romero, also contains a warning to Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, in minute 86, "protest, ostensibly" an arbitral decision.

Thus, Mascherano will miss the next league match against Valencia of Unay Emery at the Camp Nou. (via SPORT)

The Argentinian is aware that the 1-1 draw at Mestalla has settled nothing, because “in the cup you can score at any time and a tie that looks won can suddenly change”. Mascherano also spoke of the importance of maintaining the same attitude that they show game after game.

Javier Mascherano has no doubt that Wednesday's game, the Copa del Rey semi final second leg at the Camp Nou against Valencia, will not be easy, even though they have a slight advantage after drawing 1-1 away. "We know it'll be a difficult game and that we can't depend on the result we got at Mestalla. In the cup you can score at any time and a tie that looks won can suddenly change."

The Barça player feels the semi final is still wide open, and with the team level on aggregate "people are a lot more cautious" than they were before the second leg against Real Madrid, when "everybody was sure we had already qualified ... We knew that Madrid would fight, would throw everything at us, and the same will happen with Valencia, who want to reach the final as much as we do ... We are going to have to maintain the same attitude".

Turning to their league campaign, the South American said "if Madrid win everything they have to win, we'll applaud them and congratulate them as a fair champion. We have to do our job, and then just hope that they drop points along the way. That will be revealed at the end of the season. We can't just think it's all over ... But seven points is a big difference, so there is no room for error." But Mascherano insists that "we'll fight to the end. We have to win our games and hope Madrid stumble, but it'll be difficult."

The Barça star also spoke about the partnership between Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué, calling them "the best centre back pairing in the world ... Both of them are doing well. Puyol has been impeccable in recent matches and Gerard is a great player too. They complement each other perfectly ... It's as if they had played together all their lives."

Finally, Mascherano commented on his compatriot Leo Messi: "He scored the other day and he looks fine to me. The coach decides how much he needs to play. He helps us a lot. For the matter of rest, we have physios and a coach who take charge of that. He is a player who prefers playing to training. Every physique is different. If he plays every match it's because he's in the condition to do so."

Welcome visit from INAC KOBE

The Japanese team featuring 2011 Ballon d'Or winner Homare Sawa, as well as the FC Barcelona ladies, came to the training session this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva. Mascherano was pleased about that, saying "we like people to come and watch us train, not just from Japan but all around the world, it's nice. It is good to know people are watching us in so many places. We will try to keep this up so that people can carry on admiring this team." (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The Argentinian has said that before thinking about the quarter final with Real Madrid, the squad first has to think about Betis on Sunday. But he did say that it would be important to get a good result in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on January 18.

After beating Osasuna and making into the last eight of the Copa del Rey, the forthcoming duel with Mourinho took up much of the conversation with Javier Mascherano. But the midfielder insisted that "now that we have qualified for the cup quarter finals, the most important thing is to keep fighting for the league ... This team is used to thinking about our next game. That's what happens when you're playing in so many competitions. We have to get the three points to keep fighting for the league, and we'll have time to think about Real Madrid after."

Mascherano added that "this team cannot afford to throw away the league because of a five point difference. With 63 left to play for, anything can still happen. And in a way, throwing away the league in January would be underestimating our opponents ... to carry on in the cup and do well in the Champions League, it is important to maintain our level in the league.

But going back to the game against Madrid, he believes that the game at the Bernabéu "will do a lot to determine the tie ... In games like this it doesn't usually matter what form the teams are in. In a two-legged match you have to be cautious about who might be in form or not. The most important thing is to do well on the two match days, especially knowing that the first game is at the Bernabéu and they will want to bring a lead to the Camp Nou. I have no doubt that the first leg will have a huge impact on the tie".

Mascherano says that after so many encounters between the two clubs, "we know each other too well ... small details will decide the game. I think we are both in the same situation, trying to qualify for a semi final against our biggest rival. This is a very important game ... Who wouldn't be grateful for playing in a match that everybody is watching? Barça and Madrid are the two best teams in the world, I'm lucky to be here. I'd like to play because it'll mean I'll be part of something that will always be remembered, that's nice for me. Those of us who can enjoy games like this are the chosen ones."

Mascherano also had some words for Fontàs: "He looks upset after getting that injury. But there are worse things in life than injuries. He's young, he'll recover to play again. The most important thing is being positive about getting fit again."

Asked what Pinto does as a player and squad member, Mascherano highlighted his mental strength for only being the second choice at such a club as FC Barcelona: “He has had a great playing career. He has many years of goalkeeping behind him. It is not easy to be a substitute at such a big club, and especially with Valdés being so unquestionable. He is always ready for the competitions he plays in, like the Copa del Rey, and he does a great job … You have to be very strong mentally, and he is year after year. And he’s always got a smile on his face. I have played in some huge teams, and it’s hard to find such a secure second keeper.” (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Milan is willing to transfer to Pato to PSG. And he already knows like wants to invest the money that gets.

As has been discussing, the Milan is close to the Brazilian player Pato to transfer to Paris Saint Germain. The Italian is not too inconvenient to get rid of the front and is already thinking about how to invest the money they can get with the transfer, which is estimated to be about 40 million euros.

As published today in Italy, Milan's intention is to try the signing of Javier Mascherano Barcelona ahead of next season. They are aware that the Argentine is a very important player for Pep Guardiola, but think that with 40 million in his pocket, though of course not offer much money, have more options to achieve your goal. (via SPORT)

The player of Barça Leo Messi, who has returned to Argentina to spend Christmas with his family, went to Rosario with his team-mate Javier Mascherano and his girlfriend Antonella when he suffered a slight mishap at the wheel, according to the portal infozc.com

At kilometer 80 of the Pan American Highway in the car suffered a broken carrying a tire and the vehicle was stranded on the road. The players were aided by the staff of highway (Miguel Sanchez) until it was the brother of Leo Messi who was in charge of collecting the 3 occupants.

The task of helping the two players in the Barça did not hesitate to take pictures with both players were very friendly at all times. (via SPORT)

South American players of the group led by Josep Guardiola, in addition to the Malian Keita, the Club have the permission to start their Christmas vacation They all come back to Barcelona on December 29 evening.

With the title of World Club champions in Japan and in the pocket, the players of first team football with more distant countries of origin have the permission of the Club to start your period of Christmas holidays and, thus, able to travel and reunite with their families at this time so special.

This is the case of the Argentine Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano , the Brazilian Dani Alves , Adriano Correia and Maxwell , the Chilean Alexis Sanchez and Malian Seydou Keita . Thus, these seven players Barca will have days off to enjoy the end of 2011. A vacation that will end on December 29 evening, when it is scheduled to return.

Josep Guardiola , therefore, will be without these players facing the game in the round of the knockout phase of the Copa del Rey to be held this Thursday, December 22, from 22 hours before the Hospitalet in the Camp Nou.

Arrival of equipment

It is expected that the world champions Barcelona to land in 18 hours. Once in Catalonia, the template will be a group photograph with the trophy that accredits and World Club champions on the same runway for then go directly to the Camp Nou. Therefore, fans are asked not to attend the airport to greet the team. (via FCBarcelona.cat)