FC Barcelona News: 14 June 2018

Leo Messi on verge of Barça World Cup record | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi should set yet another record at Russia 2018 by becoming the Barça player with the most appearances at the World Cup. In his beloved Argentina shirt, he has currently played 15 games in three editions of the competition (Germany ’06, South Africa ’10 and Brazil ’14), the same as Xavi Hernández played for Spain.

Xavi criticises Real Madrid’s timing of Lopetegui appointment | Goal
Spain great Xavi has criticised the timing of Julen Lopetegui being announced as Real Madrid coach. Lopetegui was stunningly sacked as Spain boss on Wednesday, a day after it was revealed he would be Zinedine Zidane’s successor at Madrid.

Gerard Pique draws inspiration from Michigan basketball after Spain fire coach | ESPN
Spain defender Gerard Pique cited an odd precedent for Spain’s World Cup hopes in the wake of firing their coach on the eve of the tournament -- University of Michigan basketball. ”University of Michigan. Basketball. 1989. NCAA Champion. It wouldn’t be the first time it happened,” Pique wrote on Twitter. “All together, now more than ever.”

Russia, Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia: Did you know? | FC Barcelona
We take a look at some of the connections between FC Barcelona and the four teams in the first of the eight groups at Russia 2018.

Pelé: ‘The best football in the world is at Barça’ | FC Barcelona
“The best football in the world is at FC Barcelona.” So says Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, in an interview for GQ magazine. One of the greatest legends in the world of football, he’s spoken about the latest news from the sport, the current stars, the World Cup, coaches, teams and more.

Nice end Marlon loan spell | Football Espana
Nice have confirmed the termination of Barcelona defender Marlon Santos’ two-year loan spell at the club a season early. The 22-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Fluminense in 2016 but only appeared three times in Barca’s first team before joining Nice on a two year-long loan deal last summer.