Pedri

The former German midfielder of Real Madrid, Toni Kroos spoke in the best words about the international Spanish midfielder of the Blaugrana, Pedri, whom he described as "the best footballer in the world in his position".

Of course, no one can not give much importance to the most remarkable story which is that of Lamine Yamal, whose rapid rise at the age of just 17 has received wide recognition throughout the football community.

The German coach of Barcelona, ​​Hansi Flick will again have in his mission the international Polish forward, Robert Lewandowski, but he will probably start in the starting lineup with Ferran Torres who had done famously in the first game in Montjuic. And of course, depending on the development of the match, he will use Lewandowski.

It should be noted here that the question of which team will fill the place of Mexican side Leon in the Club World Cup in the United States in June remains open. FIFA excluded Leon because it has joint ownership with Monterrey. And there is solid information that the place could be filled by Barcelona, ​​which is at least so far out of the competition…



Rafinha

Barcelona’s success in getting closer and closer to a 9th Champions League final (having won the trophy five times) can be largely attributed to Rafinha’s excellent performance (in his third year with the Blaugrana). “For me, everything changed,” Rafinha said when I spoke to Flick. “I was on the verge of leaving the club before the season started. The coach was decisive in changing my mentality, allowing me to stay. He gives me all the confidence to do what I do,” he added. “He has basically changed my career. I am having my best year since I started playing football and I owe it all to him.”

Barcelona acquired Rafinha in July 2022, but his first two seasons under Xavi Hernández were marked by inconsistency, which was disappointing for both him and the club. During the 2022-2023 season, he scored 10 goals as Barcelona won the title. However, the following season was disappointing, as Rafinha failed to improve his performance and the club finished the season without a trophy. He scored 10 goals again, but the emergence of Lamine Yamal in his preferred position on the right wing led to speculation about his future at Barcelona. The club were reportedly open to parting ways with him, especially given interest from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia.

But Flick's intervention changed things: "Rafinha is very important. I love him like the other players, but he is a leader. He always radiates this positive mentality that he transfers to the rest of his team-mates," Flick said after Rafinha helped Barcelona overturn a 3-1 deficit against Vigo in April, eventually winning 4-3.

Currently, Rafinha is just one goal behind Sergi Girassidoni in the Champions League scoring charts. If he scores at San Siro, Barcelona will move closer to their first Champions League final since 2015.

FIFA President

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, during his recent appearance at the Miami Grand Prix (where he presented the trophy for the new competition) - was asked about his preferences for the semi-final match. He made his allegiance clear, stating: "Everyone knows I'm an Inter fan".

Infantino also highlighted Lautaro Martinez's influence and importance for the Italian team, stating: "Inter is the team of the Argentines".