Match story
- Argentina fired more attempts (14 vs 3 shots).
- Argentina was more accurate in front of goal (43% on target vs 33%).
- Argentina held more of the ball (86% possession).
Argentina defeated Bolivia 3-0 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 3 stage in the 2016 season. The match was played at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Victor Hugo Carrillo, Peru officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Bolivia meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Argentina and Bolivia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa AmericaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Argentina defeated Bolivia 3-0 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 3 stage in the 2016 season. The match was played at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Victor Hugo Carrillo, Peru officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Argentina vs Bolivia meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Argentina and Bolivia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa America
Chelsea have imposed a strict deadline for Enzo Fernandez’s transfer (PA Wire) Chelsea have told Manchester City that they need to reach an agreement to sign Enzo Fernandez for £120 million by 5pm on Friday, according to reports. City have identified Fernandez as their next marquee midfield signing after completing a £116m deal for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer. Enzo Maresca also faces the prospect of losing Rodri after Barcelona submitted an improved £51.3m [€60m] for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain this week. According to The Athletic, Chelsea are not prepared to wait on City and have informed their Premier League rivals that their £120m asking price for Fernandez will only hold until 5pm on Friday afternoon. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The report claims that Chelsea will keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge if City are unable to reach an agreement before their deadline. Fernandez had a strong relationship with Maresca during their time together at Chelsea and speaking in March, the Argentine criticised the club over the Italian’s sudden exit. Enzo Fernandez had a strong relationship with Enzo Maresca during their time together at Chelsea (AP) ‘I don’t understand it either,’ Fernandez told Mexican broadcaster TUDN. ‘Sometimes there are things that we as players don’t understand, how and in what way they try to manage things. ‘Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad. ‘But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season, it cuts everything short.’ Speaking last month, Xabi Alonso made it clear that he wants Fernandez to remain at Chelsea. ‘Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private,’ Alonso said. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Chelsea have signed Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria on a five-year deal for a fee of around £16.3m plus add-ons. He replaces Marc Cucurella, who has moved to Madrid.
Inter Miami take on Club Leon in a pivotal 2026 Leagues Cup match, where only a win would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Inter Miami face a win-or-go-home 2026 Leagues Cup scenario against Club Leon, and the math isn’t as simple as just picking up three points. A straightforward victory alone won’t guarantee Miami’s spot in the knockout stage — the margin of the win, combined with results from three other matches being played across the group, will determine whether they advance. Adding to the difficulty, Lionel Messi remains unlikely to be available for the match. The Argentine has not rejoined the squad since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last week, and Inter Miami have yet to give a firm timeline for when he might return to action. Miami currently sit on three points after splitting their first two matches, having lost 1-2 to Monterrey in their last outing. Leon, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through Phase One, having won both of their matches so far and looking like one of the group’s stronger sides heading into Matchday 3. What happens if Inter Miami beat Club Leon A regulation win would put Miami on six points, but it needs to come by at least two goals to meaningfully help their goal-difference tiebreaker in a crowded standings picture. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami celebrates with teammates after scoring vs Monterrey. (Getty Images) Beyond the scoreline itself, Miami would then need at least three of the following four results to fall their way: San Luis avoiding a blowout loss to Orlando City if they lose at all; Monterrey winning or drawing away at Nashville; Toluca beating FC Dallas; and Querétaro either beating LAFC outright or winning on penalties after a draw. Even then, Miami wouldn’t be fully safe. Qualification would likely come down to Thursday’s remaining fixtures, where goal-difference swings from those late results could still decide who claims the final spots among MLS clubs. What happens if Inter Miami draw with Club Leon Leagues Cup group matches don’t end in draws — any game tied after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with the shootout winner earning two points and the loser earning one. Only a full three points from a regulation win checks the box Miami need. A shootout result of either kind would leave Miami short of the points and goal-difference cushion required, effectively ending their hopes regardless of how the other results around the group fall. What happens if Inter Miami lose to Club Leon A loss in regulation would eliminate Miami from Leagues Cup contention outright, regardless of what happens in the other matches across the group. With León already unbeaten through two matches, anything short of a win Wednesday brings Messi’s side to the brink of an early exit from the tournament.
West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez has a slim chance of returning to Ajax this summer, with a move back to his former club looking unlikely. The post ‘Not Very Big’ Verdict Given On Club Signing West Ham Star appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Fabian Ruiz has been dropped from PSG's starting lineup against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 final. Paris Saint-Germain pursue their second consecutive UEFA Super Cup title in the 2026 edition when they face Aston Villa on Wednesday, August 12, at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. However, the French champions navigate several key absences, with midfielder Fabian Ruiz left out of the starting lineup for the clash against the Villans. Ruiz begins the match on the substitute bench against Aston Villa due to a tactical decision by head coach Luis Enrique. The Spanish international recently reported back to training following an extended post-World Cup vacation, leaving him with limited conditioning ahead of the seasonal opener. The midfielder served as an indispensable contributor for Luis Enrique across the last two campaigns, helping PSG capture back-to-back Champions League titles. Despite suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for 16 matches between January and April during the 2025-26 season, Ruiz recovered in time for the stretch run, logging 34 appearances, two goals, and five assists across all competitions. Ruiz started four matches during the 2026 World Cup under Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, earning a starting role over Pedri in the final. While Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez also featured in that final for Argentina on July 19, Ruiz returned to team activities on a delayed schedule, prompting Luis Enrique to ease him back into competition from the bench. Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup. (Carl Recine/Getty Images) *Developing story…
Julian Alvarez and his entourage's discomfort with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reportedly grown as the coach is considered the "only person who could unblock" his potential move to FC Barcelona. Julian Alvarez‘s transfer saga has developed into one of the marquee storylines of 2026, with the player repeatedly expressing his intention to join FC Barcelona, even as Atletico Madrid maintain an unyielding stance against a departure. Having reunited with his teammates and coaching staff in Madrid, Alvarez’s frustration toward Diego “Cholo” Simeone has reportedly intensified, as the manager is viewed as the “only person to unblock” the striker’s situation. On Monday, Alvarez reported to Atletico Madrid alongside several teammates to undergo routine pre-campaign medical evaluations. By Wednesday, it was time for the striker to return to training, roughly two months after publicly declaring during the World Cup that “the best decision was to seek an exit” from the club. With Alvarez remaining fixated on joining FC Barcelona, the Colchoneros have refused to budge, as board members and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterate that the forward will remain an Atletico Madrid player for the 2026–27 campaign under a contract that runs through June 2030. On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Alvarez informed the club “not to count on him” moving forward, as his sole priority is finalizing a transfer to Barcelona. He was initially unable to speak directly with executive leadership or Simeone while the manager was away in Ibiza, but a eventual sit-down took place Wednesday, leaving the player dissatisfied with the outcome. Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid, interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Alvarez and Simeone hold tense, unresolved sit-down Upon returning to team facilities on Wednesday, Alvarez and Simeone held a meeting prior to the scheduled training session. According to Argentina transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, the forward reiterated his desire to sign with Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Frame-by-frame, Alvarez explained to his manager that joining Barcelona would allow him to “fulfill a dream,” emphasizing that the Catalan club’s tactical style aligns best with his skill set. However, Simeone echoed his previous stance, stating that any transfer decision rests entirely with executive leadership, while reaffirming his own commitment to helping the striker develop at Atletico. Last week during a press conference in Seoul, Simeone was asked about Alvarez’s future and offered a firm response: “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing.“ Alvarez’s inner circle, including agents Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz, who are actively seeking transfer avenues, were reportedly left deeply frustrated by the conversation. According to Merlo, Alvarez’s camp view Simeone as an influential figure who possesses the leverage to push front-office executives into approving a deal, rather than serving merely as a tactical advisor.
Emiliano Martinez will be Aston Villa's biggest absence in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 final against PSG. Aston Villa face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday seeking their second UEFA Super Cup title, this time at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. However, the Villans will navigate a major absence for their first official match of the 2026-27 campaign, as starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is unavailable. Emiliano Martinez is sitting out the clash against PSG because he remains on extended vacation. The goalkeeper concluded his campaign at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina on July 19, prompting head coach Unai Emery to grant him four full weeks of rest before rejoining squad activities. The same policy was extended to England international duo Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins. The defender and striker wrapped up their World Cup participation in the third-place match against France on July 18, ruling them out for the seasonal opener as well. When asked about the missing stars, Emery offered a direct explanation regarding why the trio were left out of the traveling squad against PSG: “Konsa, Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are not here because they finished their season on 19 July and I gave them four weeks to rest. It is completely necessary.“ Emiliano Martínez of Argentina makes a save during 2026 World Cup Final against Spain. (Al Bello/Getty Images) While framing PSG as favorites for the Super Cup, Emery noted that having those key starters available would have boosted Aston Villa’s chances. “They are not here tomorrow. Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation as us,” the coach added. Martinez boasts nearly immaculate record in cup finals Aston Villa and PSG previously met during the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, splitting the series with one win each while the French club advanced 5-4 on aggregate. While the matchup serves as a tiebreaker in their head-to-head history, missing Martinez, a keeper known for his big-game pedigree, represents a substantial blow for the English side. Over his career across both club football and international duty with Argentina, Martinez has featured in eight cup finals, compiling an impressive 7-1 record. His first major trophies arrived in 2020 while playing for Arsenal, where he won both the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield. He followed that with an iconic international run with Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. His seventh career victory came during the 2026 Europa League final with Aston Villa, before his streak ended in a 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain.
Aston Villa face PSG in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where they'll be without Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa for the season's first final. Aston Villa will be without both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, with manager Unai Emery confirming the pair — along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez — are out of the starting lineup. Speaking at Villa’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Emery explained the decision directly: “They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martínez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary. They are not here tomorrow”. The trio are missing not because of injury, but because they were given time off after extending their seasons deep into the 2026 World Cup. Both Watkins and Konsa went as far as the third-place match with England, while Martínez played all the way to the final, where Argentina fell to Spain. The Villa boss acknowledged the absences will be felt on the pitch, but pointed out that PSG face a similar situation with their own World Cup contingent. “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But, at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation like us,” Emery said. Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup — IT’S MATCHDAY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KX4DtXjlaf— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 12, 2026 Emery turns to the group that trained through preseason Beyond the rest-related absences, Aston Villa also has a handful of players sidelined through actual injury. Leon Bailey is out with a muscular issue, while Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana are both dealing with knee problems. With so many absences, the Spaniard coach plans to rely on the group that’s been training together over the past month, including several younger players who have featured throughout preseason. “Tomorrow we are preparing this game with the players we started, even some young players, four weeks ago. And tomorrow I expect to compete and try to face them with our capacity and our possibilities as well to beat them,” he added.
Inter Miami face Club Leon in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 12, with the primary question surrounding the availability of captain Lionel Messi. Inter Miami and Club Leon clash in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the availability of captain Lionel Messi remaining the primary question for Herons fans. Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though other reports suggest he will return to Florida on Wednesday and could see minutes if needed. Inter Miami’s projected lineup to face Club Leon With Lionel Messi’s availability uncertain, Inter Miami could repeat their starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF against the Columbus Crew. Inter Miami projected XI (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovens Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Club Leon’s projected lineup to face Inter Miami Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results. Club Leon projected XI (4-3-3): Oscar Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno; Ivan Rodriguez, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria; Sebastian Santos, Daniel Arcila, Jordi Cortizo.
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Chelsea have imposed a strict deadline for Enzo Fernandez’s transfer (PA Wire) Chelsea have told Manchester City that they need to reach an agreement to sign Enzo Fernandez for £120 million by 5pm on Friday, according to reports. City have identified Fernandez as their next marquee midfield signing after completing a £116m deal for Elliot Anderson earlier this summer. Enzo Maresca also faces the prospect of losing Rodri after Barcelona submitted an improved £51.3m [€60m] for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain this week. According to The Athletic, Chelsea are not prepared to wait on City and have informed their Premier League rivals that their £120m asking price for Fernandez will only hold until 5pm on Friday afternoon. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The report claims that Chelsea will keep Fernandez at Stamford Bridge if City are unable to reach an agreement before their deadline. Fernandez had a strong relationship with Maresca during their time together at Chelsea and speaking in March, the Argentine criticised the club over the Italian’s sudden exit. Enzo Fernandez had a strong relationship with Enzo Maresca during their time together at Chelsea (AP) ‘I don’t understand it either,’ Fernandez told Mexican broadcaster TUDN. ‘Sometimes there are things that we as players don’t understand, how and in what way they try to manage things. ‘Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity. He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad. ‘But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season, it cuts everything short.’ Speaking last month, Xabi Alonso made it clear that he wants Fernandez to remain at Chelsea. ‘Yes we have spoken. But as you can imagine what we have spoken remains private,’ Alonso said. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Chelsea have signed Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria on a five-year deal for a fee of around £16.3m plus add-ons. He replaces Marc Cucurella, who has moved to Madrid.
Inter Miami take on Club Leon in a pivotal 2026 Leagues Cup match, where only a win would keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Inter Miami face a win-or-go-home 2026 Leagues Cup scenario against Club Leon, and the math isn’t as simple as just picking up three points. A straightforward victory alone won’t guarantee Miami’s spot in the knockout stage — the margin of the win, combined with results from three other matches being played across the group, will determine whether they advance. Adding to the difficulty, Lionel Messi remains unlikely to be available for the match. The Argentine has not rejoined the squad since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last week, and Inter Miami have yet to give a firm timeline for when he might return to action. Miami currently sit on three points after splitting their first two matches, having lost 1-2 to Monterrey in their last outing. Leon, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten through Phase One, having won both of their matches so far and looking like one of the group’s stronger sides heading into Matchday 3. What happens if Inter Miami beat Club Leon A regulation win would put Miami on six points, but it needs to come by at least two goals to meaningfully help their goal-difference tiebreaker in a crowded standings picture. Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami celebrates with teammates after scoring vs Monterrey. (Getty Images) Beyond the scoreline itself, Miami would then need at least three of the following four results to fall their way: San Luis avoiding a blowout loss to Orlando City if they lose at all; Monterrey winning or drawing away at Nashville; Toluca beating FC Dallas; and Querétaro either beating LAFC outright or winning on penalties after a draw. Even then, Miami wouldn’t be fully safe. Qualification would likely come down to Thursday’s remaining fixtures, where goal-difference swings from those late results could still decide who claims the final spots among MLS clubs. What happens if Inter Miami draw with Club Leon Leagues Cup group matches don’t end in draws — any game tied after 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with the shootout winner earning two points and the loser earning one. Only a full three points from a regulation win checks the box Miami need. A shootout result of either kind would leave Miami short of the points and goal-difference cushion required, effectively ending their hopes regardless of how the other results around the group fall. What happens if Inter Miami lose to Club Leon A loss in regulation would eliminate Miami from Leagues Cup contention outright, regardless of what happens in the other matches across the group. With León already unbeaten through two matches, anything short of a win Wednesday brings Messi’s side to the brink of an early exit from the tournament.
West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez has a slim chance of returning to Ajax this summer, with a move back to his former club looking unlikely. The post ‘Not Very Big’ Verdict Given On Club Signing West Ham Star appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Fabian Ruiz has been dropped from PSG's starting lineup against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 final. Paris Saint-Germain pursue their second consecutive UEFA Super Cup title in the 2026 edition when they face Aston Villa on Wednesday, August 12, at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. However, the French champions navigate several key absences, with midfielder Fabian Ruiz left out of the starting lineup for the clash against the Villans. Ruiz begins the match on the substitute bench against Aston Villa due to a tactical decision by head coach Luis Enrique. The Spanish international recently reported back to training following an extended post-World Cup vacation, leaving him with limited conditioning ahead of the seasonal opener. The midfielder served as an indispensable contributor for Luis Enrique across the last two campaigns, helping PSG capture back-to-back Champions League titles. Despite suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for 16 matches between January and April during the 2025-26 season, Ruiz recovered in time for the stretch run, logging 34 appearances, two goals, and five assists across all competitions. Ruiz started four matches during the 2026 World Cup under Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, earning a starting role over Pedri in the final. While Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez also featured in that final for Argentina on July 19, Ruiz returned to team activities on a delayed schedule, prompting Luis Enrique to ease him back into competition from the bench. Fabian Ruiz #8 of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup. (Carl Recine/Getty Images) *Developing story…
Julian Alvarez and his entourage's discomfort with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reportedly grown as the coach is considered the "only person who could unblock" his potential move to FC Barcelona. Julian Alvarez‘s transfer saga has developed into one of the marquee storylines of 2026, with the player repeatedly expressing his intention to join FC Barcelona, even as Atletico Madrid maintain an unyielding stance against a departure. Having reunited with his teammates and coaching staff in Madrid, Alvarez’s frustration toward Diego “Cholo” Simeone has reportedly intensified, as the manager is viewed as the “only person to unblock” the striker’s situation. On Monday, Alvarez reported to Atletico Madrid alongside several teammates to undergo routine pre-campaign medical evaluations. By Wednesday, it was time for the striker to return to training, roughly two months after publicly declaring during the World Cup that “the best decision was to seek an exit” from the club. With Alvarez remaining fixated on joining FC Barcelona, the Colchoneros have refused to budge, as board members and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterate that the forward will remain an Atletico Madrid player for the 2026–27 campaign under a contract that runs through June 2030. On Monday, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that Alvarez informed the club “not to count on him” moving forward, as his sole priority is finalizing a transfer to Barcelona. He was initially unable to speak directly with executive leadership or Simeone while the manager was away in Ibiza, but a eventual sit-down took place Wednesday, leaving the player dissatisfied with the outcome. Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid, interacts with Julian Alvarez after being subbed off. (Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Alvarez and Simeone hold tense, unresolved sit-down Upon returning to team facilities on Wednesday, Alvarez and Simeone held a meeting prior to the scheduled training session. According to Argentina transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo, the forward reiterated his desire to sign with Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Frame-by-frame, Alvarez explained to his manager that joining Barcelona would allow him to “fulfill a dream,” emphasizing that the Catalan club’s tactical style aligns best with his skill set. However, Simeone echoed his previous stance, stating that any transfer decision rests entirely with executive leadership, while reaffirming his own commitment to helping the striker develop at Atletico. Last week during a press conference in Seoul, Simeone was asked about Alvarez’s future and offered a firm response: “The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well. We’re very happy with Julian, and from a sporting standpoint we’ll help him keep growing.“ Alvarez’s inner circle, including agents Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz, who are actively seeking transfer avenues, were reportedly left deeply frustrated by the conversation. According to Merlo, Alvarez’s camp view Simeone as an influential figure who possesses the leverage to push front-office executives into approving a deal, rather than serving merely as a tactical advisor.
Emiliano Martinez will be Aston Villa's biggest absence in the UEFA Super Cup 2026 final against PSG. Aston Villa face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday seeking their second UEFA Super Cup title, this time at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. However, the Villans will navigate a major absence for their first official match of the 2026-27 campaign, as starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is unavailable. Emiliano Martinez is sitting out the clash against PSG because he remains on extended vacation. The goalkeeper concluded his campaign at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina on July 19, prompting head coach Unai Emery to grant him four full weeks of rest before rejoining squad activities. The same policy was extended to England international duo Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins. The defender and striker wrapped up their World Cup participation in the third-place match against France on July 18, ruling them out for the seasonal opener as well. When asked about the missing stars, Emery offered a direct explanation regarding why the trio were left out of the traveling squad against PSG: “Konsa, Watkins and Emiliano Martinez are not here because they finished their season on 19 July and I gave them four weeks to rest. It is completely necessary.“ Emiliano Martínez of Argentina makes a save during 2026 World Cup Final against Spain. (Al Bello/Getty Images) While framing PSG as favorites for the Super Cup, Emery noted that having those key starters available would have boosted Aston Villa’s chances. “They are not here tomorrow. Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation as us,” the coach added. Martinez boasts nearly immaculate record in cup finals Aston Villa and PSG previously met during the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, splitting the series with one win each while the French club advanced 5-4 on aggregate. While the matchup serves as a tiebreaker in their head-to-head history, missing Martinez, a keeper known for his big-game pedigree, represents a substantial blow for the English side. Over his career across both club football and international duty with Argentina, Martinez has featured in eight cup finals, compiling an impressive 7-1 record. His first major trophies arrived in 2020 while playing for Arsenal, where he won both the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield. He followed that with an iconic international run with Argentina, winning the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. His seventh career victory came during the 2026 Europa League final with Aston Villa, before his streak ended in a 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain.
Aston Villa face PSG in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, where they'll be without Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa for the season's first final. Aston Villa will be without both Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, with manager Unai Emery confirming the pair — along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez — are out of the starting lineup. Speaking at Villa’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Emery explained the decision directly: “They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martínez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary. They are not here tomorrow”. The trio are missing not because of injury, but because they were given time off after extending their seasons deep into the 2026 World Cup. Both Watkins and Konsa went as far as the third-place match with England, while Martínez played all the way to the final, where Argentina fell to Spain. The Villa boss acknowledged the absences will be felt on the pitch, but pointed out that PSG face a similar situation with their own World Cup contingent. “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances. But, at the same time, I think PSG are going to be in the same situation like us,” Emery said. Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup — IT’S MATCHDAY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KX4DtXjlaf— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 12, 2026 Emery turns to the group that trained through preseason Beyond the rest-related absences, Aston Villa also has a handful of players sidelined through actual injury. Leon Bailey is out with a muscular issue, while Chrislain Manzambi and André Onana are both dealing with knee problems. With so many absences, the Spaniard coach plans to rely on the group that’s been training together over the past month, including several younger players who have featured throughout preseason. “Tomorrow we are preparing this game with the players we started, even some young players, four weeks ago. And tomorrow I expect to compete and try to face them with our capacity and our possibilities as well to beat them,” he added.
Inter Miami face Club Leon in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 12, with the primary question surrounding the availability of captain Lionel Messi. Inter Miami and Club Leon clash in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the availability of captain Lionel Messi remaining the primary question for Herons fans. Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though other reports suggest he will return to Florida on Wednesday and could see minutes if needed. Inter Miami’s projected lineup to face Club Leon With Lionel Messi’s availability uncertain, Inter Miami could repeat their starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF against the Columbus Crew. Inter Miami projected XI (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovens Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia. Club Leon’s projected lineup to face Inter Miami Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results. Club Leon projected XI (4-3-3): Oscar Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno; Ivan Rodriguez, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria; Sebastian Santos, Daniel Arcila, Jordi Cortizo.
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