Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 2-1 to lift the UEFA Super Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message of condolence to Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine’s father.
Desire Doue played a decisive role for the UEFA Champions League holders, scoring one goal and creating another as PSG secured victory. Khvicha also found the net as Paris Saint-Germain continued their success on the European stage.
Ronaldo addressed Messi directly in a message of support, writing: “Sending you and your family my deepest embrace. Stay strong, Leo!”
Messi later paid tribute to his father, saying: “I love you, Dad, I still cannot believe you are gone.” The Inter Miami CF forward has also admitted he has “quite a few doubts” about continuing to play football “for much longer” after the bereavement.
Results and pre-season action
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Como in their final pre-season friendly. Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring, while Bruno Guimaraes made his first appearance for the Gunners amid speculation over Lewis-Skelly’s future.
Manchester United and Leeds United also finished level, drawing 1-1 in an entertaining friendly in Dublin before Michael Carrick’s side won the concluding penalty shoot-out 5-4. Joshua Zirkzee scored for United and Brenden Aaronson replied for Leeds in a contest staged at the spiritual home of Irish sport.
Real Madrid overcame newly promoted LaLiga side Deportivo de A Coruna 1-0 at Estadio Abanca-Riazor. Brahim Diaz scored the only goal to preserve Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten start.
Messi returned to action for Inter Miami CF for the first time since his father’s death, but his comeback could not prevent a 3-2 defeat by Leon. The result eliminated Inter Miami CF from the Leagues Cup.
Transfer developments
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano after agreeing a £16.3m move.
Romelu Lukaku has completed a move to Fenerbahce, while Inter are close to finalising the signing of Spence. Fabrizio Romano reported that the fee for the transfer will be more than €30m.
Chelsea remain the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer, but with most of their recruitment completed, the club’s focus is increasingly moving towards player sales. Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto are among those attracting attention as the Blues consider further changes to their squad.
Chelsea have also given Manchester City until 17:00 BST on Friday to submit an offer for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement in principle with Tottenham to sign Argentina defender Cristian Romero. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, and comments from the French club could provide the Reds with encouragement in their pursuit of the France international.
At Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a departure only a year after arriving. The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes in the summer friendly against Como has raised questions over whether the Spain midfielder could move down the pecking order.
Wider football news
Memphis Depay has criticised Corinthians for what he described as “unacceptable” behaviour after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract. Depay says Corinthians failed to honour an alleged agreement for him to sign a new deal.
Manchester United have also been warned that they need to sign seven more players urgently, following a slowdown in transfer activity. Carrick has been told that further reinforcements are required as United continue their squad planning.
Youri Tielemans has spoken publicly for the first time about working under Carrick, beating Messi’s record and linking up with Bruno Fernandes. Tielemans made his professional debut for Anderlecht against Lokeren while Carrick still had five years remaining in his playing career at Manchester United, a detail that underlines the Belgian’s long career at the highest level.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are actively searching for more additions, although he believes only a small number of available players can improve the team sufficiently to take it to the next level.
