Tag: Barca

Why We Love Messi’s 300 La Liga Goals

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With the opening goal of FC Barcelona‘s 3-1 victory over Sporting Gijon on Wednesday evening, Lionel Messi became the first player in the history of La Liga to reach 300 league goals. So, to celebrate Messi’s landmark achievement, the staff of icons.com have picked their favourite of Messi’s now 301 goals in the Spanish topflight.

But, with over 300 efforts to choose from, it’s inevitable that we would leave out a number of amazing goals. So, let us know if we’ve left out your favourite goal by getting in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And don’t forget, we have a wide range of official Lionel Messi signed memorabilia available to buy on icons.com right now. So check it out and grab yourself a wonderful item from one of the greatest players in football history.


Goal Number 1 (vs Albacete, May 1st, 2005)

This is where it all began. Lionel Messi‘s very first goal for Barcelona was a classic. Sent clear by Ronaldinho, a 17-year-old Leo steadies himself, sizes up the onrushing goalkeeper and cooly lobs it into the back of the net to get off the mark in La Liga. Everything is perfect here, from Ronaldinho’s awesome dinked pass to the fact it seals the points for Barca in the dying seconds of a typical Camp Nou victory. Simply historic. – Alistair Hunter


Goal Number 78 (vs Real Zaragoza, March 21st, 2010)

Similar to his Copa del Rey goal against Getafe, this solo effort is just incredible. It’s a goal that reminded me of Diego Maradona’s against England because Messi has the ball for so long and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much skill and control in an individual effort. It’s also great because he shows tremendous strength to win the ball in the first place and then the quickness in his feet to take past that first opponent is magical. Superb stuff. – Edward Freedman


Goal Number 158 (vs Getafe, April 10th, 2012)

Has there ever been a midfielder-striker partnership as good as Andres Iniesta and Lionel MessiI think this goal, with the quality of the one-two between Andres and Leo, shows off what was and still is an incredible duo. The neat interplay between the two is amazing to watch, but then there’s the power of Messi’s finish. This is a goal of real style and class. – Ben Soley


Goal Number 276 (vs Almeria, April 8th, 2015)

If you rush to him, Messi dribbles past you. If you stay put, the Argentine magician does this. Defensively, there is not much more Almeria could do. But Messi makes top level footballers look like amateurs on a weekly basis. The nonchalance with which he impossibly bends the ball around well-placed defenders is something only one player on Earth could do. With a phenomenon like Messi you can’t really win. That’s why Messi is Messi and the rest just trail in his wake. – Jack O’Neill


Which of Messi’s La Liga goals is your favourite? Let us know by checking out this incredible video of all of his 301 La Liga goals.

Shop from our full range of official Lionel Messi signed items here.

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Barcelona and Spain Legend Andres Iniesta Signs For Icons Again

Fresh from our signing with Lionel Messi – and an exceptional performance from Barcelona at Camp Nou – the Icons team were hard at work again on Sunday night as we met with four-time UEFA Champions League winner, two-time UEFA EURO finals conquerer and 2010 FIFA World Cup hero Andres Iniesta in central Barcelona for the second of three signings with Barca’s best.

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Though he may be advancing in age, Andres seems to be as good as ever in his inimitable role as Barcelona’s pass master. The Spaniard was superb in his side’s 4-0 demolition of Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon (for which Icons must again thank our friend Lionel for pitch-side tickets), and after a historic 2014-15 season in which he and his Blaugrana cohorts cantered to domestic and UEFA Champions League glory, Andres looks to be on track for another remarkable season.

It’s no wonder he was in high spirits as we begun our session.

The 31-year-old merrily added his autograph to our excellent range of new products, including Barcelona home shirts from the previous two seasons, away kits from 2014-15 and 2008-09, and Spain tops from 2013.

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With a collection of his favourite music playing in the background – including Leeds-based rockers Kasabian and Spanish duo Estopa – Andres also signed our latest Nike boots, photos of some of his most glorious moments in the football and, perhaps most exciting of all, two extra special match-worn shirts.

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The first of which came directly from Spain’s 2-0 victory over England in the nations’ recent friendly in Alicante on November 13. Andres played a pivotal role during the first half that evening as his side eased to victory over Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions and further showcased their strength in depth ahead of next summer’s UEFA EURO 2016 tournament in France.

Soon after Andres signed his matchworn Barcelona shirt from the recent Clasico in which he and his Barca teammates humiliated Real Madrid with a 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeau. It was Andres that evening who, as per usual, pulled the strings as Barcelona ran riot against their La Liga rivals. Proving his enduring class, Andres sprayed the ball around the park with consulate ease and deadly accuracy before scoring with a fierce strike at the end of a typically devastating Barca move.

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This is a truly special item and will be available on icons.com very soon – so keep your eyes peeled.

After all our products were signed, Andres happily posed for photos with the Icons team before being whisked away – presumably to bed before an early morning training session. A training session Icons might get to have a sneak of, as we prepare to complete our hat-trick of Barcelona signings with the addition of a certain Luis Suarez on Monday morning.Andres-Inesta-Icons

Phew! What a weekend!

Be sure to check out icons.com for all our latest products from Andres, Leo and Luis as we continue to bring you the world’s best signed memorabilia from the world’s best footballers in the build-up to Christmas 2016.

Photos courtesy of Matt Hardy. For more images of Icons’ visit to Barcelona, visit www.matthardyphotography.co.uk.

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Icons Visits Camp Nou Courtesy of Lionel Messi

Camp Nou: Home of FC Barcelona

One of the perks of working with some of the best players in the world is the opportunity to watch them in action. This weekend was no different, as Icons flew out from our HQ in London to meet with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in the Catalan capital.

After a signing with the legendary forward on Friday evening, Messi personally invited Icons to watch Barça entertain La Liga rivals Real Sociedad at Camp Nou the following day. With pitch-side seats courtesy of Messi himself, Icons got to enjoy yet another irresistible performance from the European and Spanish champions.

Messrs Messi, Neymar Jr, Luis Suarez and company ran riot over Eusebio Sacristán’s side with a 4-0 victory that extended their lead at the summit of La Liga, at least for a couple of hours.

Neymar Jr scores first as Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 4-0 in La Liga at Camp Nou

Sweeping home the first of Barcelona’s goals was Neymar, whose superb form this season has him leading the team and the league with 14 goals. He would add another midway through the second half with an equally impressive team move initiated by fellow Icon Andres Iniesta.

Suarez was on had to score the second and most impressive goal of the day just before the interval, acrobatically volleying in Dani Alves’s cross past Sociedad goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli and into the bottom corner to send the Blaugrana faithful wild.

With the game 2-0 at half time, the feeling around the ground was that the points were safe and the only question left was how many more Barcelona would get.

Lionel Messi bamboozles Real Sociedad players during Barcelona's 4-0 win in La Liga at Camp Nou

Sure enough, Neymar added his second and the team’s third on the 54th minute, sliding in Jérémy Mathieu’s perfectly weighted pass. But the biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for the fourth and final goal of the game, as Neymar, Suarez and Messi combined to allow the latter to score his first league goal since returning to action after injury.

Impressive as the performance and the scoreline was, some would argue Barcelona still didn’t quite reach their full potential, which should tell you all you need to know about this phenomenal team.

Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 4-0 at Camp Nou in La Liga

For our full range of Barcelona products, including triple signed shirts from the Three Amigos and brand new products from Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez – all in time for Christmas – check out icons.com now!

Photos courtesy of Matt Hardy. For more images of Icons’ visit to Camp Nou, visit www.matthardyphotography.co.uk.

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Relaunched: The World’s Best Memorabilia Brand Now Has The World’s Best Website

Icons.com relaunches. The world’s best memorabilia brand now has the world’s best site

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Today, we’re very excited to relaunch the Icons website. We just wanted to explain what we’ve done and why we’ve done it.

Designed for tablets and mobiles

The site has been completely rebuilt and now has a responsive design which means it automatically resizes to fit the screens of a desktop computer, a tablet or a mobile device. Over half our customers view the site on either a tablet or a mobile and we’re hoping this makes it a lot easier for them to use.

Easy shopping experience

We have concentrated our efforts on ensuring that the site is easy to use, intuitive and reassures our customers of our authenticity at every level. We now have a quicker checkout, wish lists and a personal account option where you can store your details.

Showcase our licensed collection

Icons are the only company allowed to create official memorabilia ranges for FIFA World Cups and the UEFA Champions League. Today we also launch our new collection: UEFA Euro2016 France to celebrate the history and excitement around next year’s tournament in France.

More video content

Icons lead the memorabilia market in authentication videos – no one else does videos of this quality or standard to 100% reassure our customers on the authenticity of the products they’re buying. We showcase our limited edition products and our long term, on-going relationships with the world’s best players, past and present. Check out our most recent releases from Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr, as well as our summer signing with the Dutch Masters – Van Basten, Guillit and Rijkaard.

Increased security

Icons have moved onto a new open-source platform called Magento. Without boring you with too much tech speak, it basically means that the platform is regularly upgraded so we can be constantly on top of new web developments and we also have enhanced security for ourselves and for our customers too.

More news and features

We’ve also relaunched our blog on News.icons.com, check out articles about our recent signings. We will be integrating our videos, social media and photos as well our links to the players’ own websites and social media so we can keep you up to date with our signings and what our players are up to too.

Feedback

We’re always happy to hear from our customers so let us know on customersupport@icons.com what you think. We look forward to hearing from you and hope your experience is world class.

Dan Jamieson,

CEO Icons Shop Ltd

 

 



Leo Messi: Ten Years An Icon

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Title after title, honour after honour, record after record, Barcelona and Argentina superstar Leo Messi has written his way into the history books as one of the greatest to ever play the game. In that space of time, Messi has won four Champions Leagues, seven La Liga titles, three Spanish Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups, among various other honours. Add to that his four straight Ballon d’Or awards between 2009 and 2012 and countless golden boots.

In 2014-15, the 28-year-old teamed up with Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr to form the world’s most deadly attacking trio. Together they claimed the treble with Barcelona, culminating in a 3-1 defeat of Juventus in a typically ruthless display at the showpiece Champions League final in Berlin. It was a fitting way for Messi to mark ten years in the red and blue of Barcelona.

Having made his debut for the club back in October 2004, he was soon showing fans the sort of flair that would come to exemplify his electric playing style. The 2005-06 season would be Messi’s breakthrough year, as he played a significant role in Barcelona’s league and Champions League double. Records would soon tumble, as Messi emerged as the club’s most talented young star. The world at large began to notice his immeasurable talent in the 2006-07 season after he scored a number of marvellous goals, including an incredible solo effort against Getafe at the Camp Nou.

Barca were Champions League winners again in 2009, with Messi scoring the second goal in a 2-0 defeat of Manchester United in Rome. By now the world was in awe of Messi and his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta. It was also to be the year that Messi would win his first of four consecutive Ballon d’Ors. A year later he would equal Ronaldo’s record for league goals in a single season as Barca secured the second of what would be three back-to-back La Liga titles.

But many will argue that 2010-11 was the ultimate season for Messi and Barcelona. Under Pep Guardiola, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, David Villa and co. added to their league title with a third Champions League triumph in six years. Their Wembley coronation came after another defeat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and, just as in 2009, Messi was on hand to score a vital goal – a swerving shot from just outside the box that bamboozled United keeper Edwin van der Sar and put Barcelona 2-1 up.

In 2011-12 Messi became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, amassing more goals than Cesar Rodriguez’s 232 following a superb hat-trick against Granada. It came just two days after he’d scored five in one match against Bayer Leverkusen in a remarkable Champions League victory. He ended 2012 with a record for most goals in a calendar year, having notched 91 for club and country, eclipsing Gerd Muller’s long-established benchmark of 85.

As of last season, Leo was showing little sign of slowing down, having finally overtaken Raul to become the Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer and surpassing Telmo Zarra’s mark as La Liga’s most prolific marksman. Thanks in no small part to the explosive and unstoppable front three of Messi, Suarez and Neymar Jr, Barcelona swept aside all before them to complete their second ever treble-winning campaign.

At the time of writing, Messi has accumulated 24 club titles, 412 goals in 482 games for Barcelona and is just ten shy of becoming Argentina’s all-time topscorer. Whatever the future holds for this mercurial genius, Leo Messi has in a single decade broken more records and won more honours and awards than almost any other footballer in the history of the sport.

We at Icons are immensely proud to be celebrating ten years of signings with Leo Messi. Every piece of official Messi-signed merchandise is created under license by Icons Shop Ltd and now comes with an official Messi signed merchandise Certificate of Authenticity, which carries an image of Leo signing the product line.

The full range is exclusively available on Icons.com.



Luis Suarez Signs With Icons Again

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After such a successful year, it’s no surprise that Luis Suarez is ready and raring to go again as the 2015-16 season commences, starting with Barcelona’s Super Cup Final against Sevilla in Georgia. Former Liverpool hero and now an integral part of Barcelona’s attacking triumvirate, Luis Suarez is a natural born winner. Tireless in the pursuit of victory, Suarez was vital in Barcelona’s treble triumph of 2015, contributing 25 goals and 24 assists in just half a season.

Most notable were his performances in Barcelona‘s lime coloured away shirt. First scoring two sublime goals against PSG in the Champions League Quarter Finals, and secondly against Bayern Munich where he assisted twice, putting it on a plate for Neymar Jr on both occasions. He was also key in dismantling Manchester City in the previous round of the competition, scoring two goals in 14 first half minutes at the Etihad.

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The Uruguayan only seems to get better and with icons such as Messi, Neymar and Iniesta around him, that progress does not look like stopping any time soon. The future certainly looks bright for Luis Suarez and Barcelona. Slotting into the deadliest attacking trio on the planet, Suarez has achieved so much in just half a season’s playing time. Having seemingly left the controversy of his past behind him, Suarez’s dynamic play and lethal finishing has added a new dimension to a revamped Barcelona. Can anyone snatch the Champions League, La Liga or Copa Del Rey away from Catalonia? It seems obvious that ‘El Pistolero’ will have something to say about that.

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In his homeland, Suarez is lauded as a national hero. Alongside Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani, he has helped forge one of the deadliest strike forces in international football and will soon lead the line as the team’s star man. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa he played an important role in Uruguay‘s fourth-place finish, scoring three goals, and also blocked an extra time goal bound header with his hands during the quarter finals against Ghana. He was dismissed, but Uruguay went on to triumph via penalties. His jubilant celebrations afterwards attracted criticism from some, but for others, emphasised Suarez’s best qualities: he is a champion and a patriot, at all costs.

Watermarked

Suarez has been signing with Icons.com for 4 years now, ever since he first came to Liverpool in 2011. Luis Suarez memorabilia is hugely popular on icons.com and we are delighted to stock products carrying the authentic Luis Suarez autograph. These include current and previous Barcelona andUruguay shirts as well as seminal photographs and posters signed by all three of the amigos. Don’t miss out on these ultimate collector’s items, a must-have for any true Barcelona fan.

 



We’re Back! The Icons.com 2015-16 Season Preview

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24:  John Terry of Chelsea celebrates with the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions.  (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates with the trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 24, 2015 in London, England. Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Ladies and gentlemen, we did it. We got through the summer break. It was tough, sure, but it’s over now. You can put down those barbeque tongs, stick the sun lounger back in the shed and forget all about that fence you probably weren’t going to paint anyway. Because this weekend, in stadiums across the country and around Europe, the football – the proper football – returns. And this season, like almost every season before it, threatens to be one of unmissable drama.

With Premier League legends Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Robin van Persie all parting ways with the English topflight, there’s never been a better time for new icons to emerge and big summer moves aplenty at the Etihad, Old Trafford and Anfield mean there are no shortage of fresh faces among the familiar stars.

At Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea – with leading lights in Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas – bid to become the first team since 2009 to defend their Premier League crown. But they face a strong challenge from a reinvigorated Arsenal, perennial contenders Man City and a much-strengthened Man United, who have added over £83million of talent over the summer.

Meanwhile, a Gerrard-less Liverpool have flashed their cash and captured Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne, among others, while Tottenham will be hoping for more of the same from frontman Harry Kane, who emerged as one of English football’s most exciting young strikers following a frenzy of goals last term.

Newly promoted Watford return to the topflight after an eight year exile while Norwich City look promising after their swift return and there’s more than a sense of intrigue about Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who were excellent as they romped to the Championship title.

On the continent, there’s more glory expected for Barcelona, led by the irresistible and seemingly unstoppable ‘MSN’ trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. As ever, Luis Enrique’s side will need to see off Clasico rivals Real Madrid but with Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale at his disposal, new boss Rafa Benitez must feel confident of a strong challenge.

BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 06:  (L-R) Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.  (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 06: (L-R) Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate with the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

The German title race, as in France and Italy, is decidedly less open. With the additions of Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa, Bayern will be incredibly hard to catch, though Kevin de Bruyne’s Wolfsburg and Dortmund – with hipsters’ choice Thomas Tuchel taking over from former hipsters’ choice Jurgen Klopp – will try their level best to keep up.

Paris Saint-Germain look certain to retain their Ligue 1 crown, as Angel Di Maria joins Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and David Luiz – a deep run into the latter stages of the Champions League is the aim.

Juventus will start clear favourites in Italy but the Old Lady has lost some of her favourite sons over the summer with Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Vidal heading away to varying corners of Planet Football. Rudi Garcia’s Roma have been improving season-on-season and could challenge Juve’s dominance should their squad stay healthy throughout the season.

Beside the Premier League, we should look then to the Champions League for competitiveness, where any number of around five or six teams could feasibly triumph. Though MSN make Barcelona the hot favourites, a lack of domestic challenge could help the likes of Bayern, Juventus and PSG, who’ll each be looking to improve on the continent. Whoever wins, we’re doubtless in for a treat as the best in the world vie for the ultimate prize.



Neymar Jr Signs Icons Once Again!

Having been the first to sign with Neymar Jr. in 2012, we are pleased to announce our latest signing with the Brazil and Barcelona star. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents to hit the international stage in years, Neymar Jr. has the world at his feet.

Here you find the full, exclusive range of Neymar Jr. signed products. And do not forget to watch our video below we shot during the signing session!