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Less than a month after shaking the football world with his move to PSG, Lionel Messi is being tipped for a Barcelona return.

And that's barely a week following his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo's shock move back to Manchester United from Juventus!

Former Barca and Argentina midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, now Boca Juniors vice-president Riquelme, believes it's now or never for PSG to win Europe's top prize, thanks to 34-year-old Messi's arrival.

Riquelme said: "We are all excited to see him enjoy playing with Mbappe and Neymar.

"If they don't win the Champions League now, they won't win it anymore.

"I think Messi will win the Champions League with PSG and retire in Barcelona."

Meanwhile, it's claimed Jules Kounde’s January move to Chelsea was blocked by Sevilla.

The Spaniards refused to budge from the France defender's £68million release clause after rejecting the Blues' £42.8m bid.

Tottenham director Fabio Paratici rates new midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, 18, “one of the most talented in Europe”.

Spurs having won the £13million race for the Metz prospect, Paratici said: “I think we made a great signing. In all of Europe they speak about this.

"He needs experience, he needs to play games, to stay in one team and play regularly – a great investment, a great vision for the future.”

Finally, Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery, 38, is close to joining Serie A newcomers Salernitana following his summer release from Fiorentina.

RONALDO SHOCKS PIERS MORGAN

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he’s the world’s greatest footballer – but he shocked Piers Morgan by naming Lionel Messi as the best he’s faced.

Ronaldo‘s “unlikely” friend Morgan insists the legend’s huge self-confidence is wrongly mistaken for arrogance.

But the TV celebrity admits he was surprised when Manchester United‘s returning hero Ron, 36, named 34-year-old GOAT rival Messi as his finest opponent.

Morgan wrote in the Mail on Sunday: “‘Who’s the greatest footballer you’ve ever played against?’ I asked Cristiano Ronaldo. 

“It was 1am on the candlelit terrace of his favourite restaurant in Turin, Italy, where he was still playing for Juventus before his recent sensational decision to rejoin Manchester United.

“It was time for the big question. ‘Messi,’ he replied, immediately and emphatically.

‘Really?’ I said, surprised that he would name his biggest rival.

‘For sure. He is the best I’ve played against.’

“Then he grinned. ‘But Piers, you are asking me the wrong question’

‘OK. What’s the right question?’ ‘You should just ask me who is the greatest player…’

‘I think I know the answer,’ I replied, laughing.

“Ronaldo winked and we clinked glasses. He believes he’s the best to ever play the game. And I agree with him.”

LAUGH TIME ENTERTAINMENT

There might have been no Premier League games but his tweet showed how the "international break" can be more offbeat than you think - with honourable mentions for Peppa Pig and Lee Mack

KEANE TROLLS GUNNERS

Manchester United legend Roy Keane trolled Arsenal after birthday boy Bukayo Saka rounded off England’s 4-0 win over Andorra.

Saka headed into the same Wembley where he missed the deciding penalty in July’s Euro 2020 final shootout defeat against Italy.

And with Arsenal reeling from three straight Prem losses, Keane told ITV:“I’m sure he can enjoy the win, because he’s not getting any at club level.”

The punditry panel, including Arsenal legend Ian Wright couldn’t help but see the funny side to Keane’s off-the-cuff remark.

Saka, though, was focused on his role in a predictably-straighforward England victory.

The (just) 20-year-old told ITV: “The perfect birthday present for me. I am really happy we got the win and I can celebrate my birthday with this.”

BRAZIL GAME SUSPENDED AS HEALTH CHIEFS RUSH ON

Brazil's World Cup qualifier with Argentina was sensationally suspended after Brazilian health chiefs entered the PITCH and stopped play - as three Prem stars had not completed quarantine.

Emi Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso all started for Argentina despite being ordered to isolate for Covid-related reasons.

The trio, plus Emi Buendia, travelled from England to play for Argentina, but the UK is on Brazil's red list.

The players were supposed to complete a stint in quarantine.

They were ordered to go into isolation immediately - but three of them were part of Lionel Scaloni's starting XI to face Brazil.

The Prem aces failed to evade the authorities, though, as health officials raced on to the pitch and halted the game after seven minutes.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar appeared to remonstrate with the health chiefs but their efforts - so far, at least - have failed.

Even if the four players avoid quarantining in Brazil, they won't enjoy the same luck when they return to the UK.

UTD HAIL LIONS’ HERO JESSE

Manchester United saluted Jesse Lingard after their bit-part player was England’s main man at Wembley this afternoon.

The midfielder reportedly told West Ham last month he was not interested in joining them permanently from United.

And although he’s been starved of Prem minutes this season, the 28-year-old fired home twice when looking lively throughout England’s 4-0 stroll against Andorra.

United posted “That’s our guy” and “great stuff”.

'MESSI WILL REJOIN BARCA THEN RETIRE'

Lionel Messi is going to retire at Barcelona after winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.

That is according to Juan Roman Riquelme, who believes Messi's final chapter at Barca hasn't been written yet despite his dramatic summer exit.

The star forward departed from the Nou Camp after a glittering 17-year stint in Catalonia after failing to agree on a new contract with the club's hierarchy.

Former Barcelona star and Boca Juniors vice-president Riquelme is very excited to see the six-time Ballon d'Or winner mixing it up with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at PSG.

However, Messi's fellow Argentine believes the 34-year-old will ultimately end his career with a Blaugrana shirt on.

Riquelme told ESPN: "I hope that Messi continues to enjoy Paris.

"I don't know if it's strange, but we are all excited to see him enjoy with Mbappe and Neymar.

"If they don't win the Champions League now, they won't win it anymore.

"I think Messi will win the Champions League with PSG and retire in Barcelona."

SUCH AN IMPORTANT MATAR

Tottenham director Fabio Paratici believes summer signing Pape Matar Sarr is "one of the most talented in Europe".

Spurs beat a host of top European competition to sign the 18-year-old for £13million from Ligue 1 side Metz.

Sarr will spend the rest of the 2021/22 season back on loan at Metz, before returning to Spurs.

The versatile midfielder - already capped twice for Senegal - is rated highly by Spurs director Paratici.

The former chief football officer of Juventus said: "I think Pape is one of the most talented in Europe.

"Our job is not to look just at tomorrow, but maybe also past tomorrow or next year.

"I think we made a great signing. In all of Europe they speak about this, a lot of teams were interested, a lot of teams were there to sign (him), so we made a very good signing.

“He needs experience, he needs to play games, to stay in one team and play regularly - a great investment for the Club, and a great vision for the future."

‘SCHOLES GOOD ENOUGH FOR ARSENAL’

Football fans reckon England’s Soccer Aid team could beat Premier League strugglers Arsenal at this moment in time.

The Gunners failed to score or pick up a point in their first three Prem games of the season, with pressure mounting on manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal lost to newly promoted Brentford, European champions Chelsea and Prem holders Manchester City in the opening weeks of the season.

Arteta’s side have managed just one win this term, a 6-0 rout over West Brom’s kids in the League Cup.

England’s Soccer Aid XI – which lost 3-0 to a World XI – was made up of ex-professionals and celebrities.

Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes were among the Three Lions legends on display, with singer Olly Murs leading the team.

After seeing the XI, one fan tweeted: “England’s Soccer Aid XI would beat Arsenal at the moment.”

While Soccer Aid winner Piers Morgan tweeted: “I’d take Paul Scholes in Arsenal’s current midfield.”

LINGARD LEADS 4-0 ENGLAND WIN

Two-goal Jesse Lingard led England's 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Andorra in second gear at Wembley.

Harry Kane's penalty made it 2-0 on 72 minutes to spark a late spree topped off by birthday boy Bukayo Sako heading the fourth for the runaway Group I leaders.

Jude Bellingham shone in the first half, while debutant striker Patrick Bamford had few chances to shine directly on goal.

And generally the all-changed Three Lions dominated without hitting top form, although 62nd-minute subs Kane, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount heled rev up the action.

SAKA GOAL GETS LOUDEST ROAR

England fans roared their joy as birthday boy Bukayo Saka headed the fourth goal against Andorra – to help further banish his Euro 2020 final shootout woe.

The Arsenal speedster timed his run effortlessly to nod in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick-thinking. short corner.

Jesse Lingard had earlier drilled goals either side of sub Harry Kane’s penalty.

RIB NOT SPARE FOR MUCH LONGER

Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery is close to joining newly-promoted Serie A side Salernitana.

That is according to Calciomercato, who report that Ribery is in talks with the Salerno-based club, who returned to the top flight after 23 years.

The winger is a free agent after his contract with Fiorentina expired in June and thus can join another club beyond the summer transfer window's deadline date.

The former France international was initially approached by Hellas Verona but he appears to be more keen on moving to Campania.

That is because Salernitana are offering a one-year deal worth €1.5million (£1.2m) plus bonuses.

And it seems like the 38-year-old and the Granata are close to reaching a deal.

Salernitana have endured a rough start to life in the Serie A with back-to-back defeats to Bologna and Roma.

SEVILLA GUARDED JULES FROM BLUES

Jules Kounde's transfer to European champions Chelsea was BLOCKED by the Sevilla board.

Sevilla wanted Chelsea to meet his £68million release clause.

But the Blues didn't up their bid after seeing a £42.8m offer rejected.

Boss Julen Lopetegui confirmed that Sevilla put a stop to the move because Chelsea didn't offer a sufficient amount of money.

Speaking to Diario de Sevilla, he said: "Kounde in the end has stayed because the club has decided that it was the right thing to do based on the evaluation of the offers they may have had.

"For me, as a coach, that Jules stays is positive. With the evolution he has had in these two years, it is positive, without any doubt."

Lopetegui, despite reports of Kounde being agitated by a move not going through, expects his player to remain professional.

And he expects Kounde to continue to grow as a player and perform to the best of his ability.

YOU'VE BLADE MY DAY

Liverpool's forgotten centre-back Ben Davies feels "mentally released" after joining Sheffield United on loan.

The 26-year-old missed the "match day buzz" after failing to play a single minute for the Reds since arriving from Preston in January.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp brought in Davies and loanee Ozan Kablak from Schalke to combat horrendous injury problems in defence.

But now Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are fully fit again.

The Mirror quote Davies as saying: “I was becoming aware that I was the fifth or sixth choice to play in the centre of the defence for Liverpool.

“When I joined Sheffield United, with the promise of playing games, it felt like I had finally been mentally released.”

“No one can take away the fact that I’m a Liverpool player. I feel that just being around top players has improved me. I feel I’ve grown up.

"It’s helped me settle in quickly at Sheffield United and hopefully that has shown in the games I’ve played.

“Playing football regularly is the most important thing. For me it’s about enjoying the competitive side of the game again."

MESSI IS RON’S GOAT-TO HERO

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he’s the world’s greatest footballer – but he shocked Piers Morgan by naming Lionel Messi as the best he’s faced.

Ronaldo‘s “unlikely” friend Morgan insists the legend’s huge self-confidence is wrongly mistaken for arrogance.

But the TV celebrity admits he was surprised when Manchester United‘s returning hero Ron, 36, named 34-year-old GOAT rival Messi as his finest opponent.

Morgan wrote in the Mail on Sunday: “‘Who’s the greatest footballer you’ve ever played against?’ I asked Cristiano Ronaldo. 

“It was 1am on the candlelit terrace of his favourite restaurant in Turin, Italy, where he was still playing for Juventus before his recent sensational decision to rejoin Manchester United.

“It was time for the big question. ‘Messi,’ he replied, immediately and emphatically.

‘Really?’ I said, surprised that he would name his biggest rival.

‘For sure. He is the best I’ve played against.’

“Then he grinned. ‘But Piers, you are asking me the wrong question’

‘OK. What’s the right question?’ ‘You should just ask me who is the greatest player…’

‘I think I know the answer,’ I replied, laughing.

“Ronaldo winked and we clinked glasses. He believes he’s the best to ever play the game. And I agree with him.”

ARFA COULD STOP AT BUC

Ex-Newcastle playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa is in talks for a move to Rapid Bucuresti, reports suggest.

According to Romanian journalist Emanuel Rosu, Ben Arfa is currently negotiating with Rapid but Ferencvaros and a Champions League side have also shown interest.

However, the attacking midfielder, who is currently a free agent looking for a new destination, has yet to make up his mind.

Rosu tweeted: "Breaking: Hatem Ben Arfa is negotiating a move to the Romanian Liga 1 at Rapid.

"According to the agent who's talking to him on Rapid's behalf, Ferencvaros and a Champions League club are also in the chase.

"Ben Arfa hasn't made his mind yet."

Ben Arfa became famous among the Premier League crowd thanks to his five-year stint at Newcastle.

The former France international, who has 15 caps, joined the Magpies on loan from Marseille in 2010.

ED-ING OUT?

After failing to sell Eddie Nketiah this summer, Arsenal could be set to make a huge loss on the young striker, whose deal expires at the end of this season.

As such, he’s free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January and could end up leaving the Emirates on a free if Arsenal are unable to tie him down to a new deal.

The Gunners has tried to offload him for around £20m this summer, but with nobody prepared to match their asking price, they retained the young striker.

Crystal Palace registered serious interest in the player, but after failing to negotiate a deal with Arsenal they instead secured the services of Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard for around £15m.

It remains to be seen whether Nketiah will be able to force his way into contention at Arsenal, particularly with the emergence of Folarin Balogun in the same position.

If he can be convinced that he is part of Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward, he may become open to penning a new deal, but as it stands the forward looks set for pastures new and could potentially leave for free.

NOT FOR ME, THANKS

Man City reportedly rejected the chance to sign Saul Niguez in a deadline day swap deal which would have seen Bernardo Silva going the other way.

The Portuguese attacker was linked with a move to Madrid for most of the summer, but as City's asking price was not met, he will remain at the Etihad this season.

They could also not be enticed to let him go by the prospect of receiving Saul in return, who instead joined Chelsea in a loan move on deadline day.

MISSED THEIR MAN

Chelsea were unable to secure the signing of France defender Jules Kounde after failing to agree a fee with Sevilla before the transfer window slammed shut last week.

Chelsea had initially offered a fee of around £50m plus now West Ham defender Kurt Zouma, but this was rejected by Sevilla, who demanded a fee closer to £70m.

The 22-year-old will spent at least another season in LaLiga, but there's no doubt that if he can replicate the form that made him so in demand this summer, clubs will be back in for him again before long.

PAST MEETS PRESENT

Ex-Man United striker Romelu Lukaku has responded to comparisons between himself and Ronaldo in humble fashion by stating: "Don’t ever compare me to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is, for me, in the top three best players in the history of football.

"I'm not going to rank him from first to third but he's in there."

The two Premier League new boys battled it out in Serie A last season for Inter Milan and Juventus respectively, with Ronaldo winning the golden boot but Lukaku's Inter winning the Scudetto.

Both have returned to the Premier League this summer in two of the most high profile transfers of recent years and both of their new clubs will surely be able to bank on them scoring a fair few goals.

It will be fascinating to watch the two battle it out again for both Chelsea and Man United and see who comes out on top in the Prem.

OFF ON HOLIDAY

James Rodriguez has yet to make a single appearance for Everton this season, after a mixed first campaign at Goodison Park last time out.

The 30-year-old made 23 Premier League appearances for the Toffees last season under Carlo Ancelotti, but new boss Rafa Benitez has shown no sign that the Colombian is part of his plans.

After failing to offload the World Cup 2014's top scorer in the summer, Everton may look to use Rodriguez's obvious talents before he can be sold in January, but it certainly like his days on Merseyside are numbered.

BETWEEN THE STICKS

QPR keeper Seny Dieng is reportedly being pursued by Sheffield United, who had a cash influx following the sale of Aaron Ramsdale for around £24.5m to Arsenal.

Dieng made 42 appearances in the Championship for QPR last season and the 26 year-old Swiss-born Senegal international could command a fee as high as £12m.

QPR are reluctant to sell to a Championship rival, however, and the move may hinge on the performance of former Everton keeper Robin Olsen, who Sheffield United signed on loan from Roma.

MANCHESTER VIA FRANCE

Man United's French contingent already includes the likes of Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.

But fans are now clamouring for the signing of Monaco's exciting young midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who impressed for France in his international debut against Ukraine alongside Paul Pogba.

The wonderkid was a vital part of the Monaco team that finished third in Ligue 1 last season, making 36 league appearances.

The 21-year-old has also been linked with a move to Chelsea, but the London club has since signed Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul on loan with an option to buy, effectively putting them out of the race.

With Real Madrid also signing Tchouaméni's international teammate Eduardo Camavinga, United could be in pole position for his signature, should they choose to pursue him in the summer.

CASH FOR CHIESA

Federico Chiesa scored a sensational solo goal for Italy against Bulgaria on Thursday, living up to the incredibly high standard of performance he set himself at Euro 2020.

The young Juventus winger drew plaudits from all over the world for his stellar performances for the Azzurri, leading Chelsea to immediately make an offer for the player, which was vehemently rejected.

The Blues were willing to pay up to as much as £85m for the 23-year-old wide man, but the Old Lady deem him 'untouchable' and were not even prepared to entertain an offer.

Chiesa is currently halfway through a two-year loan spell at Juve from Fiorentina, who have an obligation to buy him in a deal that could rise to £50m, including the loan fee and add-ons.

If he continues his fine form into the current season, there is no doubt that clubs will come back in for him next summer and it will be up to Juve whether they choose to cash in on one of their most valuable assets.

NKETI-OUT

After failing to sell Eddie Nketiah this summer, Arsenal could be set to make a huge loss on the young striker, whose deal expires at the end of this season.

As such, he's free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January and could end up leaving the Emirates on a free if Arsenal are unable to tie him down to a new deal.

The Gunners has tried to offload him for around £20m this summer, but with nobody prepared to match their asking price, they retained the young striker.

Crystal Palace registered serious interest in the player, but after failing to negotiate a deal with Arsenal they instead secured the services of Celtic's Odsonne Edouard for around £15m.

It remains to be seen whether Nketiah will be able to force his way into contention at Arsenal, particularly with the emergence of Folarin Balogun in the same position.

If he can be convinced that he is part of Mikel Arteta's plans going forward, he may become open to penning a new deal, but as it stands the forward looks set for pastures new and could potentially leave for free.