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Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
‘My life has been ruined by 80k seat ghost stadium – that could all change if they finish it'
'My life has been ruined by 80k seat ghost stadium – that could all change if they finish it' Valencia's Nou Mestalla has been left abandoned for over a decade, with the unfinished stadium having a major impact on the local community in Benicalap, Valencia Valencia's abandoned stadium looks to have a future (Image: Aaron Flanagan/Reach plc ) Next to the unfinished skeleton of an 80,000-capacity World Cup stadium, the residents of Benicalap have been left to wonder if the future will brighten in the shadow of its walls. The Nou Mestalla, lying dormant and derelict for years, symbolised promise and regeneration for this community as a project that began back in 2007. The stadium aimed to herald a new era for Valencia CF, following their La Liga triumphs in 2002 and 2004, which disrupted the Real Madrid-Barcelona domination. Yet, financial woes led to a stalled project, leaving an eyesore that overshadowed the area for over a decade. Now, with a hefty sum of £275million secured, Valencia can finally advance with construction, eyeing completion by 2027. This move restores hope within the local population that the problem area tarnishing their landscape might transform into prosperity. The site has been derelict for over 10 years (Image: Aaron Flanagan/Reach plc ) This turn of events rekindles the ambitions long-held by Benicalap residents, as the bleak giant marring their skyline may yet become a beacon of progress, as reported by the Daily Star. Article continues below In November 2023, a hotel receptionist in the vicinity said: "Everyone asks about it because it is so big and it is so ugly for the views," whilst another local shared a universal sentiment: "Whatever it is, it is better to have it finished. A building for business, a building for sport, a building for partying, whatever. But it needs to be done... not that." The grand Nou Mestalla stadium, with its ambitious plans to host 80,000 fans on a site that was once an industrial hub, promised a tourism boom for the residents of Benicalap. Reflecting on unfulfilled aspirations, a local café owner said: "My mother bought this cafe 15 years ago. She bought it for exactly that point, for the stadium. But we are waiting for them to start again, to have a great business. We are waiting. I hope they will start again. The stadium's long delay has been a source of anguish for the local community (Image: Aaron Flanagan/Reach plc ) "This neighbourhood is not so rich. We try hard to pay our bills. We are a working family and we are working hard, but it is not easy." However, the incomplete edifice wasn't merely a metaphor for missed chances; for some, it represented the excitement of being part of football's legacy. A restaurant owner said: "When someone from outside comes, they always ask about it I am also a fan of football and I love to see something like that. "I know the story of this but I do not feel like it is unfinished. Fans of football, if they see the stadium, they are feeling something and I feel the same. It is my dream to be near the stadium, near all the players of Valencia and the World Cup and more." Like others in the area, he looks forward to the potential benefits for the community should the project reach completion. "If they make it, everything will be great," he added. Valencia planned on entering a new era when construction began on Nou Mestalla in 2007, with a planned capacity of up to 80,000 for the stadium (Image: Aaron Flanagan/Reach plc ) "Money will come to the people and the businesses here. Fans of football will always be here, hopefully with the Champions League and World Cup, everyone will be here. It will be such a beautiful opportunity for the people here. I wish, I hope that they will do it." One local resident and avid football supporter expressed concerns about the structural safety if the project continues and mooted the possibility of needing a complete teardown. He said: "Engineering wise, it cannot be safe, so if they want to build, they will have to knock down the whole thing. It will take time and money. But when you remember the World Cup in Qatar, they did not have the stadiums but in six months, they build stadiums. They can do the same and that is what I wish for." It seems the residents' dreams are set to become reality, as the Nou Mestalla is poised to be among an array of iconic venues hosting the 2030 World Cup, with plans for the games to take place across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. A view of how the Nou Mestalla could look if it is completed (Image: Valencia CF ) The official Valencia website reads: "Valencia CF has successfully secured the full financing for Nou Mestalla - the most significant non-sporting project in the Club's history. Article continues below "Scheduled to open in 2027, Nou Mestalla will serve as a global benchmark for modern stadium developments. The modern state-of-the-art stadium will drive Valencia CF's growth and unlock new long-term sustainable revenue streams that will strengthen the Club's influence and competitiveness for decades to come. "Nou Mestalla is not just a transformative investment for Valencia CF - it will be a landmark and legacy project for the city and is set to become an iconic symbol for Valencia CF fans, benefiting the city of Valencia, its residents, and visitors."
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Just traumatised him on live TV' – Lionel Messi in very tense conversation with James Rodriguez during Argentina clash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONEL MESSI and James Rodriguez engaged in a heated war of words during Argentina's battle with Colombia last night. The Argentine superstar, 37, returned to international action despite his country having already comfortably qualified for next year's World Cup. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lionel Messi exchanged words with James Rodriguez Credit: X 5 The veterans covered their mouths as they debated Credit: Alamy Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champions fell behind in the first half, courtesy of Luis Diaz's brilliant solo goal. The match became heated in the second period, with a series of flashpoints occurring in the final 20 minutes. Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was sent off on 70 minutes for a high challenge on Kevin Castano. The horror kick left Castano bleeding from his head. In the aftermath of the incident, Messi engaged in a war of words with long-time rival James Rodriguez. Having battled for several years while playing for their countries, they were also on opposite sides of the El Clasico Real Madrid-Barcelona divide. The pair tried to cover their mouths during the conversation, although Argentine outlet TyC Sports claim to have made out some of their words. They claim that Rodriguez, 33, responded to Messi's initial comment by asking: "But why?" BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Enzo Fernandez kicked Kevin Castano in the head 5 Castano was left with a brutal cut on his forehead The outlet then alleges that Messi said: "Yes, yes. You said we were helped in the final. "You talk a lot..." 'Do you want me to send you off' - Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen Messi is believed to have been referring to Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in last year's Copa America final. Back in March, Rodriguez reflected on the match: "Due to external factors, I think we couldn't have been champions. "The referee had a big influence and didn't award us one or two penalties." The former Everton and Real Madrid star, who now plays for Club Leon in Mexico, refused to be drawn on his exchange with Messi after last night's match. Asked about the subject, the attacking midfielder said: "What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch." Reflecting on the incident, one fan joked on social media: "Forget the Enzo red card. Messi just traumatized James Rodriguez on live television with his words." While a second wrote: "Yeah… he said some harsh words to James and it pains me cause James seems like a genuinely nice guy." Shortly after his exchange with Rodriguez, Messi was surprisingly substituted, despite 10-man Argentina needing a goal. The move proved to be an inspired one, as his replacement Exequiel Palacios set up Thiago Almada's equaliser just a few minutes later. After the 1-1 draw, boss Scaloni revealed: "Leo wasn't going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end. "He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him. "The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied." Just prior to going off, Messi had been involved in an altercation with Daniel Munoz. The former Barcelona star appeared to throw an elbow at the Crystal Palace man.
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Just traumatised him on live TV' – Lionel Messi in very tense conversation with James Rodriguez during Argentina clash
LIONEL MESSI and James Rodriguez engaged in a heated war of words during Argentina's battle with Colombia last night. The Argentine superstar, 37, returned to international action despite his country having already comfortably qualified for next year's World Cup. Advertisement 5 Lionel Messi exchanged words with James Rodriguez Credit: X 5 The veterans covered their mouths as they debated Credit: Alamy Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champions fell behind in the first half, courtesy of The match became heated in the second period, with a series of flashpoints occurring in the final 20 minutes. The horror kick left Castano bleeding from his head. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL In the aftermath of the incident, Messi engaged in a war of words with long-time rival James Rodriguez. Having battled for several years while playing for their countries, they were also on opposite sides of the El Clasico Real Madrid-Barcelona divide. The pair tried to cover their mouths during the conversation, although Argentine outlet They claim that Rodriguez, 33, responded to Messi's initial comment by asking: "But why?" Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Enzo Fernandez kicked Kevin Castano in the head 5 Castano was left with a brutal cut on his forehead The outlet then alleges that Messi said: "Yes, yes. You said we were helped in the final. Advertisement "You talk a lot..." 'Do you want me to send you off' - Lionel Messi reaches boiling point with referee as Inter Miami woes worsen Messi is believed to have been referring to Back in March, Rodriguez reflected on the match: "Due to external factors, I think we couldn't have been champions. "The referee had a big influence and didn't award us one or two penalties." Advertisement The former Asked about the subject, the attacking midfielder said: "What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch." Reflecting on the incident, one fan joked on social media: "Forget the Enzo red card. Messi just traumatized James Rodriguez on live television with his words." While a second wrote: "Yeah… he said some harsh words to James and it pains me cause James seems like a genuinely nice guy." Advertisement Shortly after his exchange with Rodriguez, Messi was surprisingly substituted, despite 10-man Argentina needing a goal. The move proved to be an inspired one, as his replacement Exequiel Palacios set up Thiago Almada's equaliser just a few minutes later. After the 1-1 draw, boss Scaloni revealed: "Leo wasn't going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end. "He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him. Advertisement "The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied." Just prior to going off, Messi had been involved in an altercation with Daniel Munoz. The former 5 Messi appeared to throw an elbow at Palace star Daniel Munoz Credit: X Advertisement
