Fight For New Messi 

With the Diego Costa affair all wrapped up, the Spanish Football federation is now preparing for its next battle. This time against the Argentine Federation, for one of Villarreal's rising stars: Matías Nahuel Leiva.

Nahuel is a young midfielder who made his La Liga debut under Marcelino García Toral a few weeks ago, and a star was born. After a year's wait, the youngster finally got his Spanish citizenship a few days ago and the Federation is now working to incorporate Nahuel in La Roja's youth set-up so that he can one day fulfil the dream of any professional and make his senior debut.

Less than two weeks after getting his first Villarreal first-team call-up and making his top-flight debut on 13th January against Real Sociedad, the player's nationalisation was fast-tracked.

Given the player's potential, Spain's Sports Council (CSD) moved to fast-track the bureaucratic formalities. Nahuel has benefitted from favourable treatment that is given to athletes "under exceptional circumstances and after examining every case on an individual basis."

Now the Spanish Federation has the green light to call up the youngster, who has not forgotten about Argentina. A Diego Costa sequel looks likely.