The lead story in the world of soccer today is Lionel Messi’s four goals against Arsenal to eliminate them from the Champions League. The Guardian has a nice piece that wonders why it took everyone so long to agree that Messi is the best player in the world. The third goal made me laugh out loud.

Click here to watch Danny Califf take up Danny Bonaduce’s Union Challenge

Heather Mitts may miss the first Philadelphia Independence game due to a a quadriceps injury.

Soccer By Ives previews the upcoming WPS season and predicts a last place finish for the Independence.

Soccer365 examines the new designated player rule in MLS and suggest that it will increase “the league’s gimmick factor” rather than increase the quality of the league. Says “MLS needs to follow Mexico’s lead and wangle its way into the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana tournaments” if it is to attract prestige players in their prime. League participation in prestige tournaments = participation of prestige players in the league.

Following a report from US Soccer Players, BrainandSpinalCord.org and WVHooligan look at the little discussed danger of head injuries – particularly concussions – in soccer and conclude MLS needs a league wide policy outlining when players with head injuries can return to play.

Stuart Holden, recovering from a broken leg, plans to resume full training within two weeks and intends to be playing for Bolton before season’s end.

If the Sons of Ben aren’t your style but you want to belong to a supporters club, maybe the Tammany Saints will work for you. (I know nothing about them other than they have nice t-shirts. I came across them in a Google Alert.)

With the home opener only a few days away, Footiebusiness revisits their January interview with Philadelphia Union marketing VP Cara Joftis.

In today’s Champions league action, Bayern Munich will try to knock Manchester United out of the tournament 2:30 p.m., live on FSC. At 5 p.m. Bordeaux will try to come back against Lyon.

Photo courtesy of Reuters.