Lionel Messi was the best thing about Barcelona this afternoon (it was afternoon in my part of the world). Every time he touched the ball, he put the Man Utd defender to the sword. The only thing that prevented him from scoring a goal was the fact that the central defenders were there to protect the wing defender. Well, that and Edwin van der Sar is 6'5" tall. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. van der Sar, for having such a tall son. I, for one, am deeply grateful for your genes.
But that's not the point. The point is to appreciate the sheer artistry of Leo Messi. He moves so effortlessly with the ball, as if it's attached to his feet with a string. His passes reflect that, too. Everything from long crosses to elegant little flick-ons are exquisite. This is, clearly, a reflection of his intelligence. The best example I can think of off the top of my head comes not from soccer, but from hockey. It's Wayne Gretzky, who had a way about him to see what was happening and, more importantly, what was going to happen. Messi possesses that same gift.
Before I go on, check this out. No, seriously. I'll wait.
Okay, done? Good. Wasn't that breathtaking? The sickest part? He doesn't turn 21 until June. The second most sickest part? He rises to the occasion in big games. Today, he was one of two players who showed up, like, really showed up, for Barcelona (the other was Zambrotta, who put the clamps down on CRonaldo for most of the match). Messi was thriving. This is a good sign for Barcelona. And it most assuredly puts the kibosh on that stupid transfer idea of Ibrahimovic for Messi, straight up.
He has the skills to be one of the greats of the game already. Playing five more years at his current level will assure him of all-time great status. But he'll play more than that because he's improving every year. I'm not one for hyperbole but I think Messi has lived up to his hype and will continue to live up to his hype. I look forward to watching him for years to come.
PS. First SoccerNation blog post. Woo-hoo!
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Comments (10)
... and he's only 20. The kid's still getting better...
Fantastic game from Messi. The rest of the team looked a bit out of place. Henry was a huge disapointment. I had high hopes from him subbing on late and his only highlights were two shots (one from outside the box and one header from 6 ft away) went straight into Van der Saar's hands.
This loss pretty much guarentees the breakup of this year's Barcelona team, though. The Champions League was their last and final hope, and Rijkard's head is surely on a silver platter now.
We can count on Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Henry, Deco, Zambrotta, Xavi, Frank and others to be on the trading block this summer, giving Messi even more room to work...
He's sure to be a fantastic player. I can't wait to see what's in store for the young Argentine labeled as the next Maradona (minus the cocaine). Soon, he's going to be considered better than Maradona. You can count on it. Bold prediction, I know, but it can defidently happen.
Stauff Nation TB | 04/30/08, 12:06 AM
Report Offensive CommentYep, Messi is brilliant, i bet by the times he's 23-24, he'll be number 1 in the world with no arguments.
The new Maradona?
Lets just hope he stays healthy
But were heading to Moscow
jeevs BS | 04/30/08, 01:11 PM
Report Offensive Commentnice post naxself.
He was all over the place (in a good way). I loved when after being checked by Zambrotta, CR7 crossed his arms and sulked. The guy's a great player but what a baby.
Messi will be a great if he can also confirm with the Natl squad.
Stauff- where did you hear that Xavi might leave?
ctsubasa | 04/30/08, 01:36 PM
Report Offensive CommentMessi is dangerous. No question. That's about the highest compliment that can be paid to an outfield player (keepers aren't supposed to be dangerous, lol). You're right, naxself... van der Sar was key, there were some danger moments, most of them involving Messi, that could easily have tied the score (which if ending 1-1 would've put Barca through to the final).
Whoever is at Barca next season would do well to keep Messi there as the heart of the team. Also, watch out for Argentina in two years' time at the next World Cup!
KansasToonami | 04/30/08, 04:48 PM
Report Offensive CommentMessi was awesome on the ball yesturday but he hogged it a little too much. I was looking for one of his beautiful passes a few times and instead he kept it to himself. Also, Zambrotta played terrible yesturday! Sure he successfully knocked CR off the ball a few times, but what a foolish way to gift Scholes the ball. He was sloppy all day with and without the ball.
I thought Rijkaard's subs yesterday were foolish. Iniesta should not have been faulted for his quite play b/c the ball never found itself high up on the left flank. And I certainly question the inclusion of Bojan. I don't care how good he's been, I would not trust a 17 year old to save my team in the semi finals of the champions league down 1-0 at Old Tratford. I would have subbed Henry in for Deco, letting Iniesta drop back into midfield and moved messi into a central foward role with 2 strikers in front of him.
D'A | 04/30/08, 06:30 PM
Report Offensive CommentI agree, Messi is awesome. With the injuries troubling, I'm wondering if those growth hormones are catching up to him
Big Chaco | 04/30/08, 08:33 PM
Report Offensive CommentStauff- where did you hear that Xavi might leave?
ctsubasa | 04/30/08, 01:36 PM
These days everyone is on the transfer list. I've seen Xavi in a few speculated moves. I"m fairly sure it wont be happening, though.
Stauff Nation TB | 04/30/08, 09:47 PM
Report Offensive CommentI cant Imagine Xavi being anywhere else. Maybe Juve?
D'A | 05/01/08, 09:47 AM
Report Offensive CommentI dont think Xavi will leave and great analysis D'A. Moving back Iniesta to Deco's spot and adding a seasoned striker (Henry) couldve done it. I like Bojan but Riijkaard sure seems to love him a bit more...
ctsubasa | 05/01/08, 10:11 AM
Report Offensive CommentBarca's in for an overhaul, if only to get the kids (Bojan, dos Santos) some playing time. I can see Deco, Ronaldinho, and Eto'o on their way out. Zambrotta's likely on his way back to Italy and Iniesta could be moved, as well. They should hold on to Henry, if only for his leadership (though his skills aren't terrible, hehe). Xavi's not going anywhere. He's a rock.
naxself | 05/01/08, 09:37 PM
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