Lionel Messi

In a previous article , we gave a quick rundown into what the player has achieved so far, taking into account that Messi is still at the age of 26 and has so much left to give to the football world.

Statistics don’t always paint the full picture, especially when it comes to athletes. A player’s worth is also measured by his skill, finesse and sportsmanship. In the Argentine’s case, relying on statistics alone doesn’t do any justice to his brilliance. Due to sky high standard set by his record breaking ways, few people in history have almost managed what he has, let alone players in modern football.

The way Messi plays with the ball is highly unique. With exceptional ball control and extreme fluidity, the majority of defenders end up fouling the player simply because they can’t keep up with his devilish trickery. Another striking thing about the player is the fact that he just keeps on improving, year after year. Just this season he was accused of ‘not playing with his heart’ anymore by ex Barcelona staff, only to destroy their claim by bouncing back from injury better than ever. His performance against Manchester City during last week’s Champions League tie is proof of such a claim.

With regard to sportsmanship, he is certainly one to look up to. Messi is not known for the party lifestyle and is not one to seek attention off the field. He is a player who is quiet in the media world, rarely giving insignificant interviews, preferring to do his talking on the pitch. Describing how the player is on the ball is so complex, one would have to simply tune in and watch the master at work.

A player which has forever solidified his status in world football, Messi is one of those who we shall be telling our children and grandchildren about. This coming June at the World Cup, Lionel will be targeting the single award which has so far eluded him in his career, the FIFA World Cup medal.