It was business as usual as Messi finished off his two goals in typical "Messi" fashion and wrote himself into the history books by breaking Gerd Muller's record of most goals in a calendar year, a record few of us knew existed till it became imminent that the diminutive Argentine was on the verge of breaking it.
As Messi was stretchered off in the week against Benfica, there were doubts as to whether he would travel to Betis, let alone break Muller's record. But like so many times before, he's proved his doubters wrong. His comparisons to the yesteryear greats have been on for a long time, with Maradona comparing Messi to himself. That brings us to the question, is Messi the best player of this generation ? Few can argue against it, but those who do place their doubts in his national performances. Why then has a man who's been so massive at the club failed to replicate for his country ?
To call Barcelona a one man team would be madness, but if there is one player who can produce a moment of magic to single-handedly turn a game around, it has to be him. Time and again he's proved it, not just for Barcelona but at times for Argentina. He thrives in the system that the Catalans pride in playing, and has the invaluable support of Iniesta and Xavi. But the Argentine team are no pushovers, with an attack featuring Aguero, Di Maria, Tevez and Lavezzi performance at the highest level has eluded them. Managers of the national team, especially Maradona, have fashioned to build the team around Messi. And on two occasions, the 2010 World Cup and the 2011 Copa America, tit has failed. But with the coming of Sabella, this Argentine team looks different, giving Messi more of a free role similar to the one he plays at Barcelona has brought not only results, but the best out of him for the national team.
We maybe a year and a half away from it, but the World Cup at Brazil might be Messi's moment under the spotlight. On a continent where European teams have failed to make an impact, it might just be the opportunity that Messi needs to put all the doubts at rest. But happen what may in that tournament, one thing remains certain. He is someone that can light up the pitch with his magic and to have lived and watched him play consistently week after week is something our generation can pride in. And for me, the trait of his that asserts him as the greatest player of our generation, is humility.
 |
| Messi after winning his third Ballon d'Or |
As Messi was stretchered off in the week against Benfica, there were doubts as to whether he would travel to Betis, let alone break Muller's record. But like so many times before, he's proved his doubters wrong. His comparisons to the yesteryear greats have been on for a long time, with Maradona comparing Messi to himself. That brings us to the question, is Messi the best player of this generation ? Few can argue against it, but those who do place their doubts in his national performances. Why then has a man who's been so massive at the club failed to replicate for his country ?
To call Barcelona a one man team would be madness, but if there is one player who can produce a moment of magic to single-handedly turn a game around, it has to be him. Time and again he's proved it, not just for Barcelona but at times for Argentina. He thrives in the system that the Catalans pride in playing, and has the invaluable support of Iniesta and Xavi. But the Argentine team are no pushovers, with an attack featuring Aguero, Di Maria, Tevez and Lavezzi performance at the highest level has eluded them. Managers of the national team, especially Maradona, have fashioned to build the team around Messi. And on two occasions, the 2010 World Cup and the 2011 Copa America, tit has failed. But with the coming of Sabella, this Argentine team looks different, giving Messi more of a free role similar to the one he plays at Barcelona has brought not only results, but the best out of him for the national team.
We maybe a year and a half away from it, but the World Cup at Brazil might be Messi's moment under the spotlight. On a continent where European teams have failed to make an impact, it might just be the opportunity that Messi needs to put all the doubts at rest. But happen what may in that tournament, one thing remains certain. He is someone that can light up the pitch with his magic and to have lived and watched him play consistently week after week is something our generation can pride in. And for me, the trait of his that asserts him as the greatest player of our generation, is humility.
No comments:
Post a Comment