Lionel Messi: A genius well ahead of his time

Record Breaking Year

Messi broke all records in 2012. He became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in the league, the Champions League and in all competitions. He broke Muller’s record of having the most goals in a calendar year, by scoring 91. He also shares the record of having most International goals (club and country) in a calendar year, 25. Most goals in a Champions League match, 5. You can just go on and on. He won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the record fourth time!

“He’s a leader and is offering lessons in beautiful football. He has something different to any other player in the world.” —Diego Maradona

“What Leo does is so incredible that I have to be careful not to stand still watching him make his moves.” — Thierry Henry

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi.” — Diego Maradona

“I hope Maradona can forgive me, but I think Messi’s goal is even better.” — Deco

“You will see him bringing other players into his moves, playing one-two passes to create space and beat players. He is a specialist at that. Messi is difficult to mark, as you have to consider who is also playing around him.” — Marcel Desailly

“Diego played with pauses and acceleration. Messi’s was down to breakneck speed and acceleration.” — Jorge Valdano

“Leo’s goals are works of art.” — Frank Rijkaard

“Once he’s on the run, Messi is unstoppable. He’s the only player who can change direction at such a pace.” — Arsene Wenger

“His potential is limitless and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.” - Diego Maradona

“He’s a unique player and he deserves it, because he can do things of almost imperceptible excellence and is a gem to watch.” - Frank Rijkaard

“I see Maradona every time he grabs the ball and accelerates. We must protect him. I’d personally put him in a drawer of my bedside table.” - Juan Sebastian Veron

“The best way to stop Messi is when you play with 11 men and then you can double mark him, one player to stay on him and the other to help out. If it is 11 against 10 then you have almost no chance of stopping him.” - Jose Mourinho

We’re lucky to be witnessing this little genius perform week-in-week-out. His technical abilities are second to none. What incredible close control, ability to work the ball in tight areas, the ability to finish from anywhere under any circumstances, the ability to dribble past 5 players and score on his own and the ability to make a defence-splitting pass – he has got it all. The fact that he has achieved so much at this young age is a testament to his abilities. He has firmly established himself as one of the true greats to have ever graced the game. Well, one can say he is just one World Cup short of being the greatest ever, but he has plenty of time for it.

“La Pulga” turns 26 today. Happy birthday, Lionel Messi.