The Legend of Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is probably not only the greatest footballer but also the greatest sportsman ever to take field. At the age of 25, he has already achieved everything there is for a footballer to achieve. Except probably the FIFA world cup. The story of this guy is probably one for the fairy tales. It’s truly inspiring and motivating. Not many people know but at the age of 11, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. He couldn’t afford the treatment which was about $900 a month. When FC Barcelona saw the brilliance of this boy, they immediately knew that they had spotted a gem. He was offered his first contract on a paper napkin! And also Barcelona agreed to pay for his medical bills.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 29: Leo Messi (R) of FC Barcelona

He made his debut at the age of 17 and since then there has been no looking back. No one doubted his talent, as he along with Ronaldinho, helped Barcelona to many championships. But it’s one thing having the talent and another utilizing it. His breakthrough season came in 2006-07 where he scored 14 goals in 26 appearances. He could shoot with both his left and right foot and even scored with his head. Like any other South American player, he had the quintessential skill and flair. Comparisons had started between him and another Argentine great Diego Maradonna. He somehow always managed to live up to the hype.

When Ronaldinho left Barcelona for Milan, Messi was given the iconic number 10 jersey. He won the La Liga player of the year award and finished second in FIFA world player of the year. However, it was in 2009 that Messi won his first Ballon d’or and he retained it for the next 2 years, hence becoming the only player to win a hat trick of Ballon d’or along with Michele Platini. In 2011-12 he further edged his name in the history of the game with a record breaking 73 goals and 29 assists in all competitions.

There have been comparisons of him with Cristiano Ronaldo. No doubt that Ronaldo is a great player, but I believe he can never achieve the greatness which Messi has achieved. And I have my reasons for that. One of the main reason being the attitude on and off the field. Ronaldo is a diver, I know the word might be too harsh but that’s the truth. Whenever he loses the ball, you see him going down. It’s exactly the opposite with Messi, in fact there have been instances where Messi could have easily gone down in the box to earn a penalty but that’s just not him. He stays on his feet despite being challenged. Also, Ronaldo is a bit selfish when it comes to finishing. You hardly see him passing the ball unless it’s absolutely necessary. In fact, sometimes he doesn’t pass it even then! Well, these are just my personal thoughts and I know many people might differ.

When it comes to the international stage, Messi hasn’t exactly been able to replicate his club form for Argentina. But I believe it’s only a matter of time before he helps Argentina lift the cup. He still has another 8-10 years in front of him. When he does lift the cup, he will surely become the greatest. Even bigger than the likes of Maradona and Pele. And who knows, 2014 might be that year!

The big question is what lies ahead for Lionel Messi. Winning the world cup is certainly one of the things he is yet to achieve. At the age of 25, he has achieved almost everything at the club level. League titles, Champions leagues, club world cups and super cups. Although it’s highly unlikely but I would like to see him in the English Premier League some day, and win the most competitive league in the world. But well that’s speculating a bit too much. Barcelona wouldn’t let him go and personally he might never want to leave them. Maybe he can score 100 goals in a season! That truly would be brilliant and a treat to watch.

That being said, Lionel Messi is already a great player and even if he retires right now (hopefully he never retires), he will still be the greatest player of this generation. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that God sent Lionel Messi to play football and boy he is doing that!