In my trillemma of articulating my next piece- the conscience of my pen could not be freed of its guilt’s without a reminisce on the odyssey of a talisman in the global round-leather game. He has indelibly made his foot print, reaching the highest echelon of his career- well fulfilled journey as his future is in dubieties in the midst of the Catalans. He has an impeccably enigmatic career in the world.
Though, as a fan of his aged and career rival, his valor and dexterities have stimulated series of mayhems in all aspects of the game- a Nigerian testimony.
Vividly, in the last decade and half, at Utrecht, his puzzling abilities at a young age, shattered the dreams of the West African giants for seeing gold. In tandem, Nigeria’s hope of seeing Olympics topmost gift was dashed at Beijing ’08 by the man-single handedly- in his country’s white and sky blue colours.
The consternations instilled by the Catalan hero on the Nigerian youth team, then, were a tip of the iceberg!
The narrative behind the heroism of Lionel Messi tells us lessons about the ups and downs of life. Fascinating story! Before gold is called what it is, it has passed through fire, though he had some natural and vivacious talents- which he’s still having now. Before the Argentine had a break through to limelight, he was faced with some setbacks- growth hormonal deficiency at ten years old was the peak – but he made his inerasable mark. Keep your eyes on the goal.
“AIl seemed as if he had been playing with us all his life.”
Surprisingly, the emergence of the Barca forward to the first team bought a new epoch in the club history. Before Messi’s comer to Camp Nou, there was couple of high profiled players in the club Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Thierry Henry among others who believed in him. Seemingly, after crossing the hurdles from the Spanish giants’ feeders’ team, erupted his way into the first team squad, in a mechanical way, could be unimaginable.
Howbeit, a piecemeal decline in the Spanish club segued the then 19 year old player to a spotlight at the appropriate time- his solo goal against Getafe in April 2007 is a testament.
Who could foreshadow that he would be breaking Michael Platini’s record on a long run- the writer could not have perceived that! When your time comes, you will know. A La Liga all-time highest goal scorer is a feat to expect- which he did, (444) La Liga goals, which shook of my hostility for him
“In my entire life I have never seen a player of such quality and personality at such a young age, particularly wearing the ‘heavy’ shirt of one of the world’s great clubs.” Fabio Capello
Nevertheless, in the course of perusing the account of the Argentine hero, he has a triple citizenship of which he can play for the Spaniards, Italians- of course he’s playing for the Argentines. Imagining Messi on a Spanish national team jersey- he would have won the World Cup. Though he saw the trophy but he did not lifted it. In other words, my resolution is the team captain is unlucky to bring forth international accolades to spice up his career despite his the all-time highest goal scorer.\
“It is impossible to make a comparison between the two of them or say who the best is. They are at level on par with each other and well above everybody else and that has been then case for several years”
Paolo Dybala
But in my opinion, he has still fulfilled all righteousness in Europe, regardless of his international duties- a four time UEFA Champion winner plus winning a sextuple of European golden boot, all time second highest goal scorer (114).
“Messi is the best player in the world!” a fan affirmed
“You will say is he the best in La Liga” another fan replied in a viewing center when 2017/18 Spanish El Classico was on air.
“My oga, you are not doing well , Ronaldo went to three different leagues and lifted their league title and you are now saying Messi is the best player in the world, go and park well ooo and come off it jare” a fan stated in vituperation.
One Chelsea fan took part in the argument, sitting on the fence “you had better not finish what you can’t start, let’s watch our match in peace and let’s move” having seen that the argument is turning to a brawl.
“With all the great players I have played with, it’s hard to choose. But if I had to pick one, it would be Leo. Messi is the best in the world- there is no question about that”
Angel Di Maria
On a digression, this tensed dialogue did not but without brings a message. The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi will be at abysm. From the humble angle of the writer, the two players have dominated world football for over twelve years and have written their names in gold.
Thus, there is no need to affirm that one is greater than the other, even if there were clear indications.
Therefore, regardless of their means to achieve their own great ends, they are best in what they do.
However, the current Barcelona squad which is built around Messi, might be facing some difficulties, when he decides to leave. Many football-loving fans yearnings were the thirty three (33) year old player to ply a new trade, not until after his transfer saga fell through yet again- pressure from his family and the club. Many thought the rationale behind his then intended exit will bring an increase in his salary.
The Argentine captain came on board with great players who helped him to be at the spotlight- Spain’s greats-Xavi and Iniesta. The exodus of these great players leaves the right-winger no option than to carry the burden of his club. From a technical point of view, it is high time the Spanish-based outfit have done without the hero for the future of the club.
Currently, with the new crop of players at Camp Nou, Barcelona has a great future, circling the whole play around Messi might make the future bleak- as age is no telling.
Unarguably, the Catalan hero has soared high regardless of the prejudiced criticism. He has made his indelible mark.
OJB SPORT 