Is there a more impressive specimen in the world of soccer today than Lionel Messi? This was obviously a rhetorical question because the only logical answer is “no”. Although he might be the smallest man on the pitch, his feats and capabilities are astronomical.
Even Real Madrid fans, like me, can only sit back and marvel at this magnificent player. Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, and Wayne Rooney are all exceptionally gifted soccer players, but it is Messi who has established himself as the alpha male in this sport.
On March 20, Messi became the all-time goal scoring leader in Barcelona history. Oh yeah. The man is only 24-years-old. This isn’t just some second division club we’re talking about. This is Barcelona, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. This club has featured some of the all-time greats, such as Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Ronaldo.
Now this begs the question, is he the greatest ever? I honestly cannot say as I never had the honor of watching Pele, Maradona, and others. Is he the greatest I’ve ever seen? You bet your tuition he is. Messi takes a backseat to no one in this era.
Since his debut with Barcelona in 2004, he has helped the team win the Champions League title three times and has won La Liga five times. In addition, he’s been named World Player of the Year three years running.
The only component missing on his extravagant resume is a World Cup trophy, and that will ultimately be the deciding factor on whether or not he is the greatest of all time.
Personally, I’m just glad to witness such greatness. At first glance, Messi may not look intimidating, but there isn’t anyone feared more on the pitch. Let’s not forget, he may still have at least another ten years of magic left in the tank, and that my friends, is wondrous. It’s Messi.
