Messi is in a category by himself. His ability to ghost around then go from almost dead stop to flat out in a blink and burst at top speed for 2 to 3 seconds at a clip taking the ball with him through a forest of defenders is unmatched. His technique in getting control surfaces on the ball as it is bouncing and bobbling through one of these bursts and caressing it in the direction of his attack is amazing. Without superb anticipation and technique on the part of defenders he is practically unstoppable without causing a foul. A while back somebody on this forum quoted an interview with Charles where he was asked by the reporter what he thought was his best position. John replied "on the field". The same can be said of Messi. Messi is a player without a position, he effortlessly assumes the role of the moment whether he happens to be on the field. You can't put a price on that. He is the perfect player for the Barca system.
As I posted the thread, I'd better give my two pence worth. I never had the privilege to watch John Charles play, yes I saw Pele play but to young to take real notice. The modern era of football has produced some fine footballers, a list of player that I feel that were a joy to watch have been. Cruff Platini Figo Maradona Zidane Ronaldo The list can go one. But Messi is something special way above my little list. To think what he has achieved in the game and only 24, this is his wikipedia profile. Club Season League Cup Champions League Supercup UEFA Super Cup Club World Cup Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Barcelona 2004–05 7 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 — — — 9 1 0 2005–06 17 6 3 2 1 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 — — 25 8 4 2006–07 26 14 2 2 2 1 5 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 36 17 3 2007–08 28 10 12 3 0 0 9 6 1 — — — 40 16 13 2008–09 31 23 11 8 6 2 12 9 5 — — — 51 38 18 2009–10 35 34 10 3 1 0 11 8 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 53 47 11 2010–11 33 31 18 7 7 3 13 12 3 2 3 0 — — 55 53 24 2011–12 24 28 8 6 2 4 7 12 4 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 42 48 20 Total 201 147 64 32 19 10 64 49 14 7 8 2 3 1 2 4 4 1 311 228 93 228 Goals in 311 games, now that record is something special, and thats not including internationals which stand at 22 goals in 67 games You just sense when he has the ball, he can score when he wants to, if someone had half his talent then they would be an excellent player. I just can't see anybody make a bid for him as the amount of money were talking about to get him would be mind boggling, how do you put a value on him. I think were talking well in excess of 150m probably like 200m. So to my original question is Messi the best ever player, well to me Yes. We may disagree but thats what good debate is about.
That's all he's missing from his trophy cabinet. Plus one man can't do it, doesn't matter how good you are.
I'm of the mind that there is a great deal of similarities between Maradona & Messi in the way they play .
Maradona is a bit like Mohamed Ali to me , once I seen him , I felt I would never see anyone better .
