World Cup 2010: Comparing Lionel Messi To Legends Pele, Maradona and Cruyff

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 1, 2010

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Lionel Messi has many devotees. The 22-year-old Barcelona forward is undoubtedly the most talented player on the planet, but how does he rank against the greats of the game?

As far as trophies are concerned, Messi has won everything the club game has to offer, playing a major part in Barcelona’s historic 2009 six-trophy haul.

That year, Messi was named European Footballer of the Year, Spanish Footballer of the Year, and World Footballer of the Year. In short, Messi is fantastic.

In a world that lacks the same level of talent football has had in previous eras, Messi stands out as a player of supreme ability, a genius if you will.

The 5'6" maestro is simply mesmeric to watch.

Rarely is the ball allowed to leave his incredible sphere of influence. When he is in control of the ball it might as well be glued to his foot.

Like many of the greatest players before him, Lionel Messi is a player who excites fans and causes alarm in defenders at the same rate, to such an extent that whole teams and managers go out of their way to neutralise the prodigy. This, in effect, releases space for his teammates to exploit.

The last player to cause such terror in defences was his international manager, Diego Armando Maradona.

While Cristiano Ronaldo may be the closest players on the planet to even come near reaching the greatness Messi has to offer, even he falls into shadow when comparing the talents the two players have to offer.

One of the areas that critics of the Portuguese have always been able to point to is his weak character. Far too often does Ronaldo allow the occasion get to him.

Think back to the UEFA Champions League Final in 2009 between Barcelona and Manchester United, or even Portugal’s recent defeat to Spain. The manner of his performances are uncannily similar.

The boy from Madeira’s performance was self...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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